A few years ago, my husband bought me what was advertised as a "chakra bracelet" online. Not really sure about all that, but the bracelet does indeed soothe me when I wear it. Several of the beads appear to be real stone -- turquoise, tiger's eye, king stone? And something dark blue and with glittery specks? The photo doesn't show it very well. I knew it all before, but I forgot. Some beads may also be glass. The "amber" is plastic, which is totally okay. All the chakra beads are surrounded by black lava rock, and I added a silver bead to each end. Plus that little sun charm.
The bracelet originally came on an elastic band, with no clasp. I restrung it on hemp cord, because elastic breaks too easily, and added a clasp. The cord lasted for a month or so, then broke. I've been through several hemp cords now, and I'm trying something new: cotton embroidery thread.
Both the cotton and hemp are about the same thickness. The cotton thread is much more flexible though, which is why I didn't use it at first. Thought it felt too loose and flimsy. But now that I think about it more, maybe the hemp cord keeps breaking because it's too stiff and brittle. Any thoughts?