Mala Rudraksha and amethyst with purple tassel

Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) is the divine gift of Lord Shiva for the benefit of humanity. Rudraksha means "Tears of Rudra" (Lord Shiva); they are the holiest items with mystical powers. For thousands of years, people have been using the beads for obtaining spiritual, material and medicinal benefits. It is believed that one who wears Rudraksha is untouched by sins, and is protected from all negativity. The natural electromagnetic properties of the holy Rudraksha beads have been found to improve concentration, focus and mental stamina. According to Ayurvedic scriptures, wearing Rudraksha can have positive effects on the heart, nerves, and is good for relieving a person from stress, depression, anxiety, palpitations, high blood pressure. For the spiritual seeker, this is a blessing in disguise, as the wearer of Rudraksha is able to archieve his or her goals faster; also the effects of any rituals will be ten times more effective.* 

The string of beads is mainly used to count repeated mantras. So actually, it serves the same purpose as a rosary. Beads made of semi-precious stones, pearls, bodhi seeds or wood may serve all kinds of goals, like counting any kind of mantras, or other forms of prayer, bows, walk-rounds and such. The cord is the same for every mala, and should be made of nine threads, symbolising the Buddha Vajradhara and the eight Bodhisattvas. The larger bead at the end stands for wisdom, realising the utter emptiness, and the cylindrical bead on top of the large bead symbolises the void itself. Together, they symbolise the triumph over all adversaries.

Mala 
A mala originally is a hinduistic and buddhist tool for prayer and meditation. It is used to count mantras during meditation. A mantra is a collection of words, often from Sanskrit, which is repeated several - traditionally 108 - times. While repeating, you focus on the meaning and vibration of the words, possibly combined with the accompanying visualisation. By training in a meditation practice like this, your thoughts come to rest and your body relaxes. Nowadays, a mala is also worn as a fashion accessory.

Why 108?
Malas have 108 beads because this number has great scientific significance in the Hindu and buddhist traditions.  The circumference of the sun times 108 is the distance between the sun and the Earth and the same is true for the moon and Earth.  Also, there are 108 nadis or energy channels in the body.  There are 54 sanskrit letters- both masculine and feminine, totaling 108.  There are 108 Puranas and 108 Upanishads.  The list goes on and on!!  So that same sacred number is used in malas.

 
*Any healing properties outlined are in no way meant to replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified therapist or physician. If in doubt about your health, consult a physician.