Here are the twelve stones most often found in men's beaded bracelets, what each one actually is, and the meaning tradition gives it. We ranked them by how often they appear in our own men's beaded bracelets, where tiger eye is used in more pieces than onyx, agate and turquoise combined.
Beaded bracelet stones and their meanings
Tiger eye
A quartz that grew around fine mineral fibres, which is why a golden band of light slides across each bead as you move. Blue tiger eye is also called hawk's eye. Traditionally linked with confidence, focus and protection, which is why it is by far the most popular stone in men's beaded bracelets. See our tiger eye bracelets.
Tiger eye bracelets
Black onyx
A black variety of chalcedony, a fine-grained quartz. Polished onyx has a deep, even black that pairs with everything. Associated with strength, self-control and staying grounded under pressure.
Agate
Banded chalcedony formed in layers. Tibetan agate beads carry eye-like markings that are prized in Himalayan tradition. Seen as a stone of balance and protection, and one of the oldest stones used in amulets.
African turquoise
Despite the trade name, this is not turquoise but a green jasper with brown and black veining. It is harder than real turquoise, which makes it well suited to beads. Traditionally associated with change and new beginnings.
Amethyst
Purple quartz. Its name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning 'not intoxicated', from the old belief that it kept the wearer clear-headed. Associated with calm and clarity, and the birthstone for February. See our birthstone bracelets.
Quartz
Clear or lightly coloured crystal quartz; rutilated quartz carries fine golden needles of rutile inside the stone. Long regarded as a stone of clarity and energy.
Malachite
A copper mineral with bold green bands. It is soft for a gemstone, around 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, so keep it away from water and knocks. Associated with protection and transformation.
Lava stone
Basalt formed from cooled volcanic lava. It is light, matt and full of tiny pores, and some men add a drop of essential oil to the beads so the bracelet carries a scent. Linked with grounding and strength.
Howlite
A white stone with grey veining. It is porous, so it absorbs oils and perfume over time; wipe it with a dry cloth. Associated with calm and patience.
Hematite
An iron oxide with a metallic, gunmetal shine. It is noticeably heavy for its size, which gives a bracelet real weight. Traditionally seen as a grounding stone.
Lapis lazuli
A deep blue rock made mostly of lazurite, often with gold-coloured flecks of pyrite. It has been used for jewellery for thousands of years. Associated with wisdom and truth. See our lapis rings.
Obsidian
Natural volcanic glass, usually black and glossy. It is fairly soft, so avoid wearing it against a hard watch case. Traditionally regarded as a protective stone.
Choosing a bead size
Beads are measured by diameter. 6 mm beads give a slim bracelet that stacks easily with a watch or a chain. 8 mm is the classic size and suits most wrists. 10 mm beads make a bold statement and look best on a larger wrist or worn on their own. Bigger beads also take up more room inside the bracelet, so a 10 mm bracelet needs to be a little longer than an 8 mm one for the same wrist.
Onyx, turquoise and amethyst bracelets
How to wear a beaded bracelet
- With a watch: wear it on the other wrist, or on the same wrist above the watch with a slim 6 mm strand so the two do not knock together.
- Stacked: combine two or three strands in related tones, for example onyx, lava and tiger eye, or add a silver chain bracelet for contrast.
- Fit: a beaded bracelet should move slightly on the wrist without sliding over the hand. About a finger's width of room is right for most men.
Caring for stone beads
Take beaded bracelets off before showering, swimming or training. Soft and porous stones such as malachite, howlite and lava absorb water, soap and sweat, which dulls them over time. Wipe the beads with a soft dry cloth after wearing and store the bracelet flat rather than hanging. Our bracelets are strung on a stainless steel chain rather than an elastic cord, so there is nothing to stretch or wear out, but the stones themselves still deserve a little care.
Frequently asked questions
What does a beaded bracelet mean on a man?
Usually nothing more than personal style. Some men choose a stone for its traditional meaning or for a spiritual practice, others simply because they like the colour and texture.
Which wrist should a man wear a beaded bracelet on?
There is no rule. Most men wear it on the wrist without a watch, which keeps both comfortable and avoids scratches.
Are beaded bracelets waterproof?
The stones will survive a splash, but regular soaking dulls porous stones and can weaken cords. It is best to take them off in water.
Browse the full range of men's beaded bracelets by stone and bead size.
