The beads themselves are gorgeous. The Guru bead and the adjoining bead (preceding the tassel) seem to be of a different material. They are composed of halves that are joined with an adhesive. I hesitate to say, but the guru bead and the bead before the tassel feel like plastic. I am unsatisfied with this and it makes me sad. Pieces I've ordered from Buddhagrove before are exquisite, such as my Turquoise and Amethyst malas. I have no problems with them. (Posted on 5/24/12)