About this article. Vox Arcana jewelry and the cultural references in our writing are sold and shared as artisan accessories and folklore. Statements about gemstone properties reflect cultural tradition and aesthetic intent only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical, psychological, or financial condition, and no outcome is implied or guaranteed.

Every Vox Arcana piece passes through several inspection and finishing steps before it reaches you. Here's the process — start to finish.

Step 1: Sourcing

Twice a year, our team visits supplier workshops in Brazil, India, and Madagascar. We buy raw stone in batches, choosing lots that meet our colour, clarity, and supplier-vetting standards. Read more on our Sustainability page.

Step 2: Inspection and grading

Each batch arrives at our workshop and is inspected bead by bead. We grade for colour consistency, surface quality, and structural integrity. Anything that doesn't make the grade goes back to the supplier or is set aside for craft donations.

Step 3: Polishing

Beads are tumble-polished using traditional techniques — water, fine grit, and time. No chemical treatments, no surface coatings. The polish brings out the natural grain of the stone while keeping the texture honest.

Step 4: Stringing

This is where craft matters most. Each bracelet is hand-strung. For knotted styles (like our malas), each bead is individually knotted between cord — this prevents stones from rubbing against each other and adds a subtle rhythm to the piece. A 108-bead mala takes about 90 minutes per bracelet.

Step 5: Quality check

Before any piece leaves the workshop, it's inspected by a second pair of eyes. Bead alignment, knot integrity, clasp function, finish quality — all checked. Anything below standard is reworked or discarded.

Step 6: Packaging

Pieces are placed in linen pouches and packed into recycled-paper boxes. A care card is included with every order — written instructions for cleaning and storage. Tissue, ribbon, and stickers are all FSC-certified or recycled.

The team

Our workshop is small. a small team across our atelier and partner workshops during peak season. Everyone is paid above minimum wage with health benefits and paid leave. We've been working with our partner workshops since the brand launched.

That's the process. Every piece. Every time. Read more about our story or browse the full collection.