You can call it having faith in fashion. One of the most ancient beads in the world, the Rudraksha, today is sported not only by believers, but also by those who have succumbed to its earthy charm and intricately carved look that lends a charming touch to any ornament the bead is used to fashion.

"The fashion world is predominantly influenced by western culture. However Rudraksha is one element that maintains its charm universally. Its popularity can be attributed to its neutral colour, healing powers and a mystical charm that surrounds it. It blends uniquely when used either as fashion accessory or reproduced in print. It is a great inspiration to a designer's creativity today. A timeless classic," enthuses fashionista Sujata Tope, who has her studio in FC Road.

"Rudraksha is the new fashion mantra. It is very famous among youngsters. Today's generation prefers something different and so Rudraksha is high on popularity. Rudraksha accessories go not only with skirts, jeans but also with salwar-kameez for girls and guys can wear it with jeans and T-shirts," says a well- known jewelry designer. Interestingly Rudraksha accessories are quite famous among foreigners as they are both inherently Indian and act as pretty, wearable souvenirs. They are also quite a rage amongst young professionals. `It looks cool to wear Rudrakhsa accessories at the workplace and they go perfectly with my T-shirt and jeans," said Sudipto Kumar who works in an IT company.

Though the trend is just a revival of Rudraksh's usage from times immemorial, the intriguing part is its acceptability amongst the people with a sartorial dress sense. "There has always been an elelment of fashion surrounding Rudraksha, but now it has been widely accepted," says Firoj Ahmad of Sham Jewellers in KP.

There are 15 types of Rudraksh from one mukhi to 15 mukhi, according to the inlaying on it. One, 14 and 15 mukhi Rudraksh are costly, priced around Rs 2000 per Rudraksh, as they are rare to get. Seven to 12 mukhi Rudraksh ranges around Rs 700 to 1500. One can get a whole string of panchmukhi Rudraksh as they are easy to get. But even some jewelers find it difficult to recognize an original Rudraksh. They come from Nepal and finding original ones is quite rare according to jewelers in the city.

Rudraksha are available in different forms of accessories like bracelets, neck pieces and pendants. Rudraksha bracelets are easily available on MG Road, F C Road, in Tulsibaug and Koregaon Park and they range from Rs 10 to 90. Variety of malas, made up of a combination of gems, crystals, range between Rs 150 and 650 and are available in Tulsibaug and Koregaon Park. Malas, wore as religious jewelry, are also available outside temples like Dagadusheth Ganpati temple, Sarasbaug Ganpati temple.

"When it comes to astrology, particular Rudrakshas are allotted to specific sunsigns, like Virgoans should wear four-mukhi Rudraksh and Scorpions should don three-mukhi but people generally prefer to wear panchmukhi Rudraksh as they are easily available," says Alka Kulkarni from the Ram temple in Tulsibaug.