I recently stumbled across prayer rope bracelets that had a new twist-they were fashionable. Traditionally, these bracelets are black, with 33 knots and a small bead or cross in the middle. They are made by monks and used by both monastics and lay persons during prayer. 
What do we think of fashionable prayer bracelets? Is it wrong? Do you like them? How do you feel about monks making fashionable prayer bracelets? Aesthetically, they are pretty cute.
Sources: 33 Knots / St. Paisius Monastery / My Saint My Hero
Interesting post! This is inspiring me to write a post of my own on a similar topic, I hope you won’t mind if I reference your blog. I think if the bracelet is going to be used for prayer, that’s what’s most important. But if it’s just a fashion statement, or just to make some kind of outward faith statement, I think it’s being misused. People should consider this gift/purchase seriously, just as they would any other religious item. Here is what I have found on the symbolism of the traditional prayer rope: “In keeping with Orthodox tradition to associate every day things with the Heavenly—and so direct our mind there—the knotted cord prayer rope has its own symbology. The prayer rope is traditionally made out of wool, symbolizing the flock of Christ, a reminder that we are rational sheep of the Good Shepherd, Christ the Lord, and also a reminder of the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world (cf. John 1:29). The most prevalent (but not only) color of a prayer rope is black, symbolizing mourning for one’s sins. The tassel at the end of the cross is to dry the tears shed due to heartfelt compunction for one’s sins (or, if you have no tears, to remind you to weep because you cannot weep); it can also be said to represent the glory of the Heavenly Kingdom, which one can only enter through the Cross. The beads (if they are colored)—and possibly a portion of the tassel—are traditionally red, symbolizing the blood of Christ and the blood of the martyrs. And of course the cross itself speaks to us of the sacrifice and victory of life over death, of humility over pride, of self-sacrifice over selfishness, of light over darkness. Finally, the manner of tying the knots may produce either seven or nine crosses in each separate knot, symbolizing the seven heavens or the nine ranks of angels.”
http://www.symeon-anthony.info/PrayerRope/prayerRope.htm