Nowadays, they seem to come in all shapes and sizes, and available at every little shop that sells alternative medicines, including a host of online stores. But make sure you get the real stuff. Imitations look real but don't work! Here's how to identify a genuine Rudraksha seed:

If you boil a real Rudraksha in water for 6 hours, there would no effect on the bead. A fake will easily disintegrate.
A good Rudraksha bead will not be broken at any end.
A 'healthy' bead should have well defined and natural corns and contours.

How to test the genuinely of the beads

Tests like floating and sinking of beads to test originality are not correct tests as even an unripe or dry but genuine rudraksha may float. And a non-genuine bead may sink. Copper coin tests etc do not give conclusive results, as nowadays fake rudraksha are made by tampering original rudraksha beads So the client needs to be aware about the ways In which a rudraksha is faked and use simple procedures like observing ttle mukh lines by magnifying glass, soaking in warm water to observe tampered mukh lines if any etc Best way is to procure from reliable source.

Many get confused with the shape and size. One should not seriously Worry about it. Just see that the Mukhi is well defined and that there Are no cracks near the central hole and bead is healthy and not eaten By insects etc.

Care and Precautions

Mala should be taken off while taking bath as regular Soap could dehydrate the beads and clog the pores of the beads. Also Talcum powder clogs the pores of the beads.

Puranas do recommend taking bath with Rudraksha on the body, so if you decide to do so, protect them from soap and powder.

Rudraksha may be worn on a regular basis. There is no taboo written in our Puranas to be followed while wearing them. Some books state that the mala could be taken off during menstrual cycle. Sex, and bowel movements and in funeral times It is recommended to take off mala at night before sleep and worn again in the morning after bath. If the beads need cleaning after regular wear, dip them in warm soapy water overnight. Then Scrub them thoroughly using a plastic brush after this wash them with normal water and let them dry. Apply oil (Olive oil/Sandal wood Oil) on the beads using a small toothbrush. Purify them by offering Incense and sandal paste and chant the Seed mantras for the rudraksha beads Rudraksha are strong beads and have a life of thousands of years if well taken care of.