A rosary is a set of beads also known as the chaplet. This string of beads is used to ease the process of counting the numerous prayers that are delivered to complete the recital of the rosary. The string of beads is comprised of a crucifix, a single bead, a set of three beads and another single bead in a prescribed configuration. This is attached to a connector, which is fixed to five ten-bead sets, each divided by a single bead.

The use of prayer beads is popular in many religions. Catholics identify their prayer beads as a rosary. This chaplet maybe sculpted from materials ranging from common wood or natural berries to costly metals. Other mediums used to make rosaries include precious stones and glass.

In ancient times, rosary beads were by and large strung on a straight thread, or cord and formed to create a circle or loop. In modern times, the use of chained beads is the standard, compared to the corded ones. To further aid with counting and marking divisions of a prayer, a bigger bead divides the sets of ten beads from each other. At times the use of larger beads is substituted by using a medallion or a metal cross.

The quantity of beads on a chaplet depends on the number of recitals, which represent different types of prayers. A full rosary consists of one hundred and fifty Hail Marys, fifteen Our Fathers, three or four beads that correspond to introductory holy verses and the ""Glory be to the Father"" prayer. Religious leaders mostly wear this type of chaplet.

Some chaplets may have one hundred or one hundred and fifty, corresponding to the number of psalms or a third or two-thirds of them as required. Most people have their rosary blessed. This is done through prayer and holy water.

While reciting the rosary it is customary to count the number of recitals, however, one may decide to count on ones fingertips and avoid the use of beads completely.