This Prayer Wheel was actually purchased in Lhasa, Tibet. It is made of brass, including the handle. The cheaper version has a wooden handle. Even the weight that helps you turn the wheel is made of brass. The wheel is inlaid with blue, green, and red rhinestones. It is very ornately decorated. Prayer wheels contain the Buddhist Mantra, and as you turn it, it is said to release the prayers inside up to heaven. The Tibetans carry these prayer wheels with them and turn them constantly as they walk, sending the prayers up to Lord Buddha and improving their karma.