Dzi bead

Dzi (pronounced Zee) is a Tibetan word to describe a patterned, agate bead called “the heaven's Bead. The meaning of the word Tibetan "Dzi" translates to "shine, brightness, clearness, splendour". Dzi stones are thought to have made their first appearance between 3000 BC to 1500 BC, in ancient India where the Aryans inhabited. Fear of the “Evil eye” was taken very seriously by these people, so they created talismans with “eyes” on them as a “fight fire with fire” form of protection.

They are found primarily in Tibet, but also in neighbouring Bhutan, Ladakh and Sikkim. Shepherds and farmers pick them up in the grasslands or while cultivating fields. Because dZi are found in the earth, Tibetans cannot conceive of them as man-made. Since knowledge of the bead is derived from oral traditions, few beads have provoked more controversy concerning their source, method of manufacture and even precise definition.

Dzi stones may have etched symbols composed of circles, ovals, square, waves (zig zags), stripes, lines, diamonds, circles, squares, waves, and stripes and various other natural symbolic patterns. Colors will mainly range from browns to blacks with the pattern usually being in ivory white. Dzi beads can appear in different colours, shapes and sizes. They command high prices and are prized as protective amulets.

External links

• History on authentic ancient Tibetan Dzi Bead
• Good Comprehensive Webpage on Tibetan Dzi Beads
• Information on genuine ancient dZi found in the Himalayan regions
• Information on the manufacturing process and appearance of dzi beads