Ancient dZi Beads

Few beads are surrounded by as much myth and mystery as the dZi bead (say ZEE). These etched agates are found in Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh, and Nepal, and are believed to be about two thousand years old. Many legends accompany the beads- that they were not made by man but created by the gods, that they bring luck and ward off evil, that they protect the wearer from physical harm by taking the abuse upon themselves, and that the bead itself will choose its' owner and will not stay with an unlucky person. (To which we can only add, certainly a person is unlucky who loses a dZi at today's prices). As fascinating as the culture that surround the beads is, perhaps the most curious fact is almost complete absense of actual facts. They are believed to come from the Himalayan region, as this is where they have been most commonly found. They are known to span from just one thousand years ago to possibly as old as four thousand years. While the beads have been embraced by Buddhist culture, they certainly predate Buddhism by quite a bit. It seems likely that they were made by Bonpo people. Tibetans evaluate the purity of a bead by many criteria, such as good contrast, desirable patterning, symmetrical shape and strong color. Chung or 'lesser' dZi beads refer to natural or created banded agates without eyes, these are also much collected. DZi are more specifically, bleached, doped, masked and etched from carnelian agate. People have been creating beads in this fashion for many thousands of years across many cultures. In the last 20 years 'new' dZi beads are being made in China and Taiwan. These are true etched agates probably made in much the same way as the ancient dZi beads. I would consider these to be real dZi beads, desirable and collectible for what they are, they are the poor cousins to ancient dZi. They should never be misrepresented as being anything other than a nicely made new bead. There are many, many people online selling these new beads with false claims of age. There seems to be thriving culture of invented "periods" for dZi beads. Many of these beads come with certificates of authenticity (No doubt your 8 year old can generate a similar looking document in twenty minutes or so). The best advice that I can offer to those looking to buy a dZi would be: Either know the beads or know the seller! Ebay abounds with people selling new beads with outrageous claims. The term caveat emptor applies here. All collectible beads sold by Tiger Tiger are sold satisfaction guaranteed. We offer a 30 day appraisal period, during which time the bead(s) may be returned for any or no reason for a 100% refund (shipping excepted). After that time, we will warranty without regards to time limit that the bead IS as promised.

	Silver-Capped Chung dZi Bead (BC1001) A very nice bead. This is an "old stock" bead, they were set in silver in the late 90's. At that time beads were cheap enough that a chung with end chips was unsalable. I would expect chips under th ... (view details)

	Silver-Capped Chung dZi Bead (BC1002) A very nice bead. This is an "old stock" bead, they were set in silver in the late 90's. At that time beads were cheap enough that a chung with end chips was unsalable. I would expect chips under the ... (view details) Our Price: $400.00	Enter Quantity:

	Silver-Capped Chung dZi Bead (BC1003) A very nice bead. This is an "old stock" bead, they were set in silver in the late 90's. At that time beads were cheap enough that a chung with end chips was unsalable. I would expect chips under the ... (view details) Our Price: $400.00	Enter Quantity:

	Silver-Capped Chung dZi Bead (BC1004) A very nice bead. This is an "old stock" bead, they were set in silver in the late 90's. At that time beads were cheap enough that a chung with end chips was unsalable. I would expect chips under the ... (view details) Our Price: $400.00	Enter Quantity:

	Silver-Capped Chung dZi Bead (BC1005) A very nice bead. This is an "old stock" bead, they were set in silver in the late 90's. At that time beads were cheap enough that a chung with end chips was unsalable. I would expect chips under th ... (view details)

	Silver-Capped Chung dZi Bead (BC1006) A very nice bead. This is an "old stock" bead, they were set in silver in the late 90's. At that time beads were cheap enough that a bead with any chips was unsalable. I would expect chip under the ca ... (view details) Our Price: $600.00	Enter Quantity:

	Sky Door or Heaven & Earth dZi (BC1010) Also know as a Sakor Namkor or a Sanganango. A very nice looking bead. Rich brown color and nice markings. 29 mm x 12 mm 1000 BCE to 1000 CE CALL FOR PRICING ... (view details)

	Fractured Chung dZi Bead (BC1011) A very nice looking bead, unfortunately it has been broken and reglued. Good for a collection, but I would not try and wear this one. 1000 BCE to 1000 CE 42 mm x 11 mm ... (view details) Our Price: $200.00	Enter Quantity:

	3 Stripe Chung Dzi Bead (BC1012) A very pleasing bead. It has the oh so very desirable chocolate brown color set off with a rich Jersey cream bands. Sold with 2 coral beads, each 6 mm x 10 mm. 1000 BCE to 1000 CE 26 mm x 10 mm ... (view details)

	Sky Door or Heaven & Earth dZi (BC1014) Also know as a Sakor Namkor or a Sanganango. This bead has been heated. Possibly in a sacrificial manner or in a funerary fire. In any case the has a consistent surface. A nice brown color with clear ... (view details) Our Price: $2800.00	Enter Quantity:

	Takso (tasso) or Horsetooth dZi Bead (BC1016) Very sweet black and white bead. I purchased this bead in Kathmandu in 1995. 1000 BCE to 1000 CE 22 mm x 11 mm ... (view details) Our Price: $1350.00	Enter Quantity:

	Takso (tasso) or Horsetooth dZi Bead (BC1017) Very sweet white and black bead. The base color is almost black with a deeply applied bone white patterning. I purchased this bead in Kathmandu in 1995. 22 mm x 9 mm, 1000 BCE to 1000 CE ... (view details)

	2-Eye dZi Bead (BC1018) A good size bead with a nice pattern, distinctly marked. One side is a little darker than the other. At some time in the past this bead had been ground to flat (keeping the eyes intact) for either m ... (view details)

	2-Eye dZi Bead (BC1019) A very nice bead with no chips or damage. Good pattern with underlying agate grain visible. 30 mm x 10 mm, 1000 BCE to 1000 CE ... (view details)

	Wing or Bow Chung dZi Bead (BC1024) Beads like this are probably the oldest of their type. The agate is cut just right to achieve this beautiful pattern. 40 mm x 19 mm 1000 BCE to 1000 CE ... (view details) Our Price: $850.00	Enter Quantity:

	One Eye dZi Bead (BC1102) A big beautiful and richly colored bead! Dark chocolate and cream in color with a sharp distinct pattern. A chip on one end, mounted in 22K. 30 mm x 12 mm 1000 BCE to 1000 CE ... (view details)

	2-Eye dZi Bead (BC1107) This a nice original two eye dZi. The pattern is nice and clear, the color is good. The chips are worn smooth from years of wear. The surface is worn smooth. No blood is present. 34mm x 11 ... (view details)

	Sky Door or Heaven & Earth dZi (BC1109) Also know as a Sakor Namkor or a Sanganango. A very nice looking bead. This bead is chipped on one end which is mostly worn smooth. Not only does it have blood spots, but there are streaks as well.& ... (view details)

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