Tibetan Dzi Beads

Dzi bead: An Overview

Dzi bead, is one of the seven treasures in Tibetan Buddhism.Dzi bead has been a part of Tibetan culture for thousands of years. The Tibetan people believe that possessing a Dzi bead signifies great fortune and destiny, marking the beginning of infinite blessings and wisdom. Today,Dzi bead is cherished worldwide and is considered a protective, meditative, and health-related ornament.
The Significance of Dzi bead
In Tibetan culture, Dzi bead is venerated with devotion and respect. Its value is demonstrated through its worship, collection, and preservation across generations. It is regarded as a precious and rare treasure, a valuable amulet, and an ideal offering for Buddha, making it worthy of collection and reverence.

Origins of Dzi bead
The Tibetan term for Dzi bead is transliterated as "Se," meaning majestic, exceptional, auspicious, prosperous, beautiful, noble, and elegant. Today, Tibetans generally believe that Dzi bead is a divine ornament worn by deities with special magical powers. It is thought to aid humans in overcoming difficulties, turning misfortune into fortune, and bringing divine blessings to the world.
Legend has it that each thousand-year-old pure Dzi bead contains mysterious blessings and has been considered one of the most sacred Buddhist artifacts due to its powerful blessing. Various legends exist about its origin, including claims that Dzi bead are ancient fossils, spiral fossils from the Himalayas, eyes of deities buried underground, or meteorites from outer space.
Uses and Beliefs about Dzi bead
Tibetans believe Dzi bead is a "heavenly stone" and view it as a "living gem," which they worship, collect, and pass down through generations.Dzi bead is often placed in temples, worn as jewelry, or placed in important mountains and lakes. It is believed to possess a strong natural cosmic magnetic field, which gives it extraordinary powers, making it a highly valued amulet. People believe that sincere worship and wearing Dzi bead can remove karma, bring blessings, prevent strokes, protect against evil forces, enhance physical strength, and increase wealth.
Additionally, Dzi bead is a vital part of Tibetan girls' coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings. The quantity and quality of Dzi bead can reflect a family's wealth. Dzi bead is also a valuable medicinal ingredient, as documented in Tibetan medical texts.

Applications and Value of Dzi bead
Apart from its use as an ornament and collectible, Dzi bead also has a unique "currency function." It can be used as collateral for loans at financial institutions or directly traded as cash for purchasing properties or livestock.
Dzi bead comes in various forms, such as longevity beads, lotus beads, tiger tooth beads, and striped beads. There are over 70 patterns on Dzi bead, with eye-patterned Dzi bead being the most popular. Each type of Dzi bead has its own unique meaning. For example, the nine-eye Dzi bead symbolizes gathering of virtues and immense benefit; the five-eye Dzi bead represents blessings from five deities, leading to wealth and longevity; the seven-eye Dzi bead signifies the fulfillment of all virtues, including career success, wealth, health, longevity, and relationships; and the ten-eye Dzi bead symbolizes complete success and perfection in life.
The Value of Dzi bead
Dzi bead carries a mystical story and its powerful magnetic field brings blessings to the devoted. Historically, it was said that a single Dzi bead could be worth as much as fifty fine horses. Today, Dzi bead can be used for financial loans and even traded as cash for purchasing property or livestock. Its unique artistic beauty, rarity, and high public recognition have led to its increasing attention and skyrocketing collection value, with some Dzi bead fetching astronomical prices.
In Tibet, merchants buy old Dzi bead from villages and then trade them in Lhasa. Due to the high price of Dzi bead, merchants often carry large amounts of cash for transactions. Although these merchants operate informally, their annual transaction volumes are significant. Local people humorously refer to them as "bag companies." One such merchant, Asong, opened his own Dzi bead trading center in Barkhor Street in 2011, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 2.6 million yuan. "As far as I know, the most expensive Dzi bead in the world is in Asia, valued at 150 million yuan."

Collectors believe that each Dzi bead, having been passed down through thousands of years, is a rare and complete artifact today, with significant historical and cultural value. Each Dzi bead’s pattern has a unique meaning, and scientists have analyzed them as akin to human DNA patterns, adding an extra layer of mystery. Dzi bead holds historical, cultural, aesthetic, medicinal, and protective values, and its worth cannot be measured merely by money; it also represents a spiritual and cultural significance.

Expert Tips for Identifying Dzi bead

Dzi bead is widely used as both an accessory and a collectible. In Lhasa's Dzi bead market, buyers are often wary of purchasing expensive Dzi bead, fearing they might be getting something of no value.

In a jewelry store on Barkhor Street, various Dzi bead are displayed. "Our best-selling Dzi bead are single-eye and double-eye beads. Single-eye Dzi bead are believed to bring completeness and fulfillment, mainly worn by men; double-eye Dzi bead align thought and action to achieve goals, mainly worn by women," explains the store manager. "Given the high price, we have had these Dzi bead certified by relevant institutions in the mainland, so customers can buy with confidence."

In addition to certification, how can one identify the authenticity and quality of Dzi bead

Color, Quality, Size, and Pattern: The primary methods for identification include examining the luster and cinnabar spots. The luster refers to the surface's reflective intensity and can range from glassy to oily, waxy, or earthy.

Cinnabar Spots: Genuine Dzi bead may have natural red spots from cinnabar inside. Artificial cinnabar spots created with chemicals are less desirable. However, not all Dzi bead have cinnabar spots, and their presence alone does not guarantee quality.

Texture and Integrity: From a mineralogical perspective, Dzi bead colors can be categorized into inherent colors, colors caused by impurities, and colors from cracks. Dzi bead generally comes in milky white, black, brown, and red, with milky white being the most desirable.

Dzi bead ollection Care Tips

In Tibet, when not worn, Dzi bead is usually wrapped in wool and placed in a small bag made of yak leather before being stored properly. Other collection tips include:

1.Regular Wear: Wearing Dzi bead helps it blend with the body's temperature and magnetic field.

2.Display and Handling: If owning multiple Dzi bead, they should be placed on an altar or display table. Handling them with care can enhance their luster.

3.Stringing: Use soft spacers between Dzi bead beads to prevent wear or damage.

4.Avoid Moisture: Remove Dzi bead before bathing to avoid exposure to moisture, which can weaken the string.

5.Material Care: Pure Tibetan Dzi bead is natural chalcedony, not resin or synthetic materials, and is prone to breakage. Handle with care to avoid dropping or breaking.

6.Respectful Behavior: Remove Dzi bead if engaging in behavior that may be disrespectful

7.Protection: Protect your Dzi bead from being borrowed or touched by others