RARE VERY OLD TIBETAN HEAVEN & EARTH SPECIAL DZI BEAD

Measurement: Approx  3.9 cm Length

THE PRECIOUS JEWELS OF TIBET

Up to the 1950s, Tibet was ruled according to Buddhist principles, with every effort made to protect life and the natural environment.  These principles extended beyond animal world, taking into account the beings of other realms.  As a result, to avoid disrupting animal life, the ecological system and the unseen creatures from other realms who may be dwelling on the land, there was very little mining of precious gems in Tibet.  Most of the stones were imported from neighbouring countries.  The more popular gems used in Tibet are Dzi, Pearls, Turquoise, Coral, and Amber. 

DZI

The Dzi is an unique Tibetan stone, made of Agate Chalcedony, which is oblong or round in shape, pierced lengthways.  It has a shiny black and white design, characterized by strong Eye patterns, circle, square or double wave.  The most valuable Dzi were those with 3 or 9 Eyes.  The best Dzis were those with sharply contrasting patterns, shiny and with an oily sheen surface.

There are many interpretations concerning the Dzi's origin.  Since they are usually found buried in the ground, it is believed that they were made and worn by people in prehistoric or neolithic times.  It is believed that the Dzi were once worm-like insects which, when frightened, froze and turned to stone.  Some also believed that the Dzi once belonged to demi-gods.

The Dzi is usually worn as a single bead round the neck, for its auspicious or medicinal value or in a traditional necklace interspersed with Coral, Pearls, Amber or Turquoise, or even, if the owner is fortunate to have a collection of Dzi, a whole necklace is made from the stones.