Tibetan Dzi Beads

RED DZI BEADS :-




Dzi Braclet

SOME NEW DZI BEADS with Cracks

Dragon Skin Dzi Bead
9EYE DZI BEAD

Dragon Skin Dzi Bead: Rather than being symbols of a dragon, dragon skin refers to the texture of the bead itself. At first look the bead will appear to be very weathered full of weathering marks and perhaps cracks. Well, it is not weathering marks, it is crackle marks. The dragon skin is formed by burning.

Tibetans named this effect on the Dzi bead as 'Dragon Skin'. The dragon skin texture is created during in a certain event. Lamas (Tibetan Monk) offer the Dzi bead to Buddha as a thanksgiving. They put the Dzi bead into a stove and start burning. At the same time while the stove with the Dzi bead is burning, hundreds of Lamas (monks) started their chanting. Finally, the Dzi bead comes out of the stove with 'Dragon Skin' texture.

Just imagine how powerful a Dzi bead would be after being chanted upon by Lamas for so many days in the temple. Dragon skin Dzi beads are all very, very old as this particular ritual has not been done in hundreds of years. In addition to the burning of the bead the bead needs to be very old before it will change into the dragon skin texture. When younger beads are put in the stove to burn the result is the "Fire Burial Dzi Bead". Authorities on DZI beads often use dragon skin texturing as a way of identifying age of a bead. Many of these beads can be (+) or (-) 2,000 years old.

A Dzi bead with dragon skin is not the same as a "Dragon Dzi Bead" and does not allow the owner of the bead to master a dragon. Only a "Dragon Dzi Bead" itself can master a dragon.

Here are some Dragon skin dzi beads (middle age).




Some other Dzi beads with cracks

BEFORE BUYING DZI BEADS(ดี ซี ไอ) หินทิเบต

How to Make Purchasing Decision
The authentic pure dzi is not something cheap. The price is based on many factors discussed in previous post and can be ranging from few hundred to thousands, or even millions. The high value of dzi has attracted many imitations enter the market. It is so easy to find various imitation products than the real one. Here are advices you can follow to reduce the risk of getting cheated by dishonest traders.

1. Do not simply purchase dzi bead from wet market, low end trading market, kiosk in the mall, company without addresses or someone you are not familiar with. These people might claims that they are selling authentic dzi bead at attractive prices. You might not able to find them later.
2. Purchase the dzi from establish company, someone you can trust or with good knowledge in this field. It will be ideal to bring along an expert if you plan to spend a lot on dzi bead. Bring along the necessary equipments such as 10x or 30x loupe.
3. Improve your knowledge on dzi bead before making the purchase. There are many books or articles on internet that can help you understand more about dzi bead, Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Equip with such powerful knowledge will reduce the risk of making wrong decision.
4. Balance your budget for the dzi that you want to purchase. If you plan or able to spend just a little on dzi bead, starts with the cheaper one. When you feel that dzi is really good for you or your family, then upgrade to better one.
5. Do not influence by the sales person. You should have a clear state of mind. Do not be influenced by the sales person to make you purchase something out of your budget, imitation product or the dzi that not suitable for you.

See Some Dzi Beads (Click Pictures to see Detail Of Dzi Beads)

If you are serious about dzi and would like to know more, here are some good books that should not be missed!
1. Bubin, Lois Sherr (1986) The History of Beads
2. Tung-Kuang, Lin (2001) Tibetan Gzi Bead
3. Hung-Shih, Chang (2003) The Bewitching Bijou of Tibet An Illustrative Study of Dzi Bead
4. K.Liu, Robert (1995) A Universal Aesthetic Collectible Beads
5. Nebesky-wajkowitz, R (1952) Prehistoric beads from Tibet

ANCIENT TIBETAN DZI

For thousands of years, Tibetans have viewed Dzi as a living gemstone. It is meant for devout worship and is reverently kept and passed down over generations. The ancient Dzi absorbs cosmic energy from the universe, hence it can guard against misfortune and brings blessings, stabilizes blood pressure, increases the internal 'qi', gives good fortune and bliss. Till now, Dzi enjoys great popularity around the world, and it is a revered sacred charm for protection, worship, health, as well as a symbol of wealth.

Place of Origin and Legend
Dzi is not only a very rare and precious gemstone, it is also one of the seven treasures in Tibetan Buddhism. The main places of origin are Western Tibet, Eastern Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Ladakh and certain regions in the Himalayas. Dzi has been around for 2000 to 2500 years. According to legend, Dzi is actually a “God’s treasure” which has descended to earth and was discovered by the Tibetans. Hence the Tibetans still regard Dzi as the “heavenly stone”.

Stories on the origin of Dzi varies, one account has it that it flowed from a stream in Ngari; another believed that it was the treasure of the Azha Kingdom, Tibet; yet others thought it was one of the gemstones in the treasury of the Tagzig Kingdom. It is also said to be the celestial essence from Bodhisattva. Some believed it was made by Asura; it is even said to be made from meteorites that plummeted down to earth.
According to another legend, the compassionate Vajravarahi let Dzi descended to earth to stop the spreading of epidemic because it possessed the power to guard against evil. What can be verified is, although modern technology can replicate the appearance of Dzi, it is unable to reproduce the strong magnetic energy that Dzi possess. Neither can it replace the religious belief passed down over the generations. Hence, judging from its unique quality and extensive historical value, Dzi is very valuable.

Dzi Bead is the Tibetans' Most Precious Living Gemstone
The Tibetans regard Dzi bead as the most precious living gemstone and it is the treasure offered to the royal family generations after generations. In Tibet, the ancient pure Dzi beads can be used for mortgage purposes in Banks or the City’s Credit Bureau. Therefore, to the Tibetans, Dzi bead is no different from cash. Because of their small size, they are easy to maintain and carried around, the royalty and the rich will exchange their domesticated animals, land and money for them. It is also not uncommon to see expensive goods being exchanged for Dzi beads.

Dzi bead is an essential ornament in a Tibetan lady’s adulthood and marriage ceremony. The quantity and quality of the Dzi beads can reveal the wealth of the family. Besides that, Dzi Bead is also a precious medical ingredient in many Tibetan medical dictionaries.

Dzi bead is the Tibetan’s most precious amulet. It is believed that devout worship of the Dzi Bead can remove hindrance of karma, receive blessings, prevention against stroke, guard against evil, improves vitality and increase wealth.

Strong Magnetic Energy

Dzi Beads possess nature's cosmic magnetic energy. According to a scientific study, Japanese researchers discovered that Dzi Beads contain 14 elements from Mars.

The hardness of Dzi is 7 to 8.5 on the Moh’s hardness index, slightly below the African diamond, which has an index of 10. Crystal’s magnetic wave is 4 volts whereas Tibetan’s Dzi Bead gives off 13 volts, 3 times more than crystal. The magnetic energy emitted by Dzi Bead is very gentle and is suitable to be placed at any human parts. It is perceived to be able to regulate blood circulation and reduce illnesses.

Benefits for the Wearer
Dzi Bead is an eons-old antique, yet it remains fashionable. Its different pattern is an ideal trendy ornament for the young and is also suitable for all ages. But most importantly, besides wearing it for protection purposes, the magnetic energy from the Dzi can regulate the body’s blood and 'qi' circulation, balance the body’s yin yang and five elements, improves the body’s immunity system and henceforth, achieve overall improvement in one's health. The effects are similar to acupuncture. It can improve the health of those suffering from heart diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes as well as reduce various symptoms like poor blood circulation, blocked nose, sprains, insomnia and aching bones.

Quality and Authenticity
Dzi Bead contains elements of jade and agate, belonging to the nine-eyed cavenous rocks. The colors can generally be categorized into dark and light brown, its patterns are generally milky white lines etched to its inner core. Some Dzi researchers regard the inner color of the Dzi’s string hole as an important criterion for judging the quality of the Dzi. Milky white color is more superior in quality, and thus more precious.

Due to weathering, Dzi Bead's surface appears scaly with cinnabar dots and chippings. As it is passed down and worn by different collectors, and given blessings from monks, it will appear naturally smooth and lustrous from the interior to the exterior. Basically, its authenticity can be determined based on the smoothness, lustre, weathering marks on the surface, chippings, curves and the technique of making the string hole of the bead’s opening as well as from the line designs.

Categories of Dzi Beads and Valuation
The designs of Dzi Bead include: dotted, lines, squarish, circular, triangular, rhombus, polygonal, seed shape, irregular shapes, animal motifs, abstract motifs and symbol combinations. Different designs represent different meanings and function. The Dzi's value is very much dependent on the uniqueness of the lustre and designs.

Valuations of Dzi Beads are determined by age, scarcity, number of the eyes (odd numbered, eight-eyed and twelve-eyed Dzi are more expensive), degree of chippings, cinnabar dots (will grow from inner to the surface with age) and special designs like Buddha’s eye, Heaven-and-Earth Motif, Dorje design, Lotus and Bottle Motif, and unique patterns to determine the price.
For more information on design of dzi beads, read Meanings of Dzi Beads or see Dzi Bead Meaning Cards .

HOW TO KNOW REAL OLD DZI BEADS

Ancient and pure dzi beads of Tibet are extremely precious and rare. No matter how many or how few eyes beads bear, all Dzi beads possess the mystic power of bringing luck, warding off evil, stabilizing blood pressure, guarding against apoplexy and enhancing body strength. Owners and wearers of these beads are blessed with unexpected credit, luck and perfection. Dzi beads are unique and collectibles. There are some TIPS found online about how to know Real dzi beads. so
To find out if the Dzi beads is real old or not, just notice some points on Dzi beads. Hold the Dzi beads in your hand and try to notice Some marks on Dzi Skin.

1.Weathering Marks
Weathering marks are signs of aging. They best represent the age of a Dzi.If we examine a Dzi under magnifying glass, we will discover tiny lines of different thickness running irregularly and spontaneously on its surface.
These are weathering marks.They resemble either fish scales or phoenix claws.

2. Sheen:- Age and natural weathering might result in a slightly rugged patina that confuses the reflective light.We can see with our naked eye that there seems to be a layer of oil on the surface of the Dzi.We can call this "oily sheen".Some particularly bright oily sheen can be called "waxy sheen".

3. Cinnabar Dots "Cinnabar Dots" are in fact red speckles that grow from within the body of the Dzi Beads to its surface (see picture Below and left). Not every Dzi has cinnabar dots, and dzi with such cinnabar dots are not necessarily good qulity Dzi Beads.This is the often used as a criterion to identify old Dzi beads.

4. Crystal and Natural streaks (dragon mark )
The Simple way to find if the Dzi is real or not is Crystal and Natural streakson dzi bead's surface, although these marks (Dragon marks Dzi beads) will affect the grade and price of Dzi bead, but its a rarity among new Dzi Beads.

　5. Dig marks for medicinal use Dzi bead is a precious medicinal ingredient in Tibet. If you have seen beads with digging mark, it's simply mean that the bead has been dig for medicinal use, bead chipped off in the corner for medicinal use.
Usually, the new dzi bead are perfect in condition, they never spend time to do this. If dig marks are not doing well, the result is break.

Also Visit Source website: DZI OF TIBET
There are several post in this blog about Dzi beads. I recommend to read them, i hope these post will help you to get some idea about Dzi Beads.
HOW TO KNOW REAL OLD DZI BEADS
PURE DZI BEADS
ANCIENT TIBETAN DZI
NOTE For collector and worship
Dzi Bead Meanings
Thanks again for visit this Blog