Pema Raka (centre) with silver caps, flanked by antique amber.

Ancient Pumtek and Pyu Beads (Burma). Pumtek are considered to be amongst the oldest heirloom beads in Southeast Asia. Relatively little attention has been paid to them outside of Burma. They are certainly as rare as ancient dZi (possibly more so). Very few make it into the marketplace, the Chin believe it will end their family line if they part with them (Peter Francis Jr).

Ancient Pumtek and Pyu Beads (Burma) flanked with old jade.

Happy Death Mask, Nepal

Happy Death Mask, Nepal, originally uploaded by Wonderlane.

Perfect pair of ancient Tasso dZi.

Small ancient eyed dZi.

Ancient four striped decorated agate bead. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

Rare quality 'NEW' twelve eyed dZi. Made in Taiwan and sourced in Nepal. 62.83 mm x 14.21 mm.

Ancient single stripe Chung dZi. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

Chank Shell Mala

Chank Shell Mala (Rosary), originally uploaded by James Wainwright.

Traditional Himalayan Dress

Traditional Himalayan Dress, originally uploaded by James Wainwright.

Turquoise & Coral Necklace

Turquoise & Coral Necklace, originally uploaded by James Wainwright.

Unusual ancient decorated or etched carnelian bead. Sourced in Peshawar, Pakistan.

A fine quality contemporary strand of agate eye beads. These beads are made in China and Taiwan and target the Tibetan market where they are known as Luk Mik (Goat's Eye). Four of the beads are decorated. The fusiform bead at the apex is a new agate bead from China. Collected over a 10 year period. Largest bead measures 36.84 mm.

A variety of ancient Chung or Chong dZi. There is also a single ancient decorated Luk Mik. All beads sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.