This detail from a Thankga (Himalayan Art Resources) shows an offering of Coral branches and other rare jewels. There are numerous early Thangkas and references in sacred Buddhist texts that show that coral was highly valued by Tibetans. In fact coral may have been used in Tibetan Medicine from as early as the 7th Century CE.

A Tibetan woman adorned with amber, coral and dZi.

A new dZi (created early 1990s) with added weathering marks to give the appearance of age.

Ancient barrel shaped two tone agate bead.

A high quality 'new' dZi complete with added weathering marks to give the appearance of age. These beads are often sold as ancient beads on ebay. Be careful!

Imitation 9 Eyed dZi made from plastic and weighted with a metal core. Flanked by imitation Tasso dZi, also made from plastic. plastic nine eyed dZi approx 55 mm x 10 mm

Ancient Tasso (Horse Tooth) dZi.

Ancient decorated agate with six diamond shaped eyes or three single vajras.