A selection of antique and ancient Himalayan beads.

A super large ancient Bhaisajyaguru bead. Diameter 3.9 cm!!

Ancient striped Chung dZi.

Tibetan Ladies in Dege

Tibetan Ladies in Dege, originally uploaded by sleepycafe.

Tibetan Lady

A nice Tibetan Lady, originally uploaded by Nilpesh.

Tibetan Lady, 1880s

Tibetan Lady, 1880s, originally uploaded by Foxtongue.

Antique turquoise beads sourced in the Himalayan regions are magnificent in their colour and feel. Their freeform shape gives them real character. Natural oils from the skin will alter the colour of these beads from their original blues to much darker greens. Tibetans believe these beads help absorb toxins from the body. Notice the enlarged perforation on this bead. This gradually happens over the course of many years of being strung.

A modern Taiwanese 'New' dZi purchased in Nepal. This is a magnificent and huge bead (83.41 mm x 20.37 mm). Similar beads are routinely misrepresented on ebay and more commonly on Asian websites as being ancient.

Attractive single stripe decorated agate beads. These are newly created beads from Taiwan or China. Designed to closely resemble the ancient Bhaisajyaguru (Suleimani/Soloman) beads.

High quality new luk Mik dZi with 'horns' (Taiwan). with approx 35 mm

Very high quality 'NEW' Luk Mik dZi with horns. Notice the added weathering marks to give the appearance of age.

Melon shaped Pema Raka bead.

A rare quality ancient agate bead with a very desirable colour. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. 5.7 cm x 1.6 cm.

A modern Taiwanese Lotus/Vase dZi (sourced in Nepal). Genuine ancient beads with this decoration are amongst the most sought after of all dZi. Apparently in some regions of Tibet they are considered more valuable than the legendary 9 eyed dZi.

Ancient Agate Bead with natural stripe.

Rare quality banded agate cylinder bead. 6.5 cm x 1.3 cm

Local woman in Geling, Mustang

Local woman in Geling, Mustang, originally uploaded by BobWitlox.