These are natural lotus seeds. They are possibly given this name because they resemble the buds of a lotus flower, however, they do not come from the Nelumbo nucifera or Lotus plant. The white lotus is an important Buddhist symbol and represents perfect purity. Lotus seed is the name given to these beads in Nepal and India, they are typically seen as round beads and are very popular for Buddhist malas. The first time I encountered lotus seeds in this natural shape was in August 2009. each seed measures 18.40 mm x 15 mm

If you know the actual name of these seeds and where they originate from please email me.

 

These amulet beads are called Za Trung and are made according to the instructions of Longchen Rabjampa (1308 – 1364). They protect the wearer against unfavourable planetary alignments. Each bead displays three eyes, made more prominent by what appears to be red ochre or sindhura powder (unconfirmed). They appear to be made from a resinous mix and then rolled on a plastic core. The core may even include a roll of mantras (also unconfirmed). It is clear that their shape and eye design resemble dZi beads. They are made by monks at Chorten Gompa Monastery in Sikkim and are blessed by the great Nyingma master, Dodrupchen Rinpoche.approx 24 mm x 11 mm

Antique Pema Raka bead (centre).

Antique or ancient Pema Raka beads. largest approx 22 mm x 15 mm  more photos here

These beads are imitation banded agate beads made from glass. Many folks believe they are ancient but they are more likely to be antique beads. Lois Dubin placed a very similar bead ("Stratified Mosaic Glass" no.606) on her original 'History of Beads' timeline and dated it to 250 BCE to 450 CE. Her newly revised timeline (2009) has now replaced this image with a different photo. Please email me if you know more about these beads. (top photo 44.96 mm x 11.71 mm)

Ancient stone and glass beads that were sourced in Nepal over a 10 year period. The stone beads include; amethyst, quartz, tourmaline, aquamarine, citrine and topaz. There are a few imitation tourmaline beads made from glass. It is possible that some of these beads were traded to Nepal from Burma and therefore they are actually Pyu/Tircul stone beads.

Bhutia woman (Sikkim) c1920s.

Ancient agate bead 22.61 mm x 13.82 mm