Three matched antique Pema Raka.

These distinct long agate beads (largest is 86 mm x 8 mm) are believed to come from South East Asia and are often identified as being 1000 years old or more (more evidence is needed to prove this). The material was carefully selected to showcase the natural crystalline stripe in the centre of each bead. Many examples have gold end caps. They have wonderful reddish hues when held to the light.

A Chinese imitation dZi bead (center). These beads appear to be made from bowenite which is a variety of the serpentine group. There are faint traces of eye decoration on the two beads that immediately flank the eye bead. This decoration has faded or rubbed off over time. They are probably 19th century creations. The darker eye bead is likely to be a later 20th century bead (1970s). They were collected in Nepal and Tibet. The central eye bead measures 36.46 mm x 13.67 mm

In the past few years a number of ancient dZi beads are being seen in the marketplace with a new type of repair. Sometimes it is the restoration of only a small fragment or chip, however, this large two eyed bead has had both ends replaced with polymer (Keats, pers. com.). The work is often so good that it is hard to notice with the naked eye but under closer scrutiny it is much more obvious.

If purchasing an ancient bead one should check the bead very carfeully for damage. A very light tapping of the bead on your teeth is a good way to detect stone from the polymer areas. Using a UV light or taking a macro photograph should also show up any differences between the repair and the original stone. The above bead was repaired in Tibet but this method is also being used in Nepal. According to Dr James Keats, this is probably a polymer used widely by the dental profession and has been available for the last 10 years.

Various ancient decorated carnelian and agate beads.

Ancient decorated and undecorated Bhaisajyaguru beads.

Ancient black and white dZi with single decorated stripe.

 Ancient single stripe dZi beads.

Tibetan pilgrim. c1920s

Very large ancient decorated stone eye bead (center) from Burma. size 23.76 mm

Old gau with a Vajra Yogini Tsa Tsa.

Ancient Chung dZi with rare decoration (center).

Ancient decorated carnelian with three eyes.

Ancient banded agate with modern gold cap.

Ancient carnelian with the longevity decoration.

Ancient Bhaisajyaguru beads. 12 mm to 15 mm

Ancient banded agates or Bhaisajyaguru dZi beads.

Ancient Indo-Tibetan agate beads.

Ancient decorated Luk Mik dZi bead.

Tibetan woman with necklaces of coral and dZi.

Ancient two eyed dZi bead. 39 mm x 14 mm

The giant Pema Raka bead measures 88.36 mm x 75 mm

Ancient agate bead with natural red coral.

A newly created bow shaped banded agate bead.
Made in China. approx 40 mm x 18 mm

A new decorated carnelian disc bead. Sourced in Nepal. approx 30 mm diamater.

Antique turquoise beads. Sourced in Nepal.

New bow shaped dZi. Sourced in North India.

Antique natural undyed coral . Traded from the mediterranean 

to Tibet and the Himalayan regions.

Rare quality natural red coral (9 mm) and turquoise. This is the most sought after shape and coral colour in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. Compare this colour with the more orange coral (see above), which is also found in the Himalayan regions.

Ancient patinised agate bead. Sourced in Nepal.

A new four striped decorated agate (above) from China. 49.71 mm x 15.19 mm

A new four eyed dZi from China. 50.33 mm x 15.08 mm

Ancient red jasper bead. Sourced in Nepal. 29.59 mm x 11.56 mm

Ancient decorated agate bead with cross design. 

Sourced in North India. 18 mm x 5 mm

A large undrilled ancient glass bead. Sourced in North India.

Ancient four stripe decorated chalcedony (left). Both undrilled 

beads were sourced in North India. approx 18 mm x 5 mm

Ancient decorated chalcedony bead with zig zag design. 

This is an undrilled bead and was sourced in North India. 

24 mm x 9 mm

Ancient Phum dZi, matched Luk Mik and small round decoraed agates.

A new Double Sakor Namkor dZi. Taiwan 1990s

A large new three eyed dZi bead. China or Taiwan. 2005

A new six eyed dZi with diamond eyes. 1990s. Taiwan

A new six eyed dZi with diamond eyes. Early 1990s. Taiwan

A new striped dZi. 1990s. Taiwan

A new dZi with three eyes. Taiwan. 2008

A new three eyed dZi bead. Taiwan. Early 1990s

A new three eyed dZi bead. China or Taiwan 2007

New six eyed dZi bead. Taiwan. Early 1990s