Dzi (pronouced as zee) beads are made mostly fromagate, and may have decorative symbols composed of circles, ovals, squares, waves or zig zags, stripes, lines, diamonds, dots, and various otherarchetypaland symbolic patterns. Colors mainly range from brown to black, with the pattern usually in ivory white. Dzi beads can appear in different colours, shapes, and sizes; the surface is usually smooth and waxy, presumably resulting from wear over a long period of time.
Dzi stones made their first appearance between 2000 and 1000 BC, in ancientIndia: a few hundred thousand were supposedly brought back by Tibetan soldiers fromPersiaduring araid. The malicious effect of the “evil eye” was taken very seriously by these people. Dzi were considered to counteract the evil eye. The artisans who made the dzi created amulets with “eyes” on them as a “fight fire with fire” form of protection.
Artisansused agate as the base stone, and then embellished the beads lines and shapes using ancient methods that remain mysterious. Treatments may have included darkening with plant sugars and heat, bleaching and white line etching withnatron, and protecting certain areas with grease, clay, wax or a similar substance.
Market value for ancient beads can easily reach into hundreds of thousands of US dollars - especially for beads with more "eyes." Tiny red cinnabar spots caused by iron inclusion in the agate also increase the value.
New edge agate Dzi are also highly prized as long as they are well made, contain the traditional patterns, and are made from genuine agate without "dragon skin" or "dragon veins," with a clean, clear look and luster and nicely simulated abrasion signs at the drill holes. New edge Dzi prices range from about few hundred and up to thousands of US Dollars, depending on quality and its origin.
The meaning of "Dzi" in Tibetan represents "sunshine, brightness, clearness, splendour". The beads originate in the Tibetan cultural sphere and can command high prices and are difficult to come by. They are found primarily in Tibet, but also in neighbouring Bhutan, Ladakh and Sikkim. Shepherds and farmers pick them up in the grasslands or while cultivating fields.
Because dZi are found in the earth, Tibetans cannot conceive of them as man-made. Since knowledge of the bead is derived from oral traditions, few beads have provoked more controversy concerning their source, method of manufacture and even precise definition. This all contributes to making them themost sought after and collectable beads on earth.
Dzi beads regardless of ancient old or new edge are said to be able to do some superstitious things such as protecting its wearer from negative energies or accidents, attracting wealth or wisdom, while others might bring you love and happiness.
Tibetan Dzi beads are felt by Tibetans to be of supernatural origins and are widely used in offering to Buddha and Gods while wearing them symbolizes good luck, prosperity, good health and etc.
The Charm Bracelets produced by FohBao.net are made of high quality natural agate and quartz stones. Using the old ancient methods and hand made into auspicious art piece which is unique of its own.
