Dzi Beads: What Are They?
Dzi beads are probably one of the most misunderstood types of beads. When you say dzi beads in front of a friend, they’ll most likely be conjuring images of some sort of tiny, obscure bead attached to a wrist chain or necklace. Little do they know about their true aesthetic and talismanic properties.
Dzi beads are generally not the type of beads you’ll be using in a beading class. You’ll rarely see them mixed with conventional beads, such as plastic or metal beads. Dzi beads are actually patterned beads mainly of cylindrical or tabular shape, which play an important role in Tibetan culture. While their true origins are unknown, many believe that they come from the hands of the gods – thus lending a mystical feel to the primarily agate beads.
Most dzi beads come in shades of red and brown, though the etched patterns can come in a myriad of other colours. They also come in various sizes and forms, though they are more often classified by the pattern etched on their surfaces. But whether we are talking about three-eyed long-type beads or tiger stripe totem dzi beads, bear in mind that different patterns lend to different properties.
In any case, it must be noted that the prices of authentic dzi beads have risen dramatically in the past decade, with higher quality beads fetching thousands of dollars. This, of course, has resulted in fakes flooding the market, whether made of natural agate or worse still, plain glass. Generally, these beads are identifiable by their “newness”, though expert forgers can still fool the general buyer with well-placed smudges, scratches and chips.
Overall, it must be said that not very much is known about dzi beads, with experts still attempting to come up with rational descriptions of their talismanic properties. But what is known can already fill multiple books, so let me continue with this topic in another post. I’ll most likely be addressing some of the more common types of dzi beads available.
