| Dzi beads have been deeply embedded in Tibetan | | | | patterns have different powers, and therefore serve |
| culture for many centuries. These beads are | | | | different purposes. When buying a Dzi bead, whether |
| considered to be the most precious living charms or | | | | old or new, some of the factors to be borne in mind |
| gemstones in Tibet, and have been worshipped and | | | | include size, texture, clarity of pattern and overall |
| passed down for many generations. They attribute so | | | | appeal. This gemstone, a type of agate, was formed |
| much value to these beads, that in Tibet, these ancient | | | | under the earth many thousands of years ago, and is |
| beads are also at times used for mortgage purposes | | | | considered to be extremely auspicious among several |
| in banks. There are many legends associated with the | | | | Asian countries, but Tibet in particular. Dzi stones may |
| Dzi bead: It is believed that these beads were created | | | | have made their first appearance between 2000 B.C. |
| not by man but by the Gods. For this reason there are | | | | and 1000 B.C. in ancient India, where the fear of the |
| supposed to bring good luck and also ward of evil | | | | ‘evil eye’ was taken very seriously by the |
| influence. The Tibetans also believe that wearing these | | | | people. |
| beads prevents physical harm, because the beads | | | | Since these beads are found in the earth, Tibetans are |
| take the impact of the harmful external force upon | | | | convinced that they have been created by divine |
| themselves. It is also believed that the beads choose | | | | forces. That is why they think that donning the Dzi |
| their own owners, and will not remain with an unlucky | | | | bead would keep evil spirits, sickness, misfortunes and |
| person for very long. Much like the philosopher’s | | | | sudden death at bay. It is also known to balance the |
| stone, that all alchemists are in search of, Dzi beads | | | | body’s yin and yang and the five elements, thus |
| are also revered as supernatural gemstones with | | | | improving the body’s immunity system and |
| magical powers. | | | | promoting overall good health. Apart from these |
| These magical Dzi beads are shiny gemstones that | | | | reasons, Tibetans also wear the dzi bead for increase |
| are generally found with universally recognizable | | | | in wealth and prosperity, spiritual enlightenment, or for |
| patterns such as that of eyes, circles, squares, and | | | | attaining a feeling of calmness within oneself. Certain |
| even wave patterns. Some of these beads contain | | | | types of Dzi beads (especially the 2-eyed ones), are |
| rare patterns and are considered to be especially | | | | also known to enhance chances of finding love |
| potent, and effective in its magical abilities. One such | | | | partners, and are therefore beneficial for singles. |
| rare kind of Dzi beads is with the silhouette of the | | | | These beads are non-religious, and can be worn by |
| Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, outlined on the bead. It | | | | anyone, irrespective of gender, race or religion. |
| is generally believed that Dzi beads with different | | | | |