dZi Bead – Cresent dZi

Description

Published in Arts of Asia July/August 2003

Dzi bead (pronounced “zee”; alternative spelling: gzi) is a bead stone of mysterious origin worn as part of a necklace Necklace and sometimes as a bracelet. In several Asian cultures, including that of Tibet, the bead is considered to provide positive spiritual benefit. These beads are generally prized as protective amulets and are sometimes ground up into a powder to be used in traditional Tibetan medicine. Beads subject to this process have small “dig marks” where a portion of the bead has been scraped or shaved away to be ground into the medicine.

Beads that are broken are believed to have a diluted benefit, because they have taken the brunt of the force that it is assumed would have otherwise impacted the wearer. “Wikipedia”

The most highly prized dzi beads are made of natural agate and were apparently manufactured in ancient times by an unknown people. There are also new dzi which gain popularity amongst Tibetans.