Chung dZi

It has recently come to my attention that a number of websites or auctions based in Taiwan or China are using my website in an attempt to authenticate the sale or auction of fake beads. I wish to state that I have no connection with these websites or auctions, and that the people concerned are doing so without my approval or permission.
In fact if you see anybody, anywhere, making references to my website in order to sell their own products and their name does not appear in my links page, please understand that they are doing so without my approval or permission, and I accept no liability for their claims.

If anybody genuine wishes to make a referral to my website please contact me first, so that I may reciprocate.

Various Chung dZi Beads

The following are natural beads and etched beads. Chung dZi or "Lesser" gZi is more commonly found, though still commands high prices these days especially the etched ones. All of these beads are in excess of 1000 years old and range up to 4000 years.

                                                         Extremely old Phum dZi

This bead is one of the oldest kind of etched agate being around 4000 years old. This one is in exceptional condition for its age and would have a value of over US$1,500. 27mm x 15mm.

Large Phun dZi bead

This Phum dZi is around 2000 years old. It is in exceptional condition and has an offering chip on the other side(not shown) 31mm x 15mm Approx value $1500.

Ancient One Stripe dZi

This single stripe Chung dZi has fabulous ageing marks on it and probably is around 4000 years old, yet in amazing condition being complete in every respect. Because of its condition and extreme rarity it is probably worth $800-$1000. 25mm x 13mm.



Small, old natural spacer Chung dZi

These spacer beads are over 2000 years old and made from Sulemani(Soloman's)agate. It is believed the material came from the fabled King Solomon's Mines. It shows wonderful Martik marks all over it, but compared to other kinds of dZi, is relatively inexpensive having a value of about $20 - $30. 10mm x 14mm

Small, old natural spacer Chung dZi

These beads were used as spacers between two larger beads. Similar age, size and value to the other spacer beads.

Small, old natural spacer Chung dZi

Similar in size, shape, age and value to the other spacers.

Tiger Tooth Chung dZi

This bead has many "Blood spots" or Cinnabar spots. The Tibetans call these spots Martik. Sadly this one was broken when I found it and has been repaired, which detracts it's value greatly. In undamaged condition it would be worth around $1200-$1500

Natural, translucent, striped Chung dZi

This is a fabulous bead. When held to the light it has a stunning translucency. Probably comes from India as it is unetched and has connections with Shiva followers, and was likely traded with the Tibetans, to whom it would automatically be categorised as Chung dZi. 36mm x 12mm. Worth $150-200.

Natural, translucent, striped Chung dZi

These beads are also believed to have connections to the Indian god Shiva. Similar in shape, size and value to the other Shiva bead above.

Etched 5 stripe Chung dZi

This bead shows some translucency when held to the light, and is likely to have originated in Mesopotamia, the modern day Afghanistan. 1500 - 2000 years old and valued at over $150. 22mm x 10 mm. $120+

Very old 5 stripe Chung dZi

Similar to the above bead.



Etched 3 stripe Chung dZi

Possibly a Pyu bead from Burma.1800+ years old. 22mm x 10mm. $120.

Small etched 2 stripe Chung dZi

This bead was found in Nepal and is much smaller than usual, being only 15mm x 6mm. Hard to value as it is totally unique, but over $100.

Etched "Earth, Sky, Heaven" Chung dZi

This bead has three segments, the darkest is Earth, the middle sky, and the nearest Heaven. This pattern occurs naturally too, as in the bead below. $120-$180. 23mm x 10mm

Natural Earth, Sky, Heaven Chung dZi.

This one shows many Cinnabar blood spots. Hard to age but likely well over 1000 years.
22mm x 13mm.Surprisingly inexpensive having a market value of maybe $50-$70.

Half natural, half etched Chung dZi.

The Tibetan I bought this from had only recently escaped over the border from Tibet and brought this bead with him. He called it a Goat's eye dZi. Only the left side has been etched, hence the graduated colour change. 16mm x 16mm. Extremely old, and covered with martik.
$150 approx. value.

2 pure dZi half beads.

Either of these beads if complete would have a value of several thousand dollars. The bead on the right is so worn that the striping of the agate shows through the etching. If either of these beads were complete they would be worth a minimum of $5000! I have seen similar broken beads sell on ebay for $400. My research leads me to believe these beads are at least 2500 years old, in spite of the "History of Beads" timeline stating they are from 700 AD! Further inspection of the catalogue numbers actually state the date as unknown.

Ancient Longevity or Turtle back Chung dZi

This pattern resembles a turtle's shell, hence the belief that this bead bestows long life on the wearer. 17mm x 9mm. Regularly sells on ebay at $150 - $250.

Wonderful natural eye Chung dZi

The pattern on this bead is really exceptional, and the bead is shaped like an eye, fairly common among natural eye beads. 25mm x 14mm. Value $100.

Natural one eye Chung gZi

Fabulous naturally marked one eyed agate. 22mm x 14mm. Valued at $120.

Stunning translucent natural 12 eye Chung dZi

This bead is translucent and displays 12 natural eyes. A unique bead about 1000 - 1500 years old. The chips look deliberate and are probably offerings. 33mm x 11mm. Unique and very hard to value, maybe $200- $300.

Ancient dZi Beads from 2500BC to 500AD.