These natural agates bear an extraordinary weight of myth and fable that makes them an irresistible amulet for the only slightly superstitious and always an unusual and pleasing ornament
Dzi (pronounced Zee) is a Tibetan word used to describe a patterned, usually agate, of mainly oblong, round, cylindrical or tabular shape pierced lengthwise called Heaven's Bead (tian zhu) in Chinese.The meaning of the Tibetan word "Dzi" translates to "shine, brightness, clearness, splendour". The beads originate in the Tibetan cultural sphere, can command high prices, and are difficult to come by. They are found primarily in Tibet and 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 the most sought-after and collectible beads on earth.
Offered first was the belief that in ancient times Dzi were the ornaments of semi-gods who threw them away whenever they became blemished even slightly; this is said to be the reason that hardly any of the beads are found in perfect condition.
Next came the story involving a man who saw one of these 'insects' high in the mountains and threw his hat over it to capture it. When he removed the hat, the 'insect' had become petrified. In its place lay a Dzi. Other stories relate that Dzi were encountered in the high mountains by someone with especially good karma who managed to catch them. But in coming into contact with the human touch, the Dzi was petrified. Other tales are told of Dzi being found in slaughtered animal horns or cattle dung. Dr. R. Nebesky-Woikowitz (1952) recounts in Prehistoric Beads From Tibet, a legend from Ngari, Western Tibet.
It is believed that Dzi originated from a mountain near Rudok. In ancient times, they were said to flow down its slopes like streams. One day, however, a wicked woman cast the "evil eye" on the mountain, and the flow immediately stopped. And to this day, the legend claims that the characteristic black and white stripes of the Dzi are still seen where the Dzi once issued.
The "insect" theory of the origin of Dzi seems to be very widespread and is cited to explain various peculiarities. This, the Tibetan claim, is why sometimes a great number of Dzi are found forming a kind of 'nest.' Some believe that even after the beads have been unearthed, some will continue to move about for a little while. In any case, to the Tibetan, the Dzi is not a man-made bead but a precious jewel of supernatural origin.