ArtFire

This Tibetan dzi glass bead and gemstone necklace is bright and colorful, with a festive combination of carnelian, amethyst, coral, green adventurine and glossy black obsidian. At its heart is a cylindrically shaped glass dzi bead of the six-eyed variety, which is around one inch in length (see my photos) and has a warm orangey-brown color tone for its background. The design of this bead presents two eyes with a third above, a pattern repeated twice.

I was attracted to this type of design/bead because the eye pairs reminded me of Buddha "wisdom eyes," with the single (third) eye representing the "all-seeing" quality of Enlightenment. Although I have since discovered that this eye motif in dzi beads pre-dates Buddhism as a symbolic Tibetan design element and supposedly acts as a talisman against the "evil eye," I still think of the motif here as representative of release from ignorance into the realm of wisdom because this necklace was so inspired by the image and thought of "Buddha eyes." (For more about dzi beads, see below, near end of listing.)

In the necklace, this central dzi-bead element is nestled between two sterling silver rounds (3mm) and then bordered on either side by the following:
-- A pair of glossy black obsidian beads (6mm) with a TierraCast (made in the U.S.A.) looped fine silver-plated daisy spacer between them
-- A pair of beautifully faceted, warm carnelian beads (7-8mm), also with a daisy spacer between them
-- A silver-plated lantern bead, chosen because the lantern so fit the idea of Enlightenment
-- A bead set in which a smaller barrel-shaped glass dzi bead with the "big man" motif is bordered by amethysts (4mm) and green adventurine rounds (8mm)
-- A trio of sponge coral rounds (8mm) edged by lantern beads
-- A faceted amethyst (8mm) between two green adventurine rounds (8mm)
-- Another lantern bead followed by two more faceted carnelians
-- Six more obsidian beads bordered by sterling rounds (3mm)
-- Finally, a silver-plated ornate spacer, which partially hides sterling silver tornado crimp beads; the latter were used to secure the high-quality 49-strand beading wire used for the necklace

Sterling silver wire guards were added as an extra safety feature for the beading wire, and the clasp is a sterling "S" hook with a connecting ring. On the "S" side, the opening is just large enough to click the connecting ring through the space and hook it into place. If you prefer a more open hook, simply let me know and I will widen the space more.

Two pairs of sterling wire dangles also ornament this necklace, and hang from the looped TierraCast daisy spacers. The larger presents a disk of bamboo coral between sterling silver beads and topped by a small amethyst (4mm) and wire wrap. The smaller combines rounds of amethyst and green adventurine (6mm) with a sterling bead and top wire wrap.

A word on the smaller dzi beads: these are decorated with what I discovered is the "big man" symbol. It is a clearly anthropomorphic figure, and I was attracted to the beads because of this and saw them as representing the union of humankind.

The length of the necklace is approximately 18.5 inches.

This is, overall, an eye-catching piece intended to convey the celebration of spiritual gifts that unite all people in the hope of peace. It was made with thought and contemplation, and with best wishes in mind for the health and happiness of its destined wearer.

More about Dzi Beads:

Dzi beads are considered protective amulets and talismans against the "evil eye." They have been made for thousands of years and may have originated in ancient Persia. "Dzi" is the transliteration of a Tibetan word which means clarity, shine, splendor, and brightness. Traditionally, these beads were made from agate, and the older the bead was, the better (and more expensive), as it was believed to accrue more and more power over time.

Although there are vintage Tibetan glass dzi, glass is not considered traditional, however attractive it can look or meaningful its symbolic depictions can still be. People who are seriously interested in exploring the metaphysical properties of dzi will want to search out agate beads of this type, and preferably vintage ones.

Among the various meaningful patterns used for dzi beads are a series of eye symbols, typically from one eye to twelve (although sometimes more). The eye symbol in general is an age-old protective symbol, with its never-sleeping aspect and continual vigilance. The six-eyed symbol (which is used for the central dzi bead in the necklace) represents the six realms of Buddhism and release from suffering. The realms are those of existence (i.e., samsara) and include the animal realm and the human realm. The "Big Man" or Great Personage symbol (which appears on the smaller dzi beads in the necklace) represents the giver of help and support, or mentor.

About the Gemstones:

Carnelian -
A type of chalcedony and member of the quartz family, carnelian is a rich and regal-looking gemstone that has been used for jewelry since ancient times. It is considered a powerful healing stone with many influencing properties. These include dispelling fear, building courage, strengthening confidence, increasing creativity, and sharpening mental focus and clarity. Carnelian is also regarded as protective against evil. It is associated with August as a birthstone and to the astrological sign of Virgo, and related to the sacral chakra.

Obsidian -
This is a product of volcanic activity, a natural glass produced from the cooling of lava. Its special qualities have been recognized since prehistoric times, during which it was used for spear tips, knives, jewelry, ritual implements, and many other things. Supposedly obsidian is highly protective and shields its wearer from negative forces, particularly depression. It is considered a help in self-perception and positive inner change. It is associated with the root chakra.

Amethyst -
A member of the quartz family, amethyst is believed to be a protective stone that deflects negative influences, decreases stress, and relaxes the mind. It is also seen as a highly spiritual stone that fosters inner peace and spiritual awareness. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethusos," which means "not drunk." It is not surprising, then, that among the many healing properties attributed to the stone is the power to help people who have problems with alcohol and other substance addictions. Other healing powers linked to amethyst include beneficial effects on insomnia, poor digestion, arthritis, and headaches. It is associated with the crown chakra, and is the birthstone for February. Amethysts are actually crystals and often have inclusions, clouding, and other interesting elements to them, as well as various shadings of their distinctive purple color.

Green Adventurine -
Also a member of the quartz family, green adventurine is believed to be a stone of friendship, love, and prosperity, and is associated with the heart chakra. It is also considered a stress reliever, with a calming form of energy, and an aid to building personal confidence and inner strength.

Bamboo and Sponge Coral -
Bamboo coral is a pale-hued non-endangered form of coral, and is commonly dyed to mimic other, endangered corals. It can be damaged by hot water, extreme sun, perfume, cleansers, and various chemicals, so please treat it kindly! Sponge coral supposedly helps to reduce circulatory problems and other ailments. Perhaps because of its origins in the sea, it is associated with the moon. It is a Piscean "stone."

Glass dzi beads, carnelians, amethysts, bamboo and sponge coral beads, obsidian beads, green adventurine, sterling silver beads and

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