Tibetan Jewelry: Dzi beads, Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets

Tibetan jewelry is a type of ornament with Tibetan features made of natural coral, and turquoise, including Dzi beads, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Norbu in Tibetan means jewelry and stands equally for spirituality and wealth. Traditional jewelry has been an important part of daily Tibetan clothing. Tibetans have always been fond of jewelry. And for festivals, everyone wore their finest jewelry to display their wealth and status. In addition, many Tibetans are Buddhists, their jewelry is also linked to Buddhism. Tibetan jewelry has a strong Tibetan Buddhist flavor. Tibetans believe jewels put people in touch with deities and protect them from dangers in life. Tibetan Jewelry truly captures the ethnic spirit of Tibetan culture. As a traditional cultural artwork in Tibet, it occupies an important position in the lives of the Tibetan people.

Jewelry has always been an integral part of Tibetan culture. Tibetan jewelry includes Dzi beads, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, etc. They are made of coral, turquoise, pearls, Tibetan carnelian, yak bones, gold, silver, copper, and other natural materials joined with yak-hide string. The most widely used gems are turquoise and coral. Turquoise was considered most precious in the deep and bright blues and coral was preferred in deep, dark reds. On the other hand, Tibetan men and women wear Tibetan jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Metal coins and gems hang on the woman's back, while men like to wear broadswords, pipes, neck articles, silver coins, and other ornaments.

Types of Tibetan Jewelry

Dzi Beads

Dzi bead is one of the most common Tibetan jewelry in Tibet. It is made of natural gemstones or semi-precious stones, such as amber, glass, red agate, tiger's eye, etc. Its shape is usually round, oval, squares, waves stripes, lines, and various other symbolic patterns. The real Dzi beads can be traced back to the 2000 year or right up to the Indus River civilization. Many Tibetans carry Dzi beads, symbolizing their exploration and courage in the unknown. However, a true natural Dzi bead is very expensive. Therefore, people nowadays are opting to design their jewels.

Earrings

There are various Tibetan earrings. These earrings are made of different materials, such as copper, silver, amber, coral, agate, etc. Tibetan earrings are usually large and are inlaid with gemstones. Some Tibetan earrings are in the shape of a twist. Tibetan belief was that without pierced ears one risked being reborn as a donkey. Therefore, both men and women wear earrings in Tibet. Tibetan men usually wear earrings on their left ear and a small stud of turquoise on the right. The most common earrings for Tibetan men are called "Aron". In addition, pastoral men have traditionally worn bigger earrings than farmers. Tibetan women wear earrings on both sides and enjoy more texture and shape than men. Especially in the dowry of Tibetan women, earrings occupy an important position, which is a symbol of wealth and happiness.

Necklaces

Tibetan necklaces are also a popular category. Necklaces are made of different materials such as coral, agate, silver, etc. In most nomadic areas men and women still wear heavy chunky coral necklaces. In the case of women, a gift to the bride from the groom’s family, with matching earrings mounted with gold or silver. In addition, some necklaces also have special significance in Tibetan culture. A traditional prayer necklace has 108 beads, representing the number of books in Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. The straw necklaces symbolize the regulation of inner energy and play a role in balancing the mind.

Bracelets

Tibetan bracelets are made of Tibetan silver, copper, agarwood, and other materials, and common prayer cylinders and functional fusion products of bracelets are also popular. In addition, many Tibetan silver bracelets are carved with the six-syllable mantra ("Om Mani Padme Hum"), which in Tibetan Buddhism is believed to have the ability to eliminate disease, prolong life, and increase wealth.

Rings

Tibetan rings come in a variety of shapes, including knob rings, copper rings, silver rings, and more. Tibetans are particularly fond of silver, both men and women wear silver rings at weddings. In addition, all men should have a ring on their finger, it signifies the adulthood of the men. On the other hand, Tibetans believed that wearing a ring could be used to ward off spiritual evil. Therefore, men would wear a large ivory ring on their left thumb to protect them from witches.

Waist Ornaments

Tibetan waist ornaments are mostly made of dzi beads, corals, glazed semi-precious stones, and silver. They mean celebration and protection and are suitable for both men and women.

In conclusion

Overall, the Tibetan souvenir jewelry collection is rich in variety and covers all aspects. As a kind of traditional cultural artwork in Tibet, Tibetan ornaments not only have diverse forms, but also contain broad and profound cultural connotations, and are one of the must-buy souvenirs for tourists visiting Tibet.