Dzi Bead - Mock Dzi

Mock Dzi

Mock dzi are created from materials other than agate or chalcedony. They can be of glass, resin, lampwork, wood, plastic, metal, or non-traditional etched stones. They have a long history, some dating back a couple hundred years. The older mock dzi have some collectible value. Some of the resin mock dzi have a filling of lead to add weight. Some people would also call the machine-carved and -drilled, highly polished new dzi "mock dzi." Almost invariably mass produced, these are available for less than two dollars and are often sold by the strand. The etching on these cheap beads has been done very quickly, and the decorations do not penetrate into the inner core of the bead. These are usually targeted at mainland Chinese customers as lucky feng shui charms.