New Dzi
Due to the unknown origin of these beads and the high demand for them, there has been recent reproduction of dzi beads in Asia. The first (and best) replica dzi beads came from Taiwan during the 1990s. China has also produced some good-quality dzi beads over the last three years. However, the number of dzi that would be accepted as beautiful by the Tibetan community is still very small. The few nice ones are therefore still collectible items much sought after.
A nice dzi must be of good quality agate, and the cutting, drilling, and decorating takes many days. Modern methods and technology such as lasers, modern sugars and chemicals, and vacuum chambers can produce very good results. The waxy appearance is still desirable but sometimes lacking. Some especially well-made new dzi are accepted by Tibetans because it is safe to wear them in public, since they look just like ancient dzi. Some claim the new dzi work as well as the old ones; others claim that the protective energies of ancient dzi can move into a new dzi, if the stone is of the same quality or better and the two beads are kept together or binding rituals are performed.
Dzi are also popular in China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore. Genuine ancient dzi have become unaffordable for most Tibetans; those who have not owned dzi for generations can no longer obtain any. Some of the new dzi have become collectibles as well, and their price is fast increasing. It is as true today as it was in ancient days, that only a handful of people know how to manufacture superior beads. Less than a dozen people are manufacturing truly high-quality and beautiful beads; not much is known about who they are or where their workshops are.
Many new beads (with some exceptions) don't have the mystic associations of the ancient ones; however, it is said that it is possible to give new dzi similar powers with some time and effort: by taking them to be blessed by a Lama or a Guru, taking them to pilgrimages and initiations, to holy places, stupas, and shrines, and reciting mantras, as well as taking religious vows with them. The new dzi also do not carry any of the absorbed bad karma of the previous owner(s), which is a good point. To rid the stone of bad energy - the motivation during creation and sale of the dzi can be bad or even criminal - submerge the dzi in saltwater for some hours and then fan incense over it. The dzi should be treated with respect from that time on. When one engages in any impure activity, it should be taken off. Some people include sex as such an activity. Sun basking and herbal smudging is also said to purify the beads. Spirit aroma offering and recitation of Cintamani dharani maybe helpful in charging the bead as well.
Read more about this topic: Dzi Bead