This imitation Eyed dZi Bead is nearly 3 inches in length and the weight of it makes a great bead to add to a felted purse for a weighted closure.
I found this large, heavy bead in Prescott Valley at "AZ Gem and Mineral". I purchased every last one of them and these are the beads I have left of that batch.
"dZi bead (pronounced Zee) is a stone bead of mysterious origin worn on a necklace and sometimes a bracelet. Collectively in almost all Asian cultures, the bead can expect to provide a positive spiritual benefit. They are generally prized as protective amulets. The meaning of the word 'dZi' translates to 'shine, brightness, clearness, splendor'. In traditional Chinese, the bead is called 'heaven's bead' or 'heaven's pearl'." writes Wikipedia.
This bead has always been a favorite of all trade beads and a real Eyed dZi bead would be very expensive even if you could find a rare original.
Check out my web store: http://rowenaart.net/store/
http://www.rowenaart.net/store/products.php?catid=11&category=Trade%20Beads