Tibetan Jewelry: Top 5 Most Precious and Valuable Pieces in Tibet

As you journey across Tibet, one thing that always catches travelers’ eyes is the unique Tibetan jewelry. From turquoise and amber sold along street stalls to refined red coral necklaces, precious dzi beads, and the gold and silver ornaments kept in sacred monasteries, Tibetan jewelry carries unique blessings, good luck, and a deep spiritual meaning that waits for you to discover during your Tibet journey.

For treasure hunters, in this travel guide, we will walk you through the top five most valuable Tibetan jewelry pieces you can explore on your Tibet adventure. So, you can better understand distinctive Buddhist traditions and rich Tibetan culture through these precious jewels.

No. 1 Dzi Beads: The Most Mysterious and Expensive Tibetan Jewelry

Of all Tibetan jewelry, dzi beads are considered the most mysterious and valuable precious gems in Tibet. We Tibetans believe that dzi beads are “treasures left by the gods” in the human world, with mysterious supernatural power. For this reason, they are revered as one of the top treasures in Tibetan Buddhism.

Meanwhile, as a precious stone with magical power, our Tibetans also see dzi beads as a powerful amulet that can protect people from evil spirits, attract wealth, and bring wisdom and blessings.

Another striking feature of dzi beads is their “eye-like” patterns on the beads. The more naturally-formed eyes a dzi bead has, or the rarer its pattern, the more expensive it will be. For example, a well-preserved and genuine nine-eyed dzi from the 7th to 12th century is considered the “king of dzi beads,” and can be worth tens of millions, making it a true top-tier collectible.

Because of this, authentic ancient dzi beads, naturally formed over a thousand years ago, are incredibly rare. Most of these dzi beads are treasured in Tibetan monasteries or passed down through families for generations. It is extremely difficult to find an ancient dzi bead in the marketplace today, like on Barkhor Street, because most of the ones you see are manmade from agate. However, even so, artificial dzi beads remain popular souvenirs for global travelers to bring good luck and blessings.

Beautiful dzi beads displayed for sale in Tibetan street shops.

Explore the Tibetan jewelry sold on bustling Barkhor Street in the classic 4-day Lhasa tour.

No. 2 Red Coral and Amber: Tibet’s Treasured Gems of Vitality, Beauty, and Prosperity

Another two inseparable treasures in Tibetan jewelry are the fiery red coral and the warm golden glow of amber. Together, they make the key Tibetan ornaments that bring Tibetan jewelry to life.

Interestingly, both red coral and amber you see in Tibet are not native, but are collected from overseas through ancient trade routes. The red coral is mostly from the Mediterranean and Japan, while the amber is from the Baltic Sea. That’s why local Tibetans refer to them as the “soul of the ocean and the earth”.

In Tibetan culture, the blazing color of red coral symbolizes vitality, dignity, passion, courage, and good fortune. High-quality antique red coral beads are now worth a fortune. As you visit sacred Tibetan funeral stupas and holy Buddha statues in monasteries, or meet locals dressed in Tibetan traditional dress with jewelry, you will notice that red coral is widely used for decoration.

On the other hand, the soft and golden amber stands for the earth, wealth, merit, and purity. We Tibetans believe that wearing amber can protect you from evil and even help you feel more connected to the natural world around you, and it is also a unique way to display a family’s status and prosperity. Normally, the older and darker the amber, the more precious it becomes. Particularly, the deep orange to reddish amber is most popular among Tibetans.

Local Tibetans in Chamdo wearing amber necklaces during a traditional Tibetan wedding.

Travel overland from Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp to explore stunning Himalayan peaks and unique local culture.

No. 3 Turquose: Tibet’s Most Beloved Stone and Symbol of the Sky, Water, and Good Luck

As Tibet’s most beloved gemstone, turquoise truly captures the hearts of ordinary Tibetans. Due to its beautiful sky-blue and greenish colors, we Tibetans affectionately call it the “tears of the sky and sacred Tibet lakes”, and the affordable turquoise is cherished and worn by everyone, from nobles to everyday Tibetan villagers.

What’s more, in Tibetan Buddhism, turquoise is closely associated with the Medicine Buddha, who has divine power to heal illness and ward off bad luck. By wearing necklaces or earrings made of turquoise, Tibetans can be protected and stay healthy, and enjoy inner peace.

In addition, while Tibet has a few small turquoise mines, the highest-quality turquoise you will find in Tibetan jewelry stores often comes from Hubei Province in inland China or through trade from Iran.

As you roam over Tibetan gem boutiques on the Lhasa streets, you can see almost every type of Tibetan ornament is made with turquoise and other gemstones, such as necklaces, bracelets, headpieces, and even ceremonial items in monasteries. It would be a great idea to buy an affordable turquoise necklace or bracelet as a special gift for your family and friends.

The beautiful turquoise necklace worn by a graceful Tibetan woman.

Explore Mount Everest and two of holiest lakes in Tibet on a thrilling Tibet adventure.

No. 4 Gau Box Pendant: Portable Shrine and Protective Amulet in Tibet

Unlike the ordinary gemstones mentioned above, the Gau Box Pendant is a sacred metal box that Tibetans often wear as a protective amulet. Traditionally, Gau boxes are crafted from gold or silver, often inlaid with precious stones such as turquoise, coral, or amber.

Beyond its exquisite exterior, the magic of the Gau Box Pendant lies in what it holds inside. We Tibetans often place a tiny Buddha statue, a scroll with mantras, sacred Buddhist relics, or even a revered monk’s personal items, like a piece of clothing or a lock of his hair.

These sacred items transform the Gau box from a piece of jewelry into a powerful amulet that brings blessings, guidance, and protection to the wearer. That is why we Tibetans often call the Gau Box Pendant a “portable shrine”.

Besides, the Gau Box Pendant comes in styles, sizes, and craftsmanship. During your Tibet tour, you will see that men’s Gau boxes are usually larger and square-shaped, while women’s are often smaller, with more delicate and ornate designs. This balance reflects the unique Tibetan aesthetic of blending faith with beauty.

The exquisite and magical Gau Box Pendant in Tibet.

Visit Lhasa and Shigatse, two of the cultural heartlands of Tibet.

No. 5 Gold & Silver: The “Canvas” of All Tibetan Jewelry Art

Apart from the precious stones, it is gold and silver that weave together the beauty of turquoise, red coral, amber, dzi beads, and other accessories into stunning pieces of Tibetan jewelry.

In crafting Tibetan jewelry, silver plays a key role. Local craftsmen usually don’t use pure silver, but a mix of silver and copper, which makes the metal harder and more durable.

From bracelets and rings to necklaces, earrings, and traditional headdresses. Almost every precious gemstone you see in Tibetan jewelry is set on a silver base. The clean white tone of silver helps bring out the fiery reds of coral, the deep blues of turquoise, the golden warmth of amber, and the unique patterns of dzi beads.

Meanwhile, the shining white color of silver symbolizes purity, virtue, and good fortune. That is why silver is believed to ward off evil and protect the wearer.

Whereas gold is rarer and much more expensive than silver. In most cases, gold is used as the final touch in Tibetan jewelry, adding a sense of sacredness and supreme beauty.

In the past, only monasteries, revered monks, noble families, and wealthy merchants could afford gold to decorate jewelry. However, today, most gold jewelry is more affordable, from a solid-gold Gau box or a golden clasp for a dzi bead, to rings and elaborate headpieces. People love to wear jewelry with gold ornaments to bring out elegance and sacred beauty. And local craftsmen would decorate silver jewelry with a small amount of gilding or fine gold inlay just to add a touch of splendor.

A local Tibetan craftsman is crafting a headdress with gold and silver, and turquoise.

Tibetan Jewelry: How We Wear It in Daily Life and the Best Time to Buy

In daily life, when we need to herd yaks in the grasslands or farm in the fields, we won’t wear heavy and elaborate jewelry. Instead, almost everyone keeps at least one or two simple and lightweight ornaments for protection and blessing.

A mala (prayer bead string) is the most common for prayers and reciting mantras. It could be made of bodhi seeds, sandalwood, or simple agate beads. Many also wear a Gau box pendant, a small and popular amulet believed to protect them from dangers and evil, especially when traveling through the wilderness. Still, some may just wear a piece of amber, a coral bead, or turquoise tied with a simple string for blessings.

During big Tibetan festivals, things are completely different! In Losar (Tibetan New Year), the Shoton Festival, or the Harvest Festival, and more, we will put on the finest clothes and wear their full set of family jewelry.

Join local Tibetans to enjoy a joyful celebration of Tibetan opera, giant Thangka unveilings during Shoton Festival.

Women’s headdresses sparkle with coral, turquoise, and amber. Around the neck, layers of necklaces pile up, such as dzi beads, big coral and amber strings, and Gau boxes. At the waist, ornate silver accessories like belt hooks, small knives, or sewing kits hang as symbols of both practical daily use and wealth.

These occasions are not just about looking beautiful. They are about showing respect to the Buddhist deities, honoring family traditions, and displaying the wealth of the household.

In addition, we will also wear jewelry during the most important moments in life. At a traditional Tibetan wedding, you will see that the bride wears all the jewelry her family has passed down, such as coral, dzi beads, amber, turquoise, exquisite headpieces, and much more. This is both her dowry and a blessing for the union of the two families.

For a newborn, elders might gift a child a tiny Gau box or a single coral bead as their very first protective amulet. Besides, during the challenging Mt. Kailash pilgrimage, we would also wear their mala and Gau box and believe that these sacred items to protect them on the long journey and bring good luck.

Enjoy the classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour to explore the magical power of Tibet's holiest peak.

Meanwhile, the most auspicious time to buy Tibetan jewelry is during major Tibetan festivals, such as the Tibetan New Year (Losar, Feb/Mar). After completing the kora (pilgrimage walk) around the holy Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, we may buy a piece of jewelry on Barkhor Street or in one of the old jewelry workshops in the old quarters of Lhasa. We believe that jewelry carries the blessing of the sacred journey and auspicious timing, and its protective power will be even stronger.

Besides, when there is a wedding, parents also love to buy Tibetan jewelry for the bride’s dowry and the groom’s wedding gift. It is not only a dazzling display of wealth but also the most precious heritage that will be passed down to the new couple as they begin their new life together.

What’s more, for Tibetans living in rural regions, summer (Jun to Aug) and autumn (Sep to Oct) are also popular times to buy jewelry. In summer, the grasslands are lush, the yaks and sheep grow strong, and herders have a good income by selling livestock. In autumn, farmers celebrate a successful harvest and finally have cash in hand. These are joyful times when families reward themselves with a new coral necklace or a larger dzi bead.

The well-dressed Tibetan bride and groom with many Tibetan jewelry pieces during the Tibetan wedding.

Enjoy the rollercaster ride across mighty Himalayas to Kathmandu via Gyirong Port, with a stunning 360-degree view of lofty Mt. Everest.

For Tourists, Best Places to Explore and Buy Tibetan Jewelry: Barkhor Street, Local Workshops, Reputable Stores

If you are visiting Tibet and want to experience the beauty of Tibetan jewelry, the following places offer you a great chance to admire and even purchase these treasures.

Barkhor Street is the famous pilgrim circuit that encircles the holy Jokhang Temple at the heart of Lhasa. On both sides, you will find countless shops and antique markets selling traditional jewelry, from coral and turquoise necklaces to amber beads and intricately designed Gau boxes. Here, you can browse, compare, and even chat with local shopkeepers through our local experts. You will learn fascinating stories and meanings behind each piece.

For culture explorers who long for a deep cultural experience, we can arrange for you to visit local jewelry workshops. Here, you can closely observe how local craftsmen shape silver and gold, set gemstones on necklaces to make them come alive. It is a personal and eye-opening experience that most travelers miss out on.

Alternatively, if you prefer to buy refined and high-end Tibetan jewelry as gifts or souvenirs, the flagship and reputable stores in Lhasa are your best option. Here, you can choose from certified pieces and high-quality gemstones, and the staff are usually happy to explain the raw materials, designs, and stories behind each piece of Tibetan jewelry, as well as teach you how to care for it.

Besides, as you tour famous Tibetan monasteries and temples, and the Tibet Museum, you also have great opportunities to buy protective amulets, malas, and bracelets that have received a special blessing from revered Tibetan monks. These Tibetan jewelry and amulets will bring great luck and blessings to your life.

Explore sacred Lhasa city and secluded meditation retreats around Lhasa.

More Insider Tips for Exploring Tibetan Jewelry

Tibetan jewelry comes in many styles and price ranges, from simple and affordable turquoise bracelets and necklaces to exquisite and high-end treasures. You can look online beforehand to learn the basics, such as the different stones like coral, turquoise, and amber. This will help you better appreciate the craftsmanship and colors of each piece.

If you plan to buy Tibetan jewelry, it is best to go with our local experts. They can help you understand the value, avoid scams and fake products, and explain the spiritual meaning of each piece. Besides, our local experts can also take you to the reliable stores and help you bargain with the shop owners, and share local customs and taboos. So, your shopping experience can be both safe and respectful.

In addition, Tibetan jewelry is more than ornaments. When handling items like Gau boxes, malas, or monk-blessed amulets, do so with care. Avoid touching sacred items inside the jewelry or any holy jewelry inside a Tibetan monastery. If you are not sure about something, asking your guide’s advice is always the smartest option.

If the Tibetan jewelry you’re looking at seems very expensive, you can ask the shop for an official certificate for the piece. You can even scan the QR code to verify if the certificate is genuine. It’s an easy way to shop safely and confidently.

Finally, jewelry markets and shops in Lhasa and Shigatse can feel busy and colorful. Take your time to compare pieces and choose what truly speaks to you. Whether it’s a souvenir, a protective amulet, or a piece to invest in, the right jewelry is the one that resonates with your heart.

Our guests are exploring jewelry shops in Lhasa.

Travel overland from Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp to explore stunning Himalayan peaks and unique local culture.

Conclusion

Tibetan jewelry is more than an ornament for beauty. It reflects Tibet’s rich Buddhist traditions, culture, and aesthetic. From the sacred Gau box pendant to the timeless beauty of turquoise and red coral, each piece tells a story and carries blessings for the wearer.

If you have more questions about Tibetan jewelry and about the Tibet tour, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Looking forward to showing you the most authentic travel experience in Tibet soon, Tashi Delek!