An unusual piece, oval cross section!

 

You can clearly see that the patterns are below the surface, not painted or etched.

Ships USPS insured, signature required for delivery.

dZi beads are considered auspicious or lucky by people of the Tibetan culture.

Odd numbered eyes are considered much luckier than even numbers. Certain dzi , with shapes such as the "Horse Tooth" may also be seen, but are much rarer.  

I acquired this piece sometime around 2001.

The age is indeterminate, but is certainly not ancient.

Authentic dZi beads with "eye" patterns may be hundreds of years old and are mentioned in Chinese historic documents c. 800 AD

Some striped agates and carnelians may be older and were traded throughout central Asia, possibly as long ago as Neolithic times.