The 5 Most Faked Collectibles in the Spiritual World

1. Antique Beads

The hottest items on social media are so-called “Tibetan antique beads.” Every seller claims theirs are from the highlands, as if everyone has suddenly become Tibetan. But have you ever thought about where these so-called old beads actually come from?

True antique Tibetan beads are painstakingly collected over time—some are even passed down through generations. One thing to keep in mind: Tibetans view money very differently from people in Han regions. Do you really think someone would sell beads they've worn and cherished for decades just for a bit of cash?

Some even claim to have received beads from a revered lama. Really? What kind of dire situation would a lama have to be in to sell sacred items to some WeChat shopkeeper?
If you’re wondering what’s the right way to obtain real antique beads—honestly, it's all about karma and timing.

2. Tiger Bone, Bear Bone, etc.

You see someone casually peddling so-called tiger bones on the street next to crossbows and knives, and you believe that’s legit? Even within the circle, few dare vouch for authenticity. Why?
Because there are no masters left to pass down the knowledge, no real examples to study, and these items are banned from sale. Museum pieces can’t be touched, zoo animals aren’t exactly available for comparison, and you think someone on WeChat has the real thing?

Let’s be real—the amount of “tiger bone” currently for sale could drive the species extinct ten times over. If you're dead set on knowing what’s real, I suggest learning DNA testing. It’s accurate—but don’t blame me if it lands you in prison.

3. Top-Grade Agarwood (Kyara)

Whenever agarwood is mentioned, someone brings up Kyara—"a scent so divine it blesses three lifetimes," they say. "Worth more than gold per gram." People are captivated by the hype and scour the globe, only to come home with a giant fake resin pill.

Real Kyara isn’t made—it’s discovered. Think of it like diamonds. This type of scent never circulates on the open market. The world of agarwood is dominated by wealthy collectors. It simply doesn't reach outsiders.

And here’s a harsh truth: Agarwood is a globally coveted fragrance, especially among Arabs. You know how deep their pockets go. Let’s just accept our fate and enjoy our humble little incense sticks.

4. Kapala (Skull Cup)

Let’s be clear—real Kapalas are crafted from the skulls of revered monks. You think you can just casually buy one online? Then your common sense could use a serious reboot.

Today, there are two kinds on the market. The cheap ones? Cow bones, poorly made imitations. The expensive ones? Let’s just say you don’t want to know. Rumor has it they were dug up—literally. The demand has triggered a wave of grave-robbing, disturbing countless souls.

People wear amulets to attract blessings and repel evil. You? You’re wearing something that could invite spirits. Brave—I'll give you that.

5. Pure Authentic Dzi Beads

Dzi beads are the holy grail of the collectible world—talked about constantly, truly understood by few.

Their pricing is brutally polarized. The real ones? Easily hundreds of thousands of dollars per bead. The fakes? Just a few bucks to produce. Then there are mid-range ones made of glass or other synthetic materials—we won’t even bother with those.

I once asked a well-known dealer about a slightly imperfect Dzi bead—off-shape, minor flaws. He quoted me "136." If I’d shown up with $136 in cash, I’d probably have been kicked out of his store.