In Tibet, precious materials include gold, silver, pearls, turquoise, coral, amber, copper, iron and distinct types of banded light and dark chalcedony stone called gZhi in Tibetan. Although many of the metals, freshwater pearls and some types of turquoise can be found naturally in certain Tibetan regions, others are luxury imports. The distant Mediterranean provides coral—one of the most prized stones among Tibetans. Amber comes from the Baltic coast in northern Europe, as well as Siberia and Myanmar (Burma). Saltwater pearls are imported from Russia and the Indian Ocean—both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

From these raw materials Tibetans work the metals, then string, sew or inset pearls and stone beads to create elaborate tiaras, hair ornaments, necklaces, bracelets, rings, waist ornaments and amulets. Each form of these individual pieces reflects striking regional distinctions while sharing similar decorative motifs often lifted from Buddhist imagery.