What makes you doubt the discs are from a Mani? Do you see beads ground into shapes like these produced as commercial beads? I don't.

I am no expert so can't answer your questions with authority. I only have my own experience. Conch shell is not jade. It does wear relatively quickly depending on the amount of use though. I think your estimate is based on conjecture. Perhaps more than one Mani contributes to a malla - but I don't see why it has too? Do you??

From what I have witnessed most old time Tibetans that use prayer wheels have no formula written down for exactly how this has to be. Sometimes they are small - sometimes they are large. Tibetans seem to manage it their own way and don't question everything like we do.

Sure they are personal and sacred objects. So are gau', malla, thogchag, purba, etc, etc, still they seem to be available?

How about your dzi beads James??? Are they not powerful personal amulets but still - there they are on E-Bay???

Circumstances influence the value and movement of goods everywhere. Tibetans are consummate capitalists and a very practical people. Sell a funky old object to a tourist and go buy a brand shiny new one made in Kathmandu! Tourists are so naive??? In Tibet it will become old quickly anyway....... sometimes instantly just like E-Bay!

People in Tibet are just like people everywhere - they can't take it with them em'there either? Otherwise nothing would be left to sell would it??

Do I think these were ripped off from a sacred site? No, James I don't. There are none of these disc beads in the photo I posted if you look closely. Do you think the old beads on your web site were ripped off from a sacred site?

A few old 'conch' beads collected in Tibet.