Antique Mauritania "Amber" beads, Flat chevrons giving it a shinier appearance

giving it a shinier appearance than most

Newly mined from India

but very small (size 5) high-silver content ring  (about 90%) made in Ethiopia about 100 years ago

black with golden yellow and red feathering

Photo shows front and the backs of which some are damaged

Antique Mauritania "Amber" beads, Flat chevrons giving it a shinier appearanceThis large FLAT diamond shaped bead is over 100 years old and is found in Mauritania and Niger. It is imitation (like Bakelite) amber made in Germany from plant resin. 33mm x 31mm x 10mm thick; stringing hole is approximately 1. 5 2mm and there is a decorative hole through the center, adding to design possibilities. This bead has an great sub surface, multi level passages as well as some carved lines for texture. Photo shows two views of the same