Looking for ID on Unusual Composite & Sterling Beads Necklace

Hello Helpful Friends,

I have this necklace of sterling, tigers eye quartz and what I am calling “composite” beads of two styles. I am trying to ID country of origin and the mystery bead materials.

The large drum beads are curved panels of light tan organic matter, fitted together. I see some transparency in spots, don’t know if it’s the “bonding material” or part of the organic matter. There are lengthwise cream-color wavy growth lines, and an appearance of hollow tubules at the ends with magnification. Can’t explain the dramatic dark brown squiggles. The beads are light for size, may be hollow.

The saucer or disk beads are deeper yellow with russet, tan, brown and black markings. I did a hot pin test on one and it barely pierced the surface; these are too warm, too soft and too light to be any kind of stone. I’m thinking hand-made.

The silver color beads are all sterling as is the sleek push-clasp which is out-of-character with the design. It is marked “Sterling” but nothing else is. The silver beads suggest the Middle East to me.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

Wondering if central beads might be tagua nut?

 

They are darker and more dramatically patterned than tagua I see online and unless tagua is VERY large you couldn't carve 1 1/2" long panels and form them into these barrels. The barrels are about 1 5/8" long and 1 1/8" diameter. I appreciate the input!

 

The large beads are "spongy or cancellous tissue" bone.

 

Thank you! Oh my! They are dyed, I assume? IS there a more trade-popular term for them? Are they contemporary, do you think? What country/countries use them? Do the silver beads suggest the place of origin?

 

bone would be a good keyword...

 

Just for in the future: it is NEVER a good idea to do a hot pin test on anything!!!!!

 

but folks still do......I guess it's like an urban legend..

 

More like India. Did you test the silver content?

It looks like a home made necklace, with one of those ready-made 'sterling' tags. Whoever made it did a good job, it is a nicely balanced design.