Jet I think, brooches again

They are not necessarily all that old. The people who valued them are not the people who made them. Not sure how much makers cared about producing beads that would last for centuries. Would think the ooh-aah factor more important. What about them looks Japanese?

@BoudiccaJones Is that a broken bead at bottom right? What does the interior look like?

 

Yes, Cuz it's broken in half...it's hollow. I'll try to take pic xxx

 

Bronwen, I get the feeling we are talking about two different types of beads: Trade Beads versus decorative beads.

Here is some info about Trade Beads as they were used in Africa:

"The Dutch and Portuguese were among the first Europeans actively trading along the African Coasts dating back to the 16th century. "Trade Beads" manufactured in Europe readily fit into a barter currency system used for African goods and already actively traded commodities such as ivory, gold, copper, spices and palm oil. Sadly, slaves were also an actively existing trade, and certain beads were also accepted in this heinous practice as well. European trade beads took on such importance and cachet that they became a status symbol of wealth and power in African communities. Certain types deemed the most valuable were reserved for use only by Kings and their Royal Courts. Almost all cultures in this time period viewed these exotic "foreign" glass beads a symbol of wealth and social standing. The beads entered into the realm of Heirloom Beads and Dowry Currency, and were passed down from generations of families as highly treasured possessions."
https://beadsofparadisenyc.com/collections/rare-ancient-beads/indonesia

And here is some info about Asian Trade Beads:

"Beads are some of the few remaining traded objects to be found along the immense silk routes. Like ceramics, they also reveal innovations in the development of their means of production, as well as changing tastes and uses. Four types of beads have been found in Southeast Asia: 1. Indo-Pacific monochrome beads (2nd century BC to 1200 AD), which were made by Indians and Tamils; 2. Segmented, folded and mosaic eye beads (9th – 11th century AD), which originated in the Islamic West; 3. Java beads (10th century AD), consisting of a variety of shapes and designs, often made from sintered or low-fired glass; 4. Chinese beads (12th – 17th century AD), primarily made in Shantung Province and Canton, using a winding process, and which later contained lead."
https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/know...ad-trade-and-state-development-southeast-asia

They look like Japanese beads that I've seen, but I am not an expert on Japanese decorative glass beads. @clutteredcloset49 probably knows more about the subject.