Necklace #1 with stone beads - old or just wonky?

Here is the first of a hand-full of stone bead necklaces that I initially purchased for their large 14K spring-ring clasps. The necklaces all look to have been strung by the same person because of the identical clasps and spacer beads ... and they seemed like a steal at $8 to $11.

I love the different shades of white in these large (largest is over ¾" DIA) round-ish beads ... but they remind me of Marge Simpson's necklace - so I don't wear it.

These are agates, correct?

None are true spheres ... and most aren't even drilled through their centers. Also ... the holes are drilled from each side and meet up somewhere near the center - usually, a couple of these have a third hole that doesn't meet with the two that do ....

I've heard that some older beads were drilled from opposing sides, but that they also had big wide holes from the primitive drills used ... these holes are about 2mm wide ... not small, but not really large either.

I'm wondering if these beads are significantly older than the necklaces (several necklaces have not-quite round beads of various stones, drilled from both ends)

Any thoughts?

(ignore the number 1 - I was going to show them all in one post, but then thought it would get too confusing)


close- up of a bead and (ugh) schmutz around hole - yikes! didn't see that with my naked eye!

another close-up showing lack of roundness

close-up of an extra hole

bead held against light showing three drill paths

 

I thought they were travertine at first, but while banded they don't have that cheap, chipped look of the Mexican beads. They look like what I've seen called Native Cut beads, and could be any age. If you see a lot of wear around the bead hole, that's a good clue. If you find some Wilma Flintstone pearls, grab 'em since hers would have been natural pearls, and natural pearls that big....yowza.(LOL)

 

You often see those third holes on Chinese stone beads. When at first you don't succeed....

 

...drill drill again. Like a really bad dentist.

 

Thanks to @evelyb30 and @Any Jewelry for your thoughts on these