Hello, I was the seller of these beautiful Venetian beads. It is sad that we have got to a stage where there are so many fakes out there that we have come to question everything. These beads were in superb condition,and to my knowledge had never been strung or used before.I know we need to be careful of reproductions, fakes ect but have we become so cynical that we are even suspicious of the most obviously genuine beautiful Venetian beads. I was sad to part with these but needs must, and I am so very glad they went to a lovely new home.