In the upper left is a new "fake" dzi bead. It's made by decorating agate stone with heat and chemicals...the big metal "shield" looks interesting, I can't tell what the design is.

Congratulations on your finds, Lulu, I didn't get my first African trade bead until I was about 14! We need to encourage new interest in our area of collectibles in order to "keep the love alive"! Keep up the hunt, always paw to the very bottom of the goody boxes at the sales, and always get down to check out the bottom shelf of any display case! Over time, you won't be sorry!