They are not new for certain, though "new" is not really a relevant term in itself!

I have seen such beads for the first time in Bamako 1991, but was too naive to buy them, since I realized they were no "real (Italian) Chevrons". I wish I had.

A candidate is Gablonz, if you ask me, but I have no(t much) evidence to back it up! It's the most likely candidate, though!

John should have knowledge about them - Jamey too!