The first strand I purchased about 7 years ago from the Bedouin in
Beersheva Israel.I had learned from friends there that the beads came up through the Sudan and were agates.
I coincidentally picked up the 2nd strand last week in Tel Aviv at the flea market. Here the white banding is in the middle.These I believe are glass copies of the original agate beads.

Russ, the granulated silver beads are typical Yemenite work. These beads are called "berries".

Paula