Here is an another interesting link:

http://beadcollector.net/cgi-bin/anyboard.cgi?fvp=/openforum/&cmd=get&cG=6383830333&zu=3638383033&v=2&gV=0&p=

(11/30/2009 09:54:38 from Shukgirl)

And in Stefany Tomalin's latest book "Beads - a history and collector's guide" on page 6 you will find a picture of these beads with the text: "Ëighteenth-century Italian Maiolica -glazed pottery beads, bearing Latin mottos".

I liked the ones that were offered on ebay very much and I would have done a serious bid but the shipping costs for this item from the USA to Europe were (as usual) extremely high.

Nel