Unfortunately"flotation in a saturated salt solution" or small scale scraping test inside the perforation is not possible till the rubber cord deteriorates as it has glued ssilver caps which wont fit through the hole.I did rub it for a long time and it never realy smelt natural so I guess in the meantime i will have to live with it being plastic.Regardless it is a nice item that my partner Clare has had much enjoyment wearing and many comments from.

I did visit your bead shop.Last visit was in 1996 as we dont often get to London living downunder.From memory a great shop where I did find a few treasures.

Regards Andrew