Yes... but it doesnt even matter if its some real thing or not if you havent shelled out a fortune.

If someone is building up a complete collection then they may feel compelled to spend top money for beads, but then the motive might partly be investment for future needs, which is a different sort of gain from the fun of accumulating lots of unusual things and then finding out their stories.
If you are a big spender, word gets around among the dealers. I'd rather they just think of me as a bit daft.

For most of us we enjoy the challenge and the risk and learn a lot along the way.

Stefany