I have been working on seeing the process, I am now familiar with a family producing them but as yet havent been able to see the processes involved. They have shown me other bead production, but I need to be there at the right time to see these ones being produced.
I would hazzard that they are plastic / resin of some type. They seem to have a paler inner which has been dipped in an ochre resin, I was intrigued by Jamie's list of ingredients posted earlier. Have you seen the processes Jamie?

If I ask them I am told Berber Amber!

Once I am able to see this taking place, I shall post info and pics too.
Warm wishes
Sarah