I just can't figure out why they went to all the trouble of removing the outer shell layer, or how they did it, especially without breaking off random bits.

I don't think a paid an awful lot for the strand, but I haven't been able to google an image that looks like this strand.

I was going to sell them at my "artists garage sale" today, but I put them back instead. I appreciate all the images and information, and the initial ID from Jamey. Thanks, everyone!