First off, I was one of those people who believed these phenolic resin beads were REAL amber for at least twenty years until you enlighted me about twelve years ago as to what they actually are.

I have seen thousands of these beads over the last thirty five years and there seems to be standard sizes and shapes which leads me to believe these were factory made, to a set standard, most likely in Europe. As you mentioned as well.

Additionally, I think most of the odd shapes, diamond shapes and beads with carved designs were re-shaped in Africa from European made beads. Also, I think most of the dark colored beads were enhanced with heat in Africa as well.

Carl