Yes I would go with recycled glass for the big beads. The smaller beads have certainly be made from a glass sphere as I can see the shiny surface at the corners of the bead. I have tried to show this in the photo, plus one of my favorites where the maker drilled nearly all the way through from both sides before he finaly met up. I am certain they came from Africa in the 1950s although they may have originated elswhere. Thank you again. Alex