At least we're starting to agree that some of these beads are doubtful. But I don't understand how the two jug-shaped beads you are suspicious of differ from the three you think are okay. Can you explain, please? They all look to me as though they could come from the same (contemporary) workshop.

As you say, many fake "Ghabri" beads seem to come out of Afghanistan and I've seen large quantities in Peshawar. I always thought they were made in Lebanon, but India is also a possibility. Either way, Stefany is right.

I've been looking around today to try to find authenticated examples (I mean in museums, auction houses, publications) that resemble the jug-shaped beads on this strand. So far I haven't found any - which doesn't mean that none exist, only that they're quite unusual compared to the standard amulets. But in the process I did find some of the more common beads in a Lot that was sold at Christie's in London last April for - wait for it! - $20,225. That's $20,225 for 15 beads/amulets, some of them broken, and two very ordinary little glass jarlets. Crazy, eh? And yet I'm told the same beads can still be bought in Israel for under $100.

Best wishes,

Will