For comparison these decorated black & white and carnelian beads with same patterns but with the normal plain bands flanking at the ends. The average length of these 2 beads are approximating 2.6 cm.

Coming back to the original posted decorated black & white bead with length of approximating 4.8 cm.

Is it less common for this type of decorated patterns without the bands at the ends?

What causes the decorated white patterns to be spotty and gray color in some areas?

What is the educated guess whether this bead is old or new?

Any comments or information are most appreciated.

Thank you.

Lee