I think more information may be had if you would please take a picture of the perforation, maybe both ends.
Don't know how these type of beads can be dated, so I hope others chime in.
Welcome to the forum!

Thank you very much! here are photos of the ends..

what do you mean the perforation?

...the opening ends of the bead. Here's another question...would that include the entire passageway through? I'm thinking maybe, maybe not...just the holes. Aperture is another term for it should you ever hear someone use that as well.

...the aperture of this bead. And, inquired about the painted box. Still one of my favorite agates. He was Just "Fred" then.

thanks for the reply. that's a cool bead is it the same type as mine? the hole is pretty big and does go all the way through. I'm so glad to have found this forum I have many beads that I try to research and can't find much on them. This seems to be a very active site full of knowledgeable people. Thanks for being so friendly and helpful!

...where you'll find this bead here and can discover more about such beads. This bead here reminds me of your bead. While mine has markings like eyes I wouldn't necessarily refer to it as an eye bead.

wow that looks very much like mine thanks!

This one seems old though. How can one go about getting beads dated?

As far as beads being made in India currently...

so how can you tell if a bead like this is modern or ancient? I assume it makes quite a difference when it comes to a bead like these value..