Tons of these types of beads appear at bead shows at the tables of the Tibetan & Nepalese sellers.

Nice ethnic designs but neither rare nor old.

No wonder they felt lightweight! Thanks!

I was once told that this type of bead does come from Nepal area.
He said these were made from old bowling balls.
I have seen them in red, blue, green and gold.
The ball is cut up and the weighted core is tossed away and capped beads are made from the glittery stuff.
Truth or fiction..........You decide

I love that story...'truth or fiction' it's a good one!

Bowling ball plastic (polyester) could be re-melted and molded into beads. Interesting re-purposing of the plastic.

I should add that the silver-colored parts on these type of beads often look like plastic as well - can't really tell from the pictures.