This necklace is one of today's thrift store finds. I know these types of 'amber' beads were in bead stores in the 1990s. What is the material called and how does it compare to phenolic resin? Sizes here range from 12-14mm. The coral appears to be dyed bamboo coral. There are some striations (stripes) and some white spots in it.

I was going to post this separately, but since the subject of phenolic came up, thanks for looking at my humble showing.

Submerge these beads (or this necklace) in VERY hot water (not boiling but really hot water from the sink) for a few minutes and pull it out and smell it. Phenolic resin has a distinctive stank.....I mean, aroma.

I cannot tell what these are by looking at a photo. Good luck.

Carl

yes they have a smell. Nearest I can describe it is like wet wool, faintly of mothballs. What should phenolic smell like? Send me to a good discussion if you know of any.

Well, "wet wool" is not how I would describe the smell of hot phenolic resin. Let's see.......something very chemical, strange, hot, burning insulation.....all wrong. That's all I can say.

arrrgh! The entire topic of amber has me vexed. When I try the tests, they don't make any sense. I smell a synthetic smell too, now that they are cooled, and maybe some perfume. Too confusing.

Mostly I hoped one of the former bead store owners/workers would recognize them. I think they are pretty much the same material, whatever it's called, as the golden colored beads of the same style and various sizes common in bead stores in the mid 1990s.