Need some opinions on a chunky bead necklace

[dream*peddler]

Mainly, what is the large amber colored bead? Did not react to Simichrome. Do you think it's organic material or some kind of acrylic? Are the dark discs black coral? Thanks for any help!

[treasureislandpearls]

interesting piece, what kind of clasp does it have?  I have seen coconut shell heshi beads like those, and also pen shell heshi, not likely to be black coral.  the turquoise looks real!  not sure about center, amber? 

[arlene_v]

Maybe copal? 

[1940fc]

No help, dream..but you do find some interesting items!

[flipping_treasures]

Corpal is possible.  Without the piece in hand, t is really hard to tell.  Neat piece.

[dream*peddler]

Thanks for your answers, everyone. The clasp isn't much help except that it points to a vintage time frame. I don't think I've ever had Copal, so I've got some looking up to do 😀.  Shell heshis make more sense than coral. Appreciate the help!

[frommichel]

I wanted to say that it is butterscotch amber. However, the dark bands do not propagate into the stone below the surface when you look at the side of the gem. So, this is a concern. I think that it is a base stone that has been coated. Some coatings are very durable (which is good for a jewelry piece).

[southernmermaid8]

I also agree with most likely not black coral.   One more guess.   I have seen heishi beads made from horn that look like this.  

Not sure about the center bead,  but lean towards organic,  because of the side view and also the other natural beads.  

[dream*peddler]

Thanks for your response @frommichel . I did some research on how to tell the difference between amber and copal and here is one of the tips:

Smell:

• Copal: Because copal is much younger than amber, it tends to have more smell. Rubbing a piece of copal hard on the bottom of your palm may release a piney or citrusy scent.
• Amber: To release its characteristic resinous smell, you’ll need to perform the “hot-point” test by ...

After reading that, I rubbed the bead on my palm and it released a very strong scent of pine, so I'm convinced the bead is Copal.

[dream*peddler]

Thanks, mermaid! Another organic material I hadn't thought of. It could very well be horn. Great tip!