To explain my previous comment... If they are marked Gold filled or 10kt GF or 14kt GF, for examples, they are much more valuable than plated or costume jewelry. Just FYI- it goes like this: pure gold, gold filled, gold plated and last is gold electroplate, which wears off pretty fast. Gold Filled beads begin at about $3.50 each for a rather small one....so they are not costume jewelry by far. Pure gold, on February 18th was up to $1383.50 an ounce! Sterling was $31.94 an ounce, that same day. We all try to help each other on Listia- and help out when we can. Welcome- By the way! and Thanx.