This was a strand of very nice white faceted beads. I would guess the string broke and the beads began to fall off. It is very old. When a bead is touched more string breaks. They are graduated beads and possibly bakelite. I am not interested in retaining any projects at this time. One bead has part of a clasp still attached. I would expect that it would come apart very easily to attach a new clasp. The very center front should have a large bead and two smaller beads to each side, but one of those smaller beads is missing. I would just pull it out of the package, but in the interest of being open with a perspective purchaser I would rather they know the situation. If the necklace is too short with that side bead left out of the re stringing I would just insert two decorative beads of a different color or texture to lengthen the strand, or put fill beads at the back. It has been in a smoke free home. We must collect 6% Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax at checkout. Thanks for stopping by!