Very pretty beads. Purchased 2 strings as part of a multiple abalone bead purchase, attempting to familiarize myself with what's available in the material. —These beads have shiny shell on both sides, which appear to be affixed back-to-back with a medium in between. For the price, I think they are a good buy, a lot of “bang for the buck,” but not quite right for my current design plans. Although that may change. —In the attached photo, beads are pictured showing the side they displayed by chance, and then arranged in rows.