These are 14 mm from hole to hole and 16 mm wide. The purple swirl is around the core of the bead and it has a thick clear covering. The beads end up looking like marbles (only not round) The shade is interesting as well: it is 6 irregular sides. The angles between the sides are rounded. These are really a stunning bead. They were made in Germany between 1919 and 1938. Each strand has about 25 beads and is 14 inches long.