Hi Will,
They came from Afghanistan. The focal bead is a nice deep blue, and the flip-side is a bit greyish - the way the bead is naturally shaped and it's weight distrubution in relationship to the hole keeps the "pretty side" facing outward long as I put the necklace on facing the right way! This quirk does not bother me in the least though. I had wanted chalcedony for a few years since handling a strand priced at 14,000.00. Gulp. It was too large and irregular for me anyway, and mine is just right and with fine color. Glad you like 'em!