That is annoying indeed. Not sure where they are from. They probably are new, but what is good to know is that the fact that the bead release is still in there does not mean it is for sure new. I have bought vintage Czech beads that still had the release in them. They had just been sitting in boxes for several decades.

With the risk of going for the 'The must be Indonesian' conclusion too quick, they do remind me of some of these Indonesian made beads. Especially the style of murrine. I am not sure, but bead release from the Czech Republic is usually more white, as is Indian bead release. They do somehow look a bit Japanese too. They are difficult to pinpoint.......

I think I might have a bead that kinda looks like this except it is yellow. I will try to look for it and look more closely!

I know, I know, they are always cagey about sources.
And often they've bought the beads from someone else, so they really don't have reliable info. But the more honest traders, if queried, will at least discuss the matter with you. After all, they want to know if their customers are suspicious and unlikely to buy.

Not new, but not antique either. JP may be able to confirm this (or not). I think they are very nice, actually...years ago Abdul had a whole hank of strands of the blue and white ones. I have a smattering of colors, just samples, including the brown, blue and white, the yellow base, maybe one or 2 others...not as "special" as antique Venetians, so could be regarded as "cheap filler" on a 1500.00 strand, but 12 years ago strands of these were 60.00, so easily double that today for the trader price, I'd guess.

They were on a $180 strand so I don't feel so badly about it now...