Need some help with this unusual clasp?

[BrendaKY]

I got these for just a few dollars at an estate on line auction. The bells were very intriguing. I am pretty sure these are real pearls. Gritty on teeth and I think natural freshwater Chinese pearls. The hues are pink and golden. Very beautiful and about 50 inches in total. Haven’t measured them yet. My curiosity is the clasps? Very primitive made I think maybe brass with maybe a painted coating? Very odd looking. I can’t really tell how the pearls are attached inside? Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Your thoughts please.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Base metal end cones I think, and these often have a bar or ring inside the cone that the needle and thread or wire can be passed through.
Cones are often used when stringing multiple small strands together; not sure why there were used for this necklace.

 

[CortezPearls]

I saw a few like these so loong ago down here in Mexico. Yes, it works the way @Pearl Dreams explains.
Very rough work on the clasp.

 

[BrendaKY]

Base metal end cones I think, and these often have a bar or ring inside the cone that the needle and thread or wire can be passed through.
Cones are often used when stringing multiple small strands together; not sure why there were used for this necklace.

Yes the cones are pretty ugly for sure. Thank you for the explanation. Was I correct with the identification of the pearls?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They are cultured Chinese freshwater pearls (not natural pearls, but naturally colored, which is what I think you meant).

 

[BrendaKY]

They are cultured Chinese freshwater pearls (not natural pearls, but naturally colored, which is what I think you meant).

Yes natural in color. I am learning so much from all of you. I cannot thank you enough.