Those are fresh water pearls shaped like bars that have mixed it up a bit in the mussel. Often they look like claws. These look like hands. They are unusual, but they show up from time to time.
That necklace is a real conversation piece.Enjoy wearing it!
Sorry about the mistake. I've edited my post to show the picture of my necklace. I just purchased it from a custom jewelry maker, and I know nothing about this type of pearl, so any information would be most helpful.
I call these types of Chinese freshwater the "chicken feet" pearls. They remind me of some of the dishes my Chinese friends like. Though yours come with an additional bar across, which I have never seen so far. Look like hands indeed.