These cowrie shells are the real thing, vintage shells that for centuries were popular currency in West Africa. The gold weight is also genuine, having been used for as long as gold was the primary unit of currency in West Africa. The sizes do vary but most are approximately 2 1/2" (6.3 cm) in internal diameter x 5/8" of leather width (1.6 cm). The cowrie shells' width increases that width to 15/16" (2.4 cm)