We originally bought these beads because leather lacing fits nicely through them and we were going to make a special necklace with them. Then we decided not to make the necklace and instead thought the beads so pretty that they could be used as accents in special jewelry projects.
Although they are not hallmarked, they were bought from a reputable Indian dealer at a high quality jewelry trade show. So, we trust that they are sterling as sold to us.
As pictured, the stringing hole goes from top to bottom. However, you need only move it a bit to make this be from side to side, of course. The bead measures (as pictured) 9/16 inch high by 1/2 inch wide by 3/16 inch thick. The stringing hole is a bit over 3mm.