Just to update...
I bought new beads because I needed them anyway. I found that when wet the new beads immediately went clear. The old ones really need a good soaking to rehydrate. Once wet they both keep humidity as expected. Maybe it’s the age causing the hydration issue or something to do with all the cycles they have gone through. The old ones are pretty fractured too. It time to put them out to pasture I think. RIP my first Heartfelt beads, you will be remembered.