Knitting - specifically knitting jewellery - explains that. Different holes allow you to create chains of different sizes, which in case of jewellery, also does not need to be standardised (lack of any standard or markings makes theories of some measurement device unlikely). That also explains regional popularity and proximity to gold (several of those items were found close to places were gold coins were produced or stored).
Beijinger|7 months ago
And none were found in Italy or in the South. Guess what, you don't need gloves there in the winter.