A bead is a shaped, perforated unit (metal, gemstone, glass, or organic material), that only becomes jewelry in sequence. The perforation is the defining feature: with it, you have the building block of an entire jewelry category.
Elemental Detail
14kt gold is durable because its alloy metals make it measurably hard and scratch-resistant. A practical advantage if the piece will be worn, not stored.
Built For Ease
The clutch back is the default closure for post-style earrings: studs, drops, and dangles alike. It has held that position across fine and fashion jewelry because the compact form and universal post compatibility just simply work really well.