Fine jewelry beads are made from precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, pearls, coral, and amber: materials that carry intrinsic value and a use history that glass, resin, and synthetic alternatives can reference but not replicate.
Visually Speaking
A mechanism earns its place in fine jewelry by performing reliably without intruding on the piece. The lobster clasp has done exactly that across the full quality spectrum, from entry fine to luxury, because it scales cleanly into precious metals without asking for visual concessions.
Made With Purpose
Jewelers settled on silver as a plating base for practical reasons: gold bonds to it reliably during electroplating, and the two metals expand and contract at similar rates, which contribute to a stable bond.