The nacre in a pearl and the nacre in mother of pearl share the same material composition. The physical difference is that pearl layers accumulate concentrically around a nucleus while mother of pearl deposits flat along the shell interior.
Elemental Detail
Push pull clasps are manufactured in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, and sterling silver to match the chains they secure. A clasp in a different metal introduces a tonal break at the closure and dissimilar metal contact at the joint, both of which compromise the piece's integrity over time. Metal matching in push pull clasp construction is a requirement, not a finishing preference.
Visually Speaking
The case for agate as a statement material is solid. The natural banding and patterning produced over millions of years creates a visual presence that is both entirely unrepeatable and outside of human design, giving it a sacred, special feel.