Daft question would like confirmation

Got a fireplace to do in next few weeks.
This one is for myself as having a multi fuel stove installed.

I'm going to be using k rend on the breast and sides of the chamber.
The rear wall of the chamber is done in stone.

I'm going for the rustic look on the whole breast to tie everything in.

I could S&C it but thought I'd try something a little different

My question is obviously I dont think plastic beads are a good idea around the opening.

Anybody used metal beads with mono (k rend...

Daft question would like confirmation