Does anyone know what is on the top two tiers? 

Totally a guess — I think it is a very tight form of cornelli   Maybe w/some glittery dust 

So I decided it was the Wilton Gold Sequins, this is the final product.

Whether or not that's what the original pic you posted had you ended up making a very beautiful creation :)

it’s gorgeous! the drips come out so much more dramatic without the cake pops underneath — very nice