Natural saltwater pearls are a rarity. Up until around 1920, they were the only ones to be found. Unless of course, they were glass or another faux facsimile.

Finding an affordable one is yet rarer...and this one is a beautiful reminder of what a natural pearl is and how remarkable its creation process.

This pearl is 5.3 x 4.2 mm in measurement and set in a platinum-topped 18k gold ring. Its coloration is white, but with dreamy undertones of pink and green, and has a captivating sheen and fine surface.

Ten single-cut diamonds flutter around the pearl imparting their all. They total .15 carats that have a white color of H-I and a clarity of VS2-SI1.

Ring comes with a laboratory certificate for the pearl.

Note: What is a natural pearl versus a cultured pearl?

Cultured pearls start with a round bead of some material, often formed from a shell. With human help, this bead is implanted in an oyster. Then the natural process of the animal takes over to coat the irritant within by its natural secretions, what is termed nacre.

Often only thin layers of nacre are deposited, then the pearl is removed and set into a piece of jewelry.

In true natural saltwater pearls, a tiny irritant accidentally lands within the tissue of an oyster. For instance, a grain of sand or a bit of flotsam. Then the oyster coats it over years and years to create a pearl.

Many come up with odd shapes, and few end up round. Fewer possess unblemished or beautiful surfaces. Some produce undesirable colors. So you can imagine how scarce gem-quality, pearls are that are entirely created by nature's happenstance.