YES you are right it is very pretty. BUT, actually pearls can be as low as $10.00 and yes real ones. fresh water pearls, that is. Saltwater - Achola pearls are the higher price costing $500 and higher. I've seen a strain, same MM (size) same amount of pearls on a necklace. same jewelry company in other words identical. one sold at a department store, one at a jewelry store. Jewelry store was $ 200 more!!. A lot of people can be fooled. With all that info, I truly love the ring!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOPE I WIN ( DOING A GREAT JOB )