A pearl is born where the ocean breathes life. Yet warming seas, saltier waves, and drifting microplastics now cling to the oysters' delicate shells, replacing them with scrap metal. Each shimmering gem reminds us that our waste weighs heavy on their world, our neglect threatens their existence. To nurture beauty beneath the waves, it is imperative to understand the complexity of our choices, so that tomorrow’s pearls will continue to murmur tales of purity and life. The photo was created using a natural pearl inserted between 2 beer bottle caps, to recreate the natural pearl's environment.