Are pearls actually one of the most sustainable gems out there?

Okay so I’ve been obsessing over sustainable jewelry for weeks now, and I kept seeing pearls pop up as this surprisingly eco-friendly option. No mining, no harsh chemicals, and the farms actually depend on clean oceans to survive.

I went down the rabbit hole, read way too much, and eventually pulled the trigger on a necklace from Pearls of Joy. But now I'm wondering why aren't pearls more of a thing in sustainable fashion conversations? Is it the grandma vibe or am I missing some hidden downside?

Curious if anyone else here has gone the pearl route or looked into other brands doing it right. Would love to hear your takes, yay or nay for the eco-conscious closet?