If it were the only picture, it might not be the best way to show pearls - as a heap! To me, it shows color matching, the clasp... and then, what's not to like about a handful of pearls
Can't find the conspiracy theory side here.
Given the small format of pictures at Fay's, the one showing the entire strand doesn't do a good job showing the pearls up close. Maybe the seller thought this would compensate.
Who knows...