I buy so much 10K gold, I didn't even realize this gorgeous pendant was 14K until I reread the description. What an added bonus! I was willing to pay what I paid for 10K (and I'm cheap), so you can imagine how excited I was to learn that this necklace is real, 14K gold. It's simply stunning. It's delicate, yet well made. I don't foresee it breaking (I'll update my review if it does). I will have my pendant blessed by the Chaplain who will lead my Father's Internment/burial ceremony at Arlington Cemetery next week. It will be so special to me. It's simply a gorgeous necklace- and it fits very well. I was afraid 17inches would hang too low, but it's a perfect length (it seems more like 15 inches, but maybe it's just me). I love how the pendant is attached directly on the necklace, because one of my pet peeves is when the clasp falls to the front- and you constantly have to readjust it. Not with this necklace- it'll never need readjusting because the pendant is directly attached to the chain. If you are on the fence about getting this necklace, go for it. I promise you- you will love it as much as I do- and the other reviewers.