Quality must vary from one necklace to another. The one I received (quickly) will be a gift for a friend who saw a similar leather and pearl necklace in an upscale catalog for well over one hundred dollars. Her birthday necklace cost me less than a 10th of that price, doesn't have any odor, isn't stiff and the pearls are lustrous and nice. No peeling or flaking on these pearls. Maybe I just got lucky? I'll caution her not to wear it in a hot tub or pool; the leather cord will stiffen and/or break down if it gets wet.