I bought this for my mom's birthday - she loves lapis.  I have purchased lapis in South America on a few occasions and feel that this is of equal quality to the better quality lapis I have seen there.  The stones are gorgeous deep blue with very few variegations and are tied individually on a heavy string so that they do not shift around.  The clasp is sterling silver, reasonably heavy gauge and well designed.  Also came with a very nice black velvet jewelry bag to keep them in and a presentation box.  Mom was thrilled - and that is saying a lot.  I don't usually do well on jewelry purchases for her - she is pretty particular.  I would have expected to pay 1.5-2 times the price elsewhere for similar quality.  If you like lapis, you will probably like this necklace.