I have gotten lots of compliments on this. It's pretty, but a bit too small to really show off the amber. It does make me want to get earrings to go with it, because the sun/light would take advantage of the look of the amber much more! Personally, I don't have an issue with the chain, I think it's fine. It's not smooth, it's kind of rough, so that might influence your buying decision. As to the necklace, it is flat on the back, of course it's raised on the front because these are little pieces of amber.

I would completely give this as a gift to someone, my highest praise.