I just got this in the mail a few days ago & I gotta be honest, it's sooo beautiful, it will make the more emotional people cry when they lay eyes upon this! I know the Lotus has a long history, I can just picture this piece on a wealthy emperor's wife, saved only for those of high social status! This piece is sooo beautiful, I can't really choose the right word to describe it's beauty! It is a slightly different color tone then the photo, more of a "tortoise shell", amber/brown color tone! Someone else described it as, "more of a 'neutral' tone", they were spot on!! Their review, actually helped me make up my mind! It has soo much detail, it's amazing & it is just the right size! Who would not like a Lotus!?! I had a blue Lotus tatoo'd on the back of my neck & I've been hooked ever since! If your looking for a special piece for your special lady, this is it! This is exactly the kind of jewelry/art I've come to love about O.com!!!