This was a vintage piece so I'm not sure how old it is. A few days after I took the picture the strands started popping right in the box--it must have been in storage! And the pearls, some of which are heavy were loose and rolling around in the box! But the woman I bought it from was WONDERFUL and, at her expense, sent it to a jeweler who specializes in Chanel in the city to have the whole necklace restrung with stronger string. Now it is secure and perfect and wont come crashing down while I am dancing at my wedding lol! That would have been mortifying!