The chess figures really look like traditional pieces. I did not give it five stars for craftsmanship, only because they were not there nicest chess pieces this company makes. But for around the $60 price that I paid, the chess pieces are still very nicely carved and worth the price. To get there nicer looking chess pieces, at the time that I looked, they were over $100. I was concerned at around $60 that the set would not be real marble. Well, it is real marble. It's not top quality marble, but nice marble for a chess set. Because of it being real marble, the board is relatively heavy for a chess board. It's definitely not a "travel on vacation" chess set. I was also concerned, that at such a low price for a marble chess set, that the board would not hold together. I've had it for about one year. With the normal use I've given it, it it holds together very well. I don't think I will have to be concerned in the future that the marble squares for the board will fall apart. It also looks great on my living room table. Because of how impressive it looks, I think it makes me look like a better chess player then I actually am. So, I hope that might give me an advantage and intimidate the other player to help me win.