There are a lot of cheaper preserved roses, but this is the company that started it so let's keep them in business here in the US. I paid the extra price because I wanted to make sure that the quality was top-notch for my mother's 75th birthday. The packaging was elegant and beautiful, worthy of the day. The stem and thorns are electroplated with 24k gold, while the leaves and petals are preserved with thick, clear layers of laquer. Of course with the coatings, it's not going to feel like a regular rose, but I think it retains more of the rose's original character and imperfections than some of the other brands I examined so it's more naturalistic. The color does not garish like some of the other brands. I can't post a photo because it's with my mom now. My opinion is that I paid a premium price but had the confidence of receiving a premium product and supported a domestic company.I just got this delivered as a Christmas gift for my fiancé, I had to open it to take a peek, this rose is perfection something out of a story book and I know she is going to love it to pieces, thank you so much as a company for having a impeccable work ethic and craftsman ship. I will remember your company and plan to make future purchases from the company that started it all.Bought these for each of my Daughters-In-Law, and Mothers of my 4 Grandchildren.Brought them out last when we gathered to open our presents. Was the Hit of the Morning !!This is a beautiful rose with a beautiful sparkle you can't find other places in this color. My rating of 4 stars overall is because the color isn't so much white as a grayish white and the rose it a flat surface across the top instead of peaks and valleys. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase but there are things I would change. It was superbly packaged for shipping.I spent a few hours searching for the right forever rose. There were a lot of cheaper options, but I was worried that if I went with another option that it would be a fake. I ended up going with this company and I am incredibly impressed with the results (and so is my wife). The rose is absolutely beautiful and so was my wife’s smile when she opened the box.I will definitely be a returning customer!This was a high school graduation present for my daughter. It came very quickly, pagacked beautifully and properly for being a very delicate item. It is absolutely beautiful. My daughter and I love it!! This is the start of a new tradition since my daughter loves roses. I definitely recommend.Like itnot quite as claimed