It is very beautiful set. The price is out of reach of many; that explains the critics abundance. It is a bit too high a price for most people but all you need is one buyer or collector.
Long time ago I bought a crystal chess board and pieces and paid swhat was considered a small fortune. I was rich back then. Today it is worth ten times what I paid for. Of course I never played a single game with it. pieces are too heavy
Beautiful set but I would not spend 7 grand on it. I prefer glass chess sets for looks anyway.
I play downtown so I cannot bring myself to spend more than say... 20$ on a set. I got my tripple weighted, large, durable chess pieces, carrying bag, and a large numbered board for 20$.