A gorgeous rug, luxurious feel, and *well*  worth the money. I purchased two, and they were consistent. Minimal shedding on one (its wool, folks!) and none on the other. The pattern does not look perfectly aligned to the edges on one, and the there does appear to be a little narrowing, but I have that one under a coffee table and it accents and warms the room like star! My only regret is not buying the larger size. Maybe in the future  doesnt need a rug pad, but I bought some for the extra cushion and protection.