It's my own fault for not reading the specifications/information enough, but the cord that hangs down is solid black, does not have a metal cover and doesn't hang perfectly straight (maybe over time it would?).  I ordered the brushed nickel and it did not look right in our space because of the black cord.  I ended up finding an almost identical brushed nickel pendant from other manufacturer at the same price point that had a metal cover for the wire so it hangs nice and straight. If you're looking at these lights, I'd strongly recommend purchasing the oil-rubbed bronze/black color.