Naturally, because of the high level of animation, the battles were superb to watch. Especially in later episodes, as the protagonist, Phos, develops. Additionally, the character design was fantastic as well. The gems (who to me seem like girls, but are gender neutral) are all given these incredible hairstyles that are almost translucent. They were as beautiful as real gems to look at, especially Dia.
I also really enjoyed the unique premise of the anime, which as you know from the synopsis, follows 28 characters who live alone on the Earth fighting off the Lunarians who want them as decorations. This threat loomed constantly over the girls who were deeply bonded by centuries together. So, even though they were immortal, you still felt the loss if someone was taken, through the other characters. There is a mystery to this anime, that I can't wait to see unraveled in a season two.
However, that speaks to an issue with this anime that more and more animes are starting to have: Cliffhanger endings to seasons that don't give any kind of feeling of resolution. It hurts the story when creators look to angle for a second season by not properly wrapping up the first season in any meaningful way. What if you don't get a second season? Cliffhangers are irritating by themselves, but when done in lieu of any kind of ending whatsoever, it's deeply damaging to a series. This same thing is found in Land of the Lustrous. Either set up two main driving plots and finish one and leave the other for the second season, or just end the first season properly.
However, the creators got what they were looking for, because I enjoyed this anime so much, and I want to know what happens next, that I will definitely be looking out for season 2.
As far as the characters are concerned, I liked them all, with the exception of Bort. The supporting cast was filled with likable characters like Dia, Rutile, Alex and Kongou. But, Phos is easily my favorite character of the season, and the way this anime handled her maturation as a character was well done. You watch as event after event changes her in serious ways both physically and mentally. While physical changes in anime are regular, you rarely see mental changes in MCs that totally redefine the character. Most MC's finish with the exact same personalities that they started with, no matter what traumatic events or swerves they suffer. Not so with Phos. The changes to her mental psyche are a big part of the anime and an example of proper character development.
Outside of yet another cliffhanger non-ending, Land of the Lustrous was a fantastic anime, the beauty of which I can't stress enough. Definitely check it out.
Story: 9
Art: Over 9,000!!!
Sound: 10
Character: 10
Enjoyment: 10
Overall: 9 (Non-ending hurt it).
