African amethyst has a particular reputation in the trade, and for once the reputation is mostly deserved. The deposits in Zambia and neighbouring countries produce material that tends to be more saturated than the average Brazilian stone, often with a reddish or bluish secondary tone that gives the purple more character. It usually comes out of the ground in smaller crystals, so large clean African stones cost more per carat than Brazilian ones of the same size.

The stone

9.20 carats — 10.11 ratti. Faceted, body colour purple. Rs. 16,500, about Rs. 1,793 per carat, reference GS-000245. Origin: Africa. One piece, photographed as it is.

Note the rate. At Rs. 1,793 per carat this sits at the upper end of our amethyst range, while a comparable Brazilian stone in the same collection is nearer Rs. 1,500. That gap is the African premium, and it is paid for colour, not for weight.

What to look for in African material

• Saturation that survives indoor light. This is the whole argument for African amethyst. If it greys out under a ceiling light, you are paying a premium for nothing.
• Secondary tone. A red flash under warm light is prized; a blue lean reads cooler and cleaner. Neither is wrong — they simply suit different metals and different skin.
• Even colour across the face. Amethyst grows in colour zones. A good cutter buries the banding; a careless one leaves a stone that is half pale.
• Size relative to price. Because African crystals are smaller, a 9 carat stone is a more notable piece of material than the same weight from Brazil.

Is African worth paying more for?

Only if you can see it. Open this listing and a Brazilian stone from our amethyst collection side by side in two browser tabs and compare the photographs at full size. If the colour does not look better to you, buy the cheaper stone — we would rather sell you the right one than the dearer one. Our price guide sets out how origin feeds into the rate.

What size is this good for?

9.20 carats is a working size: a men's 925 silver ring, a women's cocktail ring, or a substantial pendant. Shape and measurements have not been recorded for this piece — ask on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it and photograph it against a scale before your jeweller orders a mount.

Durability

Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage, so it takes setting pressure and daily wear far better than tanzanite, opal or emerald. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and bleach, and keep it out of long direct sunlight. Full routine in the amethyst care guide.

Treatment and verification

Not tested on this stone, and our specification says that plainly instead of claiming it is unheated. A certificate of authenticity is available on request and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. More on our authenticity page.

Ordering

Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan, insured and tracked, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery, seven days to return it unused.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural amethyst, known in Urdu as Jamunia, with a weight of 9.2 Carat. Its price is Rs. 16,500 — roughly Rs. 1,793 for each carat. Origin: Africa. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000245 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

On the Mohs scale amethyst rates 7. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy amethyst from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every amethyst for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Amethyst is usually untreated, though some stones are heated to lighten the colour. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.