Most coloured stone in Pakistan is cut and priced with a man's silver ring in mind, which leaves women choosing from material that was never meant for the piece they want. Aquamarine is the happy exception: it is naturally a lighter, cooler gem, it suits white metal and delicate work, and at this size it carries a cocktail ring or a pendant equally well.

The stone

12.90 carats, which is 14.18 ratti. Origin: Afghanistan. Rs. 21,000, about Rs. 1,628 per carat, reference GS-000274. One piece only.

That rate is near the top of our aquamarine range, and in a gem where size carries no scarcity premium it is paid for by clarity and colour rather than by weight. Our larger included stones run under Rs. 600 a carat; the difference is visible in the photographs at full size.

Three ways to wear a stone this size

• Cocktail ring. At nearly thirteen carats it covers the width of most fingers, so the band can stay slim and let the stone do the work.
• Pendant. No finger size to guess, and it hangs where daylight reaches it — which is where aquamarine looks its best.
• Paired with white stones. A pale blue sits beautifully beside small white zircon or diamond accents, where a dark gem would dominate.

Silver, white gold or yellow?

White metal every time, if the blue is what you bought it for. 925 silver, white gold and platinum all keep the colour cool and clean. Yellow gold warms a pale blue towards green, which some people like and most do not expect. Rose gold fights it outright. If you are undecided, hold the stone against a silver bangle and a gold one in daylight — it takes a minute and settles the question.

Ask for an open back

The single most useful instruction for a pale stone, and it costs nothing. Light entering from behind lifts the blue; a closed back makes the same stone look grey and flat.

Will it be comfortable?

That depends more on the mount than the stone. A low bezel with a smooth outline sits close to the finger and does not catch on fabric or hair. High claw settings look dramatic but snag. Tell us which you prefer on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will quote the mount separately from the stone.

Is aquamarine a good gift?

It is the March birthstone and the traditional nineteenth anniversary stone, which gives a gift a reason beyond the colour. Our March birthstone page covers both, and the beruj guide sets out the traditions around it.

Treatment and care

Aquamarine is commonly heated to remove green tones and leave a purer blue — standard and stable. We have not tested this stone, so our sheet says so. Beryl is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale: warm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners.

Ordering

Shape and measurements have not been recorded; we will measure it on request. 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 aquamarine, known in Urdu as Beruj, with a weight of 12.9 Carat. Its price is Rs. 21,000 — roughly Rs. 1,628 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000274 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.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale aquamarine rates 7.5 to 8. 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 aquamarine 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 aquamarine 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): Aquamarine is commonly heated to remove green tones and leave a purer blue. 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.