Pakistan is one of the few countries that produces world-class aquamarine on its own soil, and most buyers here do not realise it. The pegmatites of Gilgit-Baltistan — around Shigar, Skardu and the Braldu valley — have produced beryl crystals that sit in museum collections, and the material has a reputation for a clean, slightly steely blue.

The stone

13.25 carats, which is 14.56 ratti. Rs. 16,880, about Rs. 1,274 per carat, reference GS-000275. One piece only.

What Baltistan beryl is known for

• Clean, bright crystal. The high-altitude pegmatites yield transparent material with few visible inclusions.
• A cool blue. Less green in the rough than some sources, which means less heating is needed to reach a pure blue.
• Well-formed crystals. Collectors buy them uncut; what reaches the cutters is often the material that was too small or too flawed to keep as a specimen.
• Difficult extraction. The mines are remote, high and seasonal, which keeps supply limited and irregular.

Our Skardu aquamarine page covers the region and its stones in more detail.

Being straight about origin

No routine laboratory report names a country for aquamarine. Origin claims in this trade rest on the chain of supply, not on a test, and anyone who tells you a certificate proves a mine is overstating what certificates do. What you can verify is the stone itself: it is photographed as it is, a certificate of authenticity comes on request, independent laboratory testing can be arranged, you pay the rider only after the parcel is open, and you have seven days to send it back unused.

Is local material better than imported?

Not automatically, and we would rather say so. A fine stone from anywhere beats a mediocre one from a famous valley. What local origin does give you is a shorter supply chain, which is part of why aquamarine is better value in Pakistan than in most markets. Judge the stone in front of you — compare it at full size against the rest of the aquamarine collection.

Treatment

Aquamarine is commonly heated to remove green tones and leave a purer blue. Standard for the gem, permanent and accepted everywhere. We have not had this stone tested, so the specification reads "treatment not tested" rather than a claim either way.

Setting and size

13.25 carats suits a ring on a broad silver band, or a pendant. Ask for an open back — light entering from behind is what lifts a pale blue — and white metal to keep the colour cool. Shape and measurements have not been recorded; message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it.

Durability

Beryl is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale — fine for regular wear, though an edge can chip on a sharp knock, so a bezel beats tall claws. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; no steam or ultrasonic cleaning.

Ordering

Flat Rs. 500 delivery nationwide by insured, tracked courier, 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 13.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 16,880 — roughly Rs. 1,274 for each carat. Origin: Pakistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000275 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.