A gents' ring in dark stone is the obvious use for this 26.55 carat Kala Aqeeq, and it is the buyer we had in mind when we listed it. At that weight it fills a broad silver bezel without looking lost on the hand.

What you are paying for

The price is Rs. 1,990, which works out to about Rs. 75 per carat. Black agate is an affordable family, so the money here goes into size rather than rarity. Hardness is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, enough for daily wear if you keep it away from rough knocks and loose coins in the same pocket.

Dye, and what to ask

Deep black in agate usually comes from dyeing, and that is ordinary practice for the whole family. It is not a flaw, but you are entitled to know what we know about this particular piece. Message us on WhatsApp +92 308 887 3888 quoting GS-BL-0026 and we will tell you plainly; lab testing can be arranged if you want it in writing.

More stones of this kind sit in our black agate collection.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery. Before you choose, read our black agate guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural black agate with a weight of 26.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,990 — roughly Rs. 75 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-BL-0026 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 black agate rates 6.5 to 7. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy black agate 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 black agate 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): Black agate is almost always dyed — it is standard for the stone. 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.