If you are buying a stone to have something made, the question is not which black agate is finest — at Rs. 700 a carat across the board, that is not really how this stone is sold. The question is which one gives your jeweller the least trouble and the most options. On that test, a 7 carat agate is close to ideal.

The stone

7 carats, which is 7.69 ratti. Rs. 4,900, about Rs. 700 per carat, reference GS-BL-0012. One piece only.

The jeweller's checklist

1. Is it tough enough to set? Agate is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage planes. It takes setting pressure far better than opal, tanzanite or emerald, and a setter can work on it without holding their breath.
2. Does it need special handling? No. No heat sensitivity, no liquid inclusions, no cleavage to split along. It is one of the most straightforward stones in a workshop.
3. Is the size versatile? Seven carats fits a woman's cocktail ring, a modest men's ring, a pendant or a tie pin. It is small enough not to demand a custom-width band.
4. Are mounts available? Agate is usually cut to standard cabochon proportions, so stock settings fit and the cost of setting stays low.
5. Can it be replaced? Yes — and that matters more than people think. If a stone is damaged during setting, agate at this size can be matched quickly. A rare gem cannot.

What it suits

Black agate is the quiet workhorse of silver jewellery. It frames well, it never fights the metal, and it does not date. It is as at home in a plain traditional bezel as in something modern and angular, which is not true of a coloured stone with a strong personality of its own.

What is not recorded

Shape, measurements and clarity grade are not on the sheet for this piece — those fields stay blank rather than being filled with plausible values. Your jeweller will want the dimensions before making or ordering a mount, so ask us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it and photograph it against a scale.

The dye

Black agate is almost always dyed, and that is standard for this stone type rather than a defect. A sugar solution followed by acid carbonises inside the stone's pores and blackens it from within — close to two centuries old, permanent, and natural agate underneath. It matters for a jeweller mainly because the colour will not be affected by normal setting work. Our black agate buying guide covers the process.

Care

Warm soapy water and a soft brush; no bleach and no ultrasonic cleaner. Water is harmless. Store it away from harder stones so nothing scratches the polish.

Ordering

One piece only. 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. A certificate of authenticity comes on request. More sizes in the black agate collection.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural black agate with a weight of 7 Carat. Its price is Rs. 4,900 — roughly Rs. 700 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-BL-0012 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 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.