The oval is the default shape for a ring stone across the subcontinent, and the reasons have nothing to do with fashion. It sits along the finger without corners to catch, it covers more of the hand than a round of the same weight, and every silversmith in Pakistan already has the mount for it.

The stone

8.35 carats, which is 9.18 ratti. Oval. Rs. 5,800, about Rs. 695 per carat, reference GS-BL-0015. One piece only.

Why oval works for a ring

• No vulnerable corners. Unlike a square or an emerald shape, there are no points to chip, so a simple bezel is enough protection.
• It looks bigger than its weight. An oval spreads across a longer face than a round of the same carat, so more of the stone is visible.
• It elongates the hand. Set north–south along the finger, an oval visually lengthens it.
• Mounts are stock. Oval settings are standard everywhere, which keeps setting costs down and makes a future reset straightforward.
• It wastes less rough. Cutters lose less material shaping an oval than a round, which is part of why agate stays affordable.

What to check in an oval

Symmetry first: picture folding the outline in half both ways, and both halves should mirror. A lopsided oval forces a custom mount, which costs more and rarely looks right. Then the dome — on a cabochon it should curve evenly without a flat spot, because a flat top means the cutter was saving weight at the cost of the look. Then the girdle: an even edge thickness all the way round, with no chips. Ask us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 for a straight-down photograph and you can check all three yourself.

Cabochon or faceted?

Most black agate is cut as a smooth domed cabochon, which suits an opaque stone — there is no internal brilliance for facets to work with, so the dome simply presents a clean surface. Faceted black agate exists and reads sharper, closer to art deco onyx jewellery; we list both. Compare them in the black agate collection.

The dye

Black agate is almost always dyed — standard for this stone type and stated on our specification sheet rather than hidden. A sugar solution followed by acid carbonises inside the stone's pores and blackens it from within; permanent, stable, natural agate underneath. See our black agate buying guide.

Measurements and setting

Exact length and width have not been recorded for this piece, and on an oval the ratio decides how the ring reads on the finger, so ask us to measure it before your jeweller orders a mount. A low full bezel in 925 silver is the right choice for daily wear.

Care

Agate is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; no bleach and no ultrasonic cleaner.

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.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural black agate with a weight of 8.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,800 — roughly Rs. 695 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-BL-0015 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.