Black agate is sold almost entirely to men in Pakistan, which has more to do with the shape of the traditional ring than with the stone. The material itself is one of the most versatile things in a jewellery box: it goes with everything, it never looks loud, and it costs little enough that you can own several without thinking about it.

The stone

9.35 carats, which is 10.27 ratti. Rs. 6,500, about Rs. 695 per carat, reference GS-BL-0017. One piece only.

What black does that colour cannot

• It never clashes. A black stone works with every outfit and against every other colour, which a red or green one does not.
• It reads as formal. Black and silver together look deliberate in a way that costs nothing extra.
• It flatters small settings. Delicate silver work shows up sharply against black; against a pale stone it disappears.
• It takes a high polish. Agate finishes to a glassy surface, so a well-cut stone has real depth rather than looking flat.

Three ways to wear it

At 9.35 carats this is a versatile size. As a cocktail ring it covers most of a finger without being heavy. As a pendant it hangs well on a fine chain and sits at the collarbone on a 16 to 18 inch length. In a pair of earrings it would need a match, and matching agate is easier than matching a patterned stone, so tell us early and we will look through the parcel.

Which metal

925 silver and white gold sharpen a black stone and keep the whole piece cool and clean. Yellow gold against black is the bolder, more traditional look — strong, and not for everyone. Rose gold is the hardest match. If you are undecided, hold the stone against a silver bangle and a gold one in daylight; it settles the question in a minute.

The colour, stated plainly

Black agate is almost always dyed. That is standard for this stone type and it is on our specification sheet rather than hidden. Natural grey agate is soaked in a sugar solution and then in acid, which carbonises inside the pores and blackens the stone from within. The colour is permanent, will not transfer to skin or fabric, and the material underneath stays natural agate. Our black agate buying guide explains it in full.

Is it durable enough for everyday wear?

Yes. Agate is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage planes, which makes it far more forgiving than opal, pearl or turquoise. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid bleach and ultrasonic cleaners. Put it on after perfume and hairspray rather than before.

Setting advice

A low bezel keeps the stone protected and sits close to the finger, so it does not catch on fabric or hair. Shape and measurements have not been recorded for this piece — message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it and quote a mount separately from the stone.

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 in the black agate collection.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural black agate with a weight of 9.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 6,500 — roughly Rs. 695 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-BL-0017 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.