Most buyers expect neelam to be blue, but this 22.3 carat stone is black sapphire, and it deserves a separate look. Black sapphire has a following of its own among those who like a dark, understated stone for rings and pendants, and it has the same Mohs 9 hardness as its blue cousin.

The price is Rs. 31,500, about Rs. 1,413 per carat, and the reference is GS-000777. At 22.3 carats it is a large stone. A man's ring with a wide bezel, or a bold pendant, would suit it.

Sapphire and heat

As a family, sapphire is often heated, and black stones are no different, so the question to ask is what we know about this particular one. Write to us at +92 308 887 3888 and we will answer plainly. An outside lab test can be arranged on request.

Handling

Black stones show fingerprints and dust, so a quick wipe with a soft cloth keeps the shine. Warm soapy water works for deeper cleaning. If you are new to neelam in general, the neelam guide explains the tradition behind it, and the sapphire category shows the other colours on offer.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 22.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 31,500 — roughly Rs. 1,413 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000777 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 sapphire rates 9. Few materials will scratch it, so it copes well with everyday ring wear. A soak in warm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft brush keeps it bright; skip the ultrasonic cleaner if inclusions reach the surface.

Whoever you buy sapphire 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 sapphire 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): Most sapphire on the market is heated to improve colour and clarity; unheated stones exist and cost more. 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.