Bloodstone 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 suits a woman's piece well: it is dramatic without being bright, it never clashes, and at these prices you can own one without thinking hard about it.

The stone

18.55 carats, which is 20.38 ratti. Rs. 4,130, about Rs. 223 per carat, reference GS-000290. This is the smallest stone in our bloodstone range, which makes it the easiest to wear.

What it looks like

A drop-shaped cabochon with a dark, near-black body, strong red markings and fine white veining threading through. It reads as deep and dramatic rather than loud. Photographed as it is, with no colour correction.

Three ways to wear it

• Pendant. The easiest choice, and the drop outline hangs naturally with a bail at the narrow end. No finger size to guess.
• Cocktail ring. At 18.55 carats it covers most of a finger. Keep the band slim and let the stone do the work.
• Paired with silver detail. Fine silver work shows up sharply against a dark body, where it would disappear against a pale stone.

Which metal

925 silver and white gold keep the piece cool and let the red markings lead. Yellow gold warms the red and makes the whole thing bolder and more traditional. 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.

Is it durable enough for everyday wear?

Yes. Bloodstone is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, the same family as agate and jasper, with no cleavage planes — far more forgiving than opal, pearl or turquoise. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoid bleach and ultrasonic cleaners, and put it on after perfume and hairspray rather than before. Our care guide has the routine.

Setting advice

A low bezel keeps the stone protected and sits close to the finger, so it does not catch on fabric or hair. Exact 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.

Treatment

Bloodstone is usually untreated. We have not tested this stone, so the specification says so instead of claiming it is untreated. A certificate of authenticity is available on request.

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. More in the bloodstone collection.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural bloodstone with a weight of 18.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 4,130 — roughly Rs. 223 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000290 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 bloodstone 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 bloodstone 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 bloodstone 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): Bloodstone is usually untreated. 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.