A weight of 10.08 carats makes this one of the larger neelams in the current batch, and the price of Rs. 11,250 translates to about Rs. 1,116 per carat. In sapphire, a low per-carat rate on a big stone usually points to modest colour or clarity rather than a bargain by itself, so judge the stone by eye and by what it will be used for.

Colour, origin and cut

This is a natural blue sapphire, neelam in Urdu, with Afghanistan given as the origin. The listing carries no stated cut, so ask on WhatsApp for photographs from several angles, and quote GS-000856.

Treatment is the other number to ask about. Heating is common practice for sapphire, aimed at improving colour and clarity; ask us what is known for this particular stone, and request independent testing if you want it confirmed.

At Mohs 9 it is hard enough for any jewellery use. A stone of this size is happiest in a bold silver or gold ring, or as a pendant where the weight is carried by a chain. More options sit in the sapphire category.

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

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 10.08 Carat. Its price is Rs. 11,250 — roughly Rs. 1,116 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000856 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 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.