Ten and a half carats is a big number for a blue sapphire. Most neelam that Pakistani buyers wear sits well under five carats, so this 10.55 carat African stone will look large on the finger, closer to a signet than to a delicate solitaire. That scale changes how you choose the setting: a heavy ring needs a secure, low-set mount, and many wearers prefer a pendant for a stone of this weight.

Its price is Rs. 5,400, about Rs. 512 per carat. Because rates for sapphire generally depend on colour, clarity and treatment as much as on size, the weight alone does not tell you the quality; compare it with other listings in our sapphire category. It is rated 9 on the Mohs scale, so scratching is not a worry in normal wear.

What to look for in this family

Blue colour should look even across the stone, and the depth of blue should be pleasing in daylight as well as indoors. The listing title calls it an African star sapphire, so check how the surface behaves under a single light source when it arrives. Heating is the usual practice for sapphire, with stones left in their original colour fetching more, so ask us about reference GS-000502. Neelam is traditionally linked with Saturn in Vedic astrology. See our sapphire buying guide for more.

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 10.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,400 — roughly Rs. 512 for each carat. Origin: Africa. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000502 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.