A natural blue sapphire of 13.25 carats, about 14.56 ratti, recorded as coming from Afghanistan, at Rs. 39,750 – exactly Rs. 3,000 per carat. It is by a wide margin the largest stone of the twenty at the front of this category; the next biggest is 4.55 carats. Our record gives its colour as deep blue.

What "premium" means on this page, and what it does not

Two measured things. Size: at over thirteen carats this is nearly three times the weight of any other sapphire in this group. And rate: it carries the lowest rate per carat here, Rs. 3,000, where the top of our band is around Rs. 15,000. A very large stone at the bottom of the per-carat range is unusual and worth knowing about.

What it does not mean: there is no grade, no certificate, and no laboratory opinion of any kind behind this listing. For a stone of this size that is worth stating twice, because size is exactly where laboratory questions matter most. Ask us to have it tested before you commit; we will arrange it.

Thirteen carats is a different proposition

At around fourteen and a half ratti this is far beyond the size normally asked for in a ring. It is realistically a statement pendant, a collector's stone, or a piece made to order. A stone this large also has a great deal of exposed girdle, and sapphire chips at an edge whatever its hardness, so the setting needs to be built around it rather than bought ready-made.

Large sapphires of ordinary colour are not rare in the way large sapphires of fine colour are, which is the honest explanation for how a thirteen-carat stone reaches this price at all.

Afghanistan

A long-standing commercial source for corundum reaching the Pakistani market through Peshawar. It is a working origin rather than a prestige one. This is what our record holds for this stone; it has not been confirmed by a laboratory origin determination.

Hardness

Corundum is Mohs 9, second only to diamond among stones in ordinary use, and nothing in daily life will scratch it. Hardness resists scratching, not impact, so the setting still does real work.

What has not been tested

No laboratory report, and the heating status has not been tested. Most blue sapphire on the world market has been heated to improve colour and clarity. We make no claim either way and will arrange an independent test on request.

Care and ordering

Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners while the treatment is unknown. One stone, sold once. Message us on WhatsApp for more photographs or to arrange a test, and we deliver across Pakistan.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 13.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 39,750 — roughly Rs. 3,000 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000875 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.