Here is the difficulty with sapphire: two stones of similar weight can look nothing alike. This 2.35 carat neelam is a natural blue sapphire at Rs. 12,380, about Rs. 5,268 per carat, and nothing about its weight alone will tell you how it will look on your hand. Colour will.

That is why we are open about what the trade does. Sapphire is frequently heated to bring up colour and clarity, while one that was never heated is priced above the rest. Ask us what we know about reference GS-000755 before you buy, and ask for daylight photographs. A written report is available through independent lab testing on request.

What we can say for certain is hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes this a safe stone for a ring. Rinse it in warm soapy water when it dulls, and store it away from softer gems that it could scratch.

Compare it with others in the sapphire category, or read how to tell real from fake in our guide to real and fake gemstones.

Order with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan: open the parcel, check the stone, then pay. If it is not right for you, you have 7 days to return it.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 2.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,380 — roughly Rs. 5,268 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000755 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.

Between two and six carats is the range most people choose for a gents' ring or a noticeable pendant. Here colour drives the price more than size does, which is why two stones of near-identical weight can be priced very differently.

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.