Sapphire is one of the hardest gems you can wear. It scores 9 on the Mohs scale, which means that of the common stones only diamond will scratch it, and everyday grit, keys and kitchen worktops have no real effect on its surface. A ring set with this 2.6 carat Ceylon neelam can be worn daily without much worry.

What it cannot shrug off is a sharp impact, because hardness is not the same as toughness. Choose a setting that covers the girdle if you work with your hands, and take the ring off for heavy lifting or gym sessions.

The stone itself is a natural blue sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 2.6 carats, priced at Rs. 11,250, which is about Rs. 4,327 per carat. Heating is very common in sapphire to refine colour; we will tell you what we know about this particular piece if you ask on WhatsApp.

Care is simple: warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then dry it and keep it in a pouch away from other stones. If you need the reference, it is GS-000829. See neighbouring stones in the sapphire collection, or read our gemstone care guide.

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 2.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 11,250 — roughly Rs. 4,327 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000829 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.