At 2.8 carats, this neelam falls in the small-to-middle range for sapphire. That is no criticism. Smaller sapphires are much easier to live with, because the stone sits low in a setting, rarely catches on clothing and costs far less than a big one of similar quality.

It is a natural blue sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka), priced at Rs. 6,000, or about Rs. 2,143 per carat, a figure that makes it an approachable first sapphire. Many buyers in Pakistan buy a stone like this to try neelam in a ring before deciding on a bigger one later.

What to look for in any sapphire of this size: an even blue without dull patches, a surface that feels smooth and a sensible fit with the setting you plan. Sapphire is heated more often than not, and the honest approach is to ask; message us with GS-000831 and we will say what we know.

Hardness is 9 on the Mohs scale, so it handles routine wear well. For care advice see our care guide, and for other weights browse the sapphire collection.

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 2.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 6,000 — roughly Rs. 2,143 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000831 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.