Durability decides how a gem lives with you, and sapphire is among the best. Rated 9 on the Mohs scale, this 3.95 carat stone resists scratching from nearly everything but diamond, which is why sapphire has long been chosen for rings that are worn every day.

Its weak point is not scratching but impact. A sharp knock at the wrong angle can chip a gem of any hardness, so a bezel or a prong setting that protects the girdle is a sensible choice, and heavy work calls for taking the ring off.

The stone is a natural neelam, blue, priced at Rs. 15,380, about Rs. 3,894 per carat. Sapphire is commonly heated to bring out its colour, and we will tell you what we know about this particular stone; just ask, quoting GS-000849.

Cleaning is simple: lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush. Dry it, and store it separately in a pouch so that it cannot rub against softer stones. Our gemstone care guide covers the details, and the sapphire category has more stones.

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 3.95 Carat. Its price is Rs. 15,380 — roughly Rs. 3,894 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000849 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.