At 40.35 carats, this is a big stone by any sapphire standard. Most sapphires bought for jewellery weigh a few carats; a piece of this size becomes a statement, and it is closer to a collector's or large-pendant stone than an everyday ring gem.

The price is Rs. 60,000, about Rs. 1,487 per carat, and that low per-carat rate is typical when the weight is large. Big sapphires are priced for their size rather than carat-for-carat like small, finely coloured ones, so judge the stone on appearance and not the figure alone.

It is a natural blue sapphire, neelam in Urdu, with Afghanistan given as the origin, and it rates 9 on the Mohs scale. The reference is GS-000871. Because of the size, think about the setting early: a heavy stone needs a well-built mount, and a pendant is generally more comfortable than a ring.

Heating is common among sapphires. Ask us on WhatsApp what we know about this stone, and we can arrange independent testing on request. For stones in a smaller size, see 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. Before you choose, read our sapphire guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 40.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 60,000 — roughly Rs. 1,487 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000871 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.