Sapphire has a reputation for toughness, and the number behind it is 9 on the Mohs scale. Only diamond scratches it. For a 42.55 carat stone, that matters twice over: the stone will shrug off daily wear, but the size means a hard knock to a protruding edge is the real risk, so mounting matters more than the hardness itself.

This is a natural blue neelam, weighing 42.55 carats and priced at Rs. 36,000, about Rs. 846 per carat. At this scale it works best as a large pendant or a display piece, or as a base for a heavy custom ring. Its reference is GS-000799.

Looking after it

Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush are enough for cleaning. Rinse, dry with a lint-free cloth and store apart from other stones in a pouch. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless a lab or jeweller has confirmed the stone can take them, since heated sapphire can carry fractures.

Ask us on WhatsApp about treatment; independent lab testing can be arranged. Our gemstone care guide goes into more detail, and you can see other weights in 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 42.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 36,000 — roughly Rs. 846 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000799 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.