Who suits a 5.4 carat Nigerian neelam? Someone who wants a stone with presence, since this is a generous size for a ring and plenty for a pendant, and who is comfortable asking a few questions about treatment before paying. The price is Rs. 22,500, about Rs. 4,167 per carat, under reference GS-000743.

What to know about the stone

Sapphire hardness is 9, so daily wear in a ring is fine. The trade heats most sapphire to improve its look, and the occasional stone that was never heated carries a higher price. We do not guess on this: ask on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will tell you what we know about this stone.

The origin is Nigeria. At this size, look at how evenly the blue is spread when you turn the stone, and whether any area looks paler or darker than the rest.

Before you decide

Since delivery is Cash on Delivery, open the parcel and inspect the stone before you pay. If it does not match your expectations, returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery. More sapphires are available in the sapphire category.

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 5.4 Carat. Its price is Rs. 22,500 — roughly Rs. 4,167 for each carat. Origin: Nigeria. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000743 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.