Seven carats of sapphire for Rs. 11,630 is the sort of figure that makes buyers look twice, and the reason is the per-carat rate: about Rs. 1,650. Large sapphires at low per-carat rates deserve a careful look at colour and transparency, so we encourage you to inspect this stone in person before you pay, which Cash on Delivery allows.

What you are getting is a natural blue sapphire, listed from Afghanistan, weighing 7.05 carats. At that weight it is a big stone, more at home as a pendant or a wide-band ring than a slim one. Its Mohs hardness of 9 keeps the surface safe from daily scratches, though a stone this large should be set with its edges protected.

Like most sapphire, it may have been heated to improve its colour. We will tell you what we know about this exact stone if you ask on WhatsApp, and independent lab testing is available if you want a second opinion before committing.

In Pakistani tradition neelam is the stone of Saturn, usually worn on an astrologer's advice. Quote GS-000837 when you write, and browse neighbouring pieces in the sapphire category.

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 7.05 Carat. Its price is Rs. 11,630 — roughly Rs. 1,650 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000837 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

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.