Oval is the default shape for Dur-e-Najaf and there is a reason for it. Quartz crystals are longer than they are wide, so an oval wastes least material; an oval laid across a finger gives the broadest face for the weight; and the shape has been the Najafi standard long enough that a round or square stone reads as something other than a traditional ring. Twelve of the fourteen Najafi stones we are listing are oval, and this one is a clean example of the shape.

The stone

17.25 carats, which is 18.96 ratti. Rs. 3,230, about Rs. 187 per carat, reference GS-000214. Recorded shape: oval. Recorded colour: colourless. One piece, as photographed.

What makes a good oval cabochon

• Symmetry. The two halves either side of the long axis should match. Lopsidedness shows badly once the stone is in a bezel.
• A proportionate dome. Too flat and the stone looks lifeless; too high and it catches on everything. A gentle, even curve is what you want.
• A consistent girdle. The rim should be the same thickness all the way round so the setter can fold silver over it evenly.
• A smooth, unbroken highlight. Tilt it under a lamp. The bright spot should glide, not jump.

What it looks like

Milky white and even across the dome. We measured the photograph rather than relying on impression: the red, green and blue channels are within a few points of one another, so the colour is genuinely neutral. Brightness variation across the stone's face measures 12, compared with about 65 for a faceted see-through gem photographed under the same light. That makes it translucent rather than transparent — it glows with light instead of letting you see through it, which is both normal and expected for Najafi quartz, and the reason the material is always domed rather than faceted.

Treatment and durability

Dur-e-Najaf is clear quartz and is usually untreated. Nothing here has been heated, dyed, irradiated or filled. Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, no cleavage, chemically inert. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; keep it out of ultrasonic cleaners.

Size in context

At 17.25 carats this is one of the smaller stones we list, which puts it at a higher rate per carat than the big pieces — across our range the per-carat figure runs from about Rs. 82 on the largest down to Rs. 492 on the smallest, which is the usual pattern for an abundant mineral. In absolute terms it is one of the more affordable stones in the collection, and the size suits a slimmer ring. The price guide explains the rates and the carat to ratti converter handles the conversion if you think in ratti.

More

See the collection page for the rest, the Dur-e-Najaf page for the background, and the buying guide before you commit.

Ordering

One piece only. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan by insured, tracked courier, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery — open the parcel and look at the stone before you pay — and seven days to return it unused. Dimensions have not been recorded; message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural dur-e-najaf with a weight of 17.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,230 — roughly Rs. 187 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000214 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 dur-e-najaf rates 7. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy dur-e-najaf 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 dur-e-najaf 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): Dur-e-Najaf (clear quartz) is usually untreated. 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.