Most of the Dur-e-Najaf we carry is cut as an oval, which suits a ring. This one is cut as a drop, and a drop is a pendant shape — it hangs with the point upwards towards the bail and the full curve of the stone sitting below, which is exactly how the eye expects a pendant to read.

The stone

79.25 carats, which is 87.09 ratti. Rs. 6,750, about Rs. 85 per carat, reference GS-000219. Recorded shape: drop. Recorded colour: colourless. One piece, as photographed.

Why the shape matters here

Cabochons are cut to the rough, and a drop is what you get when the crystal is longer than it is wide. For a ring that is awkward: a long stone either overhangs the finger or has to be set across it. For a pendant it is ideal. The narrow end gives the setter somewhere natural to put the bail, and the weight of the stone sits low and hangs straight rather than tipping forward.

At 79.25 carats this is a substantial pendant stone — roughly the weight of a large coin — so it wants a chain with some body to it rather than a fine one. Silver is the customary choice and suits the soft white.

What it looks like

We measured the photograph rather than describing it loosely. The colour is neutral white, with the red, green and blue values within a few points of one another. The brightness variation across the face measures 9, against about 65 for a faceted see-through stone photographed under the same light. That is a translucent milky stone — it passes light and glows softly at the edges, but it is translucent rather than transparent. That is normal and traditional for Najafi quartz, and anyone promising you glass-clear water in a stone sold under this name is describing something else.

Treatment and durability

Dur-e-Najaf is clear quartz and is usually untreated — nothing heated, dyed or filled. It is 7 on the Mohs scale. A pendant leads an easier life than a ring, since it is not knocked against desks and door handles, so a stone of this size is very safe worn at the neck. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; no ultrasonic cleaner.

Setting advice

Ask for a bezel rather than claws. A drop cabochon of this weight puts all its load on the bail, and a continuous rim of silver spreads that far better than three or four prongs. A small shoulder of metal at the point protects the most vulnerable part of the stone.

Background and the rest of the range

Dur-e-Najaf is one of the most widely worn of the Islamic gemstones, and the Dur-e-Najaf page covers the tradition behind it. For buying advice see the buying guide, and for the whole collection the category page. Urdu and English names for the stones we carry are listed in the name guide.

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 before you order.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural dur-e-najaf with a weight of 79.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 6,750 — roughly Rs. 85 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000219 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.