Hadeed in a silver ring is a long-standing combination in this region, and an engraved stone makes it a personal one. At nearly twenty-two carats this piece has the breadth a ring wants, with the inscription facing outward where it can be read.

The stone

21.80 carats, which is 23.96 ratti. Rs. 3,750, about Rs. 172 per carat — the highest rate per carat in our hematite range. Reference GS-HE-0009. One piece, as photographed.

This stone is engraved

It carries an inscription across its face rather than being a plain polished stone. Measured from the photograph, its fine surface detail scores 18.3, against 5.6 to 11.3 for the plain pieces in our range. Mean brightness measures 89 out of 255 — a mid-grey metallic surface that lets the lettering read without glare.

The rate reflects that. At Rs. 172 per carat this is the dearest hematite we list, and the difference against our plain stones at Rs. 113 is the engraving, not the mineral.

Setting an engraved stone in a ring

1. Bezel, and shallow. A continuous rim protects the edge, and a low setting keeps the engraved face from catching on things.
2. Mind the orientation. An inscription has a top and a bottom. Tell the setter which way up it reads before the collet is made.
3. Set it cold. The stone goes into a finished mount. Heat near hematite is not worth the risk.
4. Expect to see wear. At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, a ring stone will soften its polish over years. The engraving itself lasts; the mirror finish around it dulls.

How to check it is real hematite

Rub an inconspicuous spot on unglazed ceramic: natural hematite leaves a red-brown streak. It should feel heavy for its size and be only weakly magnetic, if at all. Strongly magnetic material is pressed synthetic and should not be called hadeed.

Treatment

Not tested, and our specification sheet says so rather than implying otherwise. The treatment to be aware of is a surface coating used to make gold or peacock-coloured hematite; this stone's neutral grey is not that. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Care

Soft dry cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals. Take the ring off for anything rough.

More

Hadeed is among the Islamic gemstones traditionally worn here, the price guide covers the rates, and the collection page has the rest.

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 hematite with a weight of 21.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 172 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0009 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 hematite rates 5.5 to 6.5. That makes it soft for a gemstone, better suited to pendants, earrings and rings for special occasions than to a daily ring. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and polish it with a dry, soft cloth after wear.

Whoever you buy hematite 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 hematite 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): Natural hematite is usually untreated (beware magnetic "hematine", a man-made imitation). 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.