Buying loose is the sensible way round with an engraved stone in particular, because the inscription has an orientation and a setting has to be built around it. Hand a setter a ready-mounted stone and you are stuck with whatever they decided; hand them a loose one and you choose.

The stone

21.85 carats, which is 24.01 ratti. Rs. 2,630, about Rs. 120 per carat, reference GS-HE-0010. Engraved. Supplied unset, exactly as photographed.

This stone is engraved

It carries an inscription across the face. Measured from the photograph, fine surface detail scores 15.2, against 5.6 to 11.3 for the plain stones in our range. Mean brightness is 106 out of 255 — one of the brighter, more silvery surfaces we carry, which is what makes the lettering read.

What to inspect on a loose hematite

1. The streak test. Rub an inconspicuous spot on unglazed ceramic. Natural hematite leaves a red-brown streak. This is the test, and a loose stone lets you pick a spot that will sit under the bezel.
2. The magnet. Only weakly magnetic, if at all. Strongly magnetic material is pressed synthetic.
3. The weight in the hand. Hematite is heavy for its size. Lightness is a warning.
4. The engraving under a loupe. Depth and evenness of the cut. Shallow, wandering lettering is worth less than crisp work.
5. The polish for scratches. Easy to see loose, hidden once a bezel covers the girdle.

Getting it set

Tell the silversmith which way up the inscription reads before anything is made. Ask for a bezel rather than claws, set low, and ask them to set it cold and keep it out of the ultrasonic bath afterwards — hematite at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale does not need the help.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet records that. Surface coatings are used on hematite to make gold and peacock colours; this stone's neutral metallic grey is not one. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Care

Soft dry cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no harsh chemicals, and store it away from harder stones.

More

The hematite price guide covers the rates, the real or fake guide covers imitations, 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.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural hematite with a weight of 21.85 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,630 — roughly Rs. 120 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-HE-0010 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.