Fine pyrite in an even blue is the signature of this 14.35 carat lapis. It could be set as a heavy ring in silver, hung as a pendant, or kept as a loose piece of collection quality. The stone is roomy enough to take a deep bezel without looking cramped.

One thing to think about is matching. If you hope to make a pair of earrings or cufflinks, lapis is more difficult than most gems, because you have to match depth of blue and also the density and spread of the gold. Several stones in this range lie within half a carat of each other, so it is possible to pair up, but check them side by side in daylight. Tell us on WhatsApp which two you are looking at and we will help compare, quoting GSN-LL-21 for this one.

Price is Rs. 5,400, or about Rs. 376 per carat. Lapis rates 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so choose a protective setting. Dyeing and waxing are known in lapis, and we are glad to say what we know about this stone. Find the rest under lapis lazuli.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery. Before you choose, read our lapis lazuli guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural lapis lazuli, known in Urdu as Lajward, with a weight of 14.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,400 — roughly Rs. 376 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-LL-21 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 lapis lazuli rates 5 to 6. 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 lapis lazuli 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 lapis lazuli 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): Lapis lazuli (lajward) is sometimes dyed or waxed to even out its blue. 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.