Few stones have the hold on Pakistani buyers that lajward does, and this 14.75 carat piece is a modest, wearable example. Think of the deep blue that you see on old inlay work and in traditional silver rings: that is the colour family it belongs to.

It costs Rs. 2,250, about Rs. 153 per carat, and the smaller size makes it easy to set. A slim pendant or a simple silver ring carries it comfortably, though lapis is only 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so keep it away from hard knocks, chemicals and long soaks in water.

One honest point before you buy: colour enhancement with dye or wax turns up in lapis from time to time. Message us on WhatsApp and we will say what we know about this one, and lab testing can be arranged on request.

Clean it with a barely damp soft cloth and dry it straight away; soap, perfume and hairspray can dull the surface. Store it in a pouch on its own, since harder stones in a jewellery box will scratch lapis. As with any natural stone, expect small variations from the photographs.

When you write, quote GS-00047. If you are still choosing, the full lapis lazuli range shows how colour and weight change from stone to stone.

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 14.75 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,250 — roughly Rs. 153 for each carat. Origin: Pakistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-00047 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.