The oval is the default shape for a ring stone across the subcontinent, and for good reasons that have nothing to do with fashion. It sits along the finger without corners to catch, it covers more of the hand than a round of the same weight, and every silversmith in Pakistan already has the mount for it.

The stone

21.55 carats, which is 23.68 ratti. Shape: oval — recorded for this individual stone. Natural moss agate, known locally as Shajri Aqeeq. Rs. 15,100, about Rs. 701 per carat, reference GS-000430.

Why oval works for a ring

• No vulnerable corners. Unlike a square or an emerald shape, there are no points to chip, so a simple bezel or four claws is enough.
• It looks bigger than its weight. An oval spreads across a longer face than a round of the same carat, so more of the stone is visible.
• It elongates the hand. Set north–south along the finger, an oval visually lengthens it.
• Mounts are stock. Oval settings are standard everywhere, which keeps the cost of setting down and makes a future reset easy.

Moss agate as a ring stone

Moss agate is not banded like sulemani and not solid-coloured like red aqeeq. It is translucent chalcedony with cream-white mineral inclusions branching through it that look like plants trapped in ice — the reason for the Urdu name shajri, from shajar, tree. The pattern makes every stone unrepeatable, which is the appeal and also the thing to judge: you want the "moss" distributed across the face rather than clumped at one edge, and enough clear ground around it for the pattern to read.

One practical advantage over the rest of the family: moss agate is usually untreated. Where red, yellow and black agate are routinely heated or dyed, there is no commercial reason to dye moss agate — the value is in the inclusions, not the colour. Our specification sheet reflects that.

What should I check in an oval?

Symmetry first. Picture folding the outline in half both ways; both halves should mirror. A lopsided oval forces a custom mount, which costs more and rarely looks right. Then check the dome: a cabochon should curve evenly, without a flat spot. Ask us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 for a straight-down photograph and you can check both yourself.

Measurements

Exact length and width have not been recorded for this piece. We will measure it on request — worth doing before your jeweller orders or makes the mount, because on an oval the length-to-width ratio decides how the ring reads on the finger.

Durability

Agate is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage, so it is well suited to a ring worn daily. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; no bleach, no ultrasonic cleaner. Water is harmless, so wudu is fine — dry the ring afterwards.

Ordering

One piece only. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan, insured and tracked, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery, seven days to return it unused. Compare patterns in the moss agate collection, and see how to judge moss agate.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural moss agate, known in Urdu as Shajri Aqeeq, with a weight of 21.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 15,100 — roughly Rs. 701 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000430 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 moss agate rates 6.5 to 7. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy moss agate 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 moss agate 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): Moss agate (shajri aqeeq) 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.