A 6.45 carat nephrite jade — 7.09 ratti — at Rs. 2,930, about Rs. 454 per carat.

A size and tone that suits finer settings

Most of this collection sits in men's-ring territory. At six and a half carats with a light, fresh tone — 67 out of 255 for brightness, toward the paler end of a 42-to-84 range, at 86% green coverage — this one fits the slimmer mounts that heavier stones overwhelm: a narrow-shanked ring, a small pendant, a brooch, or one of a pair of earrings.

Lighter nephrite also reads better against white metal and against skin in daylight. The darker stones in this category look their best in silver under indoor light; a pale green like this keeps its colour outdoors, where deep stones can go almost black.

The practical case for nephrite in everyday jewellery

Jewellery that is actually worn gets knocked. Nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which sounds unremarkable, but hardness measures scratching and tells you nothing about breaking. Its microscopic fibres interlock like matted felt, making it one of the toughest natural stones known — far less likely to chip than opal, turquoise, moonstone or even jadeite. For a piece worn daily rather than kept for occasions, that is the number that matters.

What it will do is scratch, since ordinary household dust contains quartz, which is harder. Wipe it rather than rubbing it, and keep it off the same tray as harder stones.

Rate and care

Rs. 454 per carat, within this category's Rs. 442 to Rs. 457 band. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaner, no steam.

Treatment has not been tested on this piece, and we say so rather than describing it as untreated. No documented origin is held for it. Dimensions and clarity are not recorded yet — ask and we will measure.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural nephrite with a weight of 6.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,930 — roughly Rs. 454 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0002 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

On the Mohs scale nephrite rates 6 to 6.5. 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 nephrite 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 nephrite 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): Nephrite is usually untreated, though some is dyed or waxed. 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.