A few questions come up whenever someone considers this 7.65 carat nephrite, so here are the answers. It is listed at Rs. 3,450, or about Rs. 451 per carat, under reference GS-NE-0006.

Is nephrite the same as jade?

Nephrite is one of the two minerals sold as jade; the other is jadeite. Nephrite is the tougher of the two, which is why it has been carved for so long. Our nephrite page lists similar stones.

Has it been dyed or waxed?

Some nephrite is, and the trade does not always say. Write to us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this particular stone.

What can I do with a stone this size?

It is compact, suited to a slim silver band, a ladies' ring or a small pendant. Hardness is 6 to 6.5, so avoid abrasive contact, and wash it in lukewarm soapy water rather than strong cleaners. Cash on Delivery lets you open the parcel and look at the stone before you pay, and a certificate of authenticity is available on request. If you are still weighing it against other stones, the buying guide is a useful read.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural nephrite with a weight of 7.65 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,450 — roughly Rs. 451 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0006 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.