A 7.75 carat oval nephrite jade — 8.52 ratti — at Rs. 3,530, about Rs. 455 per carat.

The most oval stone here, measured

Cutters use "oval" loosely. This stone is 1.36 times as wide as it is tall, the most elongated of the thirteen in this category, where the others cluster between 1.14 and 1.32 and one is actually taller than it is wide. If you want a stone that reads clearly as an oval rather than as a rounded cushion, this is it.

The proportion matters in wear. An oval set lengthways along the finger covers more of the hand than a rounder stone of the same weight while sitting no higher, and the elongation draws the eye along the finger rather than across it. It is the reason the oval has been the default ring shape across the subcontinent for generations.

Colour and veining

Brightness measures 52 out of 255, placing it among the darker stones in this collection, with 93% green coverage. The body carries darker green veining running through it — a texture common in nephrite, caused by variation in iron content as the mineral grew, and one of the clearest signs that a stone is natural rather than dyed. Dye sits in cracks; natural veining runs through the material.

Why nephrite handles setting well

Nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than quartz, yet it is among the toughest natural stones known. Its microscopic fibres interlock like matted felt, so it resists chipping and fracture far better than its hardness suggests. A setter can work it with more confidence than most coloured stones of similar hardness — though it will still scratch, so it is not a stone to wear while using tools.

Rate and care

Rs. 455 per carat, within the Rs. 442 to Rs. 457 band across this category. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth; no ultrasonic cleaner and no steam.

Treatment has not been tested on this piece, which we record rather than calling it 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 7.75 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,530 — roughly Rs. 455 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-NE-0008 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.