A pearl is one of the few gems that comes from a living creature, and it is also one of the softest. This 12.3 carat moti sits at 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than a steel knife blade and softer than most dust in the air.

That softness shapes how you wear it. A pendant, brooch or earring keeps it away from knocks, and a ring is best kept for special occasions. Perfume, lemon juice and vinegar damage the surface, so put the pearl on last and take it off first.

Pearls are routinely bleached and polished, and we say so if a colour is dyed. Ask us on WhatsApp what we know about this exact stone, quoting GS-000336. Independent lab testing is available on request.

The price is Rs. 3,000, roughly Rs. 244 per carat. Traditionally moti is linked with the Moon and worn for calm, which is belief. See other pieces in the pearl listing.

For storage, a soft pouch away from hard gems and metal edges stops scratches on the surface.

Pay Cash on Delivery once you have opened the parcel and seen the stone yourself, anywhere in Pakistan, with 7 days to return it if you change your mind. Before you choose, read our pearl guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural pearl, known in Urdu as Moti, with a weight of 12.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,000 — roughly Rs. 244 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000336 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 pearl rates 2.5 to 4.5. 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 pearl 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 pearl 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): Pearls (moti) are commonly bleached and polished; dyed colours are disclosed. 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.