Eleven carats of purple sapphire gives a jeweller room to play. This African stone, 11.3 carats, shows the star effect known as asterism, where a ray pattern floats across the surface as the light moves. Here is how that could translate into a finished piece.

A silver ring with a deep bezel suits it well: the metal frames a heavy stone and protects the edges, and at 9 on the Mohs scale the sapphire itself will not suffer from daily wear. A pendant is the easiest choice if you do not want a ring this size on a busy hand. Yellow gold gives a warmer look against purple, white metal a cooler one. A custom silver ring setting can be discussed on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888.

The facts: natural purple sapphire from Africa, Rs. 4,730, about Rs. 419 per carat, reference GS-000501. Purple in sapphire is frequently improved by heating, and stones that never saw a furnace are the minority, so ask what we know about this one before you commit. Independent lab testing is available on request.

If you like the star effect, compare it with other pieces in our purple sapphire range, and keep the stone out of ultrasonic cleaners; warm soapy water is enough.

Order with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan: open the parcel, check the stone, then pay. If it is not right for you, you have 7 days to return it. Before you choose, read our purple sapphire guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural purple sapphire with a weight of 11.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 4,730 — roughly Rs. 419 for each carat. Origin: Africa. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000501 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 purple sapphire rates 9. Few materials will scratch it, so it copes well with everyday ring wear. A soak in warm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft brush keeps it bright; skip the ultrasonic cleaner if inclusions reach the surface.

Whoever you buy purple sapphire 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 purple sapphire 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): Purple sapphire is often heated to refine its colour; unheated stones are less common. 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.