Who buys a 31.6 carat sapphire? Mostly collectors, and people who want a pendant stone that people notice from across the room. This purple African sapphire shows a star-like effect in light, and at about Rs. 166 per carat its large size comes at a very restrained rate, which is part of its appeal.

The stone in numbers

It weighs 31.6 carats and costs Rs. 5,250 in total. It is a natural purple sapphire from Africa, 9 on the Mohs scale, so the body of the stone is tough even at this size. The weight is its whole character: too heavy for a slim ring, ideal for a pendant, a brooch or simply a desk-side display piece. The reference to quote is GS-000504.

What to ask first

Purple stones are often heated to tidy up the colour, and ones left alone are less usual. Tell us on WhatsApp (+92 308 887 3888) that you are interested in this one and we will pass on whatever we know about the exact piece. If you need an independent opinion, lab testing is available on request. To see how this compares with smaller stones, browse the purple sapphire collection.

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 purple sapphire guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural purple sapphire with a weight of 31.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,250 — roughly Rs. 166 for each carat. Origin: Africa. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000504 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 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.