A sapphire's first strength is hardness, and this purple one has plenty. At 9 on the Mohs scale it ranks just below diamond, which means a ring can take years of daily wear with little more than the odd scuff on the metal. A pendant or earring will be even safer, since nothing rubs against it.

The stone itself is a natural purple sapphire of 8.25 carats, sold under the neelam name in Pakistan. It costs Rs. 3,750, about Rs. 455 per carat, which is a gentle rate for corundum of this size. Heat is a routine way to refine purple in sapphire and stones without it are scarcer, so please ask us what we know about this exact piece; its reference is GS-000500. Independent lab testing is available on request.

Cleaning and storage

Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush are enough. Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth. Because sapphire is hard, it can scratch softer stones, so keep it in its own pouch rather than loose with pearls or opal. The gemstone care guide covers the routine in more detail, and you can see related stones in the purple sapphire category.

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 purple sapphire with a weight of 8.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 455 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000500 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.