Sixteen carats puts this red agate on the large side for the family. Few people wear agate smaller than a thumbnail on a gents' ring, and this one comfortably fills that space, which means it works well as a broad ring or a heavier pendant rather than something delicate.

When shopping any red agate at this size, look at three things. The colour should be even rather than patchy. The polish should be smooth, with no dull patches. And you should ask about enhancement, because red agate is often heated or dyed. We will tell you what we know about this stone if you message +92 308 887 3888 with GS-RE-0015.

Specifics: 16 carats, natural Surkh Aqeeq, Rs. 2,400, which is about Rs. 150 per carat, hardness 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

It joins the others in our red agate range, and a 7-day return window applies from delivery.

One practical note: a stone this size is heavier than it looks, so check the weight of any chain before choosing a pendant. A sturdy silver chain or a leather cord both manage the load, while a fine wire chain may not.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery. Before you choose, read our red agate guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red agate with a weight of 16 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,400 — roughly Rs. 150 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-RE-0015 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 red agate rates 6.5 to 7. 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 red agate 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 red agate 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): Red agate is often heated or dyed to deepen its colour. 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.