Durability first: red agate scores 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so this 26.60 carat stone should resist everyday scratching. What it will not resist is a hard blow to an unprotected edge. For a ring, choose a setting with a full bezel; for a pendant, the risk falls away.

Care is simple. Wash in lukewarm water with a drop of soap, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners, because red agate is often heated or dyed and we would not want to test how the colour reacts. Store the stone in its own pouch.

The stone itself is a natural Surkh Aqeeq of 26.60 carats at Rs. 3,990, about Rs. 150 per carat. Because the colour may have been enhanced, ask what we know via WhatsApp +92 308 887 3888, code GS-RE-0023.

Others of similar weight are in the red agate collection.

It does not need much more than that to look good for years. A flat silver bezel, a plain chain and a little regular cleaning are all it asks, and the price leaves room in your budget for a good setting rather than an expensive stone.

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 red agate guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red agate with a weight of 26.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,990 — roughly Rs. 150 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-RE-0023 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.