Twelve carats of coral is an uncommon sight on a Pakistani hand, and this marjan, at 12.35 carats, is built to be noticed. Its red is deep and evenly saturated, and there is enough surface for the colour to glow rather than merely show.

Size brings caution as well. Coral measures only 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, and a large stone presents more surface to scratches and bumps. A deep bezel in silver or gold protects the edge, and a pendant is gentler on it than a ring worn through a working day.

The price is Rs. 23,250, or about Rs. 1,883 per carat; the reference to quote is GS-RC-0033. As with most red coral, waxing for lustre is common and some pieces are dyed, so ask us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 what we know about this stone. Independent lab testing can be arranged if you want a second opinion.

Keep it away from perfume and chlorinated water and clean it with a soft cloth only. Smaller sizes are listed in the red coral category.

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 coral guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red coral, known in Urdu as Marjan, with a weight of 12.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 23,250 — roughly Rs. 1,883 for each carat. Origin: Pakistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-RC-0033 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 coral rates 3 to 4. That makes it soft for a gemstone, better suited to pendants, earrings and rings for special occasions than to a daily ring. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and polish it with a dry, soft cloth after wear.

Whoever you buy red coral 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 coral 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 coral (marjan) is often waxed to improve lustre, and some coral is dyed. 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.