A natural red coral of 12.35 carats, about 13.57 ratti, at Rs. 23,250 – roughly Rs. 1,883 per carat. An elongated cabochon, measured at about 1.61 times as long as it is wide – one of the broader stones in this tray rather than one of the long narrow ones.

The size, in ratti

Most buyers here ask for moonga by ratti rather than by carat, and at a shade over thirteen ratti this sits squarely in the range usually asked for in a gents' ring. Its proportions help: because it is broader than the long narrow stones in this group, it fills the finger across rather than running along it, which is how most people want a ring stone to sit.

A man's ring is the hardest place to wear coral

We would rather say this plainly than let you find out. Coral is Mohs 3 to 4 – softer than a steel key, softer than a coin, softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household air. A man's ring takes more knocks and more abrasion than any other piece of jewellery, and coral will show it: the polish dulls, and edges can scuff.

None of that makes it a bad choice, because coral has been worn in rings for centuries and is easily re-polished. It does mean you should ask for a bezel setting rather than claws, so the metal rim takes the knocks instead of the stone, and take the ring off for anything rough.

Chemistry matters more than hardness

Coral is calcium carbonate, and calcium carbonate dissolves in acid. Perfume, aftershave, hairspray, chlorinated water, vinegar and lemon juice will all etch the surface and dull it permanently. This is the commonest way a coral ring is ruined, and it is entirely avoidable: put the ring on after you have finished dressing, and take it off before you swim.

What has not been tested

No laboratory report, and the treatment has not been tested. Nearly all red coral is waxed or oiled to lift its lustre, and a share of what is sold is dyed. Both are standard in the trade and neither is visible to the eye. We do not claim this stone is untreated; we will arrange a test if you want one.

Care and ordering

A soft dry cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no steam, no chemicals, no soaking. Store it apart from harder stones, which will scratch it easily. One stone, sold once. Message us on WhatsApp for more photographs, and we deliver across Pakistan with payment on delivery.

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. 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.