This is a large marjan: 13.45 carats of smooth cabochon in a deep, evenly saturated red, priced at Rs. 25,500. Use the list below to judge it when it reaches you.

• Value: about Rs. 1,896 per carat, quoted under reference GS-RC-0034.
• Surface: run a finger around the cabochon and look for an even, glossy finish without pits.
• Colour: check that the red is consistent across the whole stone, in daylight and indoors.
• Hardness: 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, so store it on its own, away from harder gems.
• Treatment: red coral is often waxed and some is dyed; ask us what we know about this piece.

At this size, a bezel in silver or gold is the sensible setting, and a custom silver ring can be talked through on WhatsApp (+92 308 887 3888). Pieces this large are not common, so if the weight and colour suit you, write to us soon. The wider red coral range is there for comparison, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery.

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 coral guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red coral, known in Urdu as Marjan, with a weight of 13.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 25,500 — roughly Rs. 1,896 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-RC-0034 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.