Coral began as a living thing, the hard skeleton built by tiny sea animals, and this 3.8 carat marjan still has the gentle character that comes with that history.

It shows a warm, even red, neither pale nor very dark, which makes it a middle-of-the-road tone. It is listed at Rs. 5,700, or about Rs. 1,500 per carat, under reference GS-RC-0003.

That organic origin also makes coral soft: 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, well below sapphire or even quartz. A protective bezel setting is wise, and perfume, chlorine and harsh cleaners are best avoided. Slim silver bands and ladies' rings suit this weight well.

Coral is frequently waxed for shine, and some is dyed, which is simply how the trade works. Ask us about this particular piece and we will tell you what we know. The red coral listings show other marjan, and our rashi guide covers the astrology side for those who follow it. A smooth, even surface and a steady colour from edge to edge are the signs worth looking for when the parcel is opened.

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.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural red coral, known in Urdu as Marjan, with a weight of 3.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,700 — roughly Rs. 1,500 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-RC-0003 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.

Between two and six carats is the range most people choose for a gents' ring or a noticeable pendant. Here colour drives the price more than size does, which is why two stones of near-identical weight can be priced very differently.

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.