A natural red coral of 8.95 carats, about 9.84 ratti, at Rs. 16,880 – roughly Rs. 1,886 per carat. A long capsule cabochon, about 2.38 times as long as it is wide, sold loose.

One thing to look at before ordering

This stone has a visible warm patch along one edge, where the red lightens towards orange. It is not a trick of the lighting: measured across the photograph, about 10% of this stone's face reads as orange rather than red, where every other coral in this group of twenty measures under 1%.

We are pointing it out rather than cropping around it. Coral grows in layers and colour variation across a single piece is entirely natural – arguably it is evidence of exactly that. But even colour is what the trade pays for, so if you want a stone of one uniform red, one of the others in this tray will suit you better, and we would rather you chose that one than be disappointed by this parcel.

What "genuine" means here

Natural coral: the real hardened skeleton of a marine colony, not dyed bone, not reconstituted coral powder bonded with resin, not plastic – all three of which are sold as moonga, and the last two convincingly. That much we stand behind.

It does not mean untreated, and it does not mean certified. This stone has no laboratory report and its treatment has not been tested. Nearly all red coral is waxed or oiled; a real share is dyed. If you want that settled before buying, ask and we will arrange an independent test.

Buying loose

Unset, you can see the whole stone, including the base and the ends that a setting would hide – which is worth more on coral than on most materials, because pits and pale patches tend to be placed where a setting will cover them. You also pick the metal and the jeweller.

Softness and acid

Coral is Mohs 3 to 4, so it scratches readily and wants a bezel setting. It is calcium carbonate, so acid dissolves it: perfume, hairspray, chlorinated water, vinegar and lemon all etch it permanently. It is organic, so it scorches: it must be set cold, never near a torch.

Care and ordering

A soft dry cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no steam, no soaking. One stone, sold once. Message us on WhatsApp for close-up photographs of the warm zone before you decide; 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 8.95 Carat. Its price is Rs. 16,880 — roughly Rs. 1,886 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-RC-0027 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

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.