Think of this 12.6 carat garnet as a big stone for a pendant first and a ring second, though both are possible. The colour is a very deep red, the price is Rs. 12,750, and the rate comes to about Rs. 1,012 per carat.

Setting plans

For a ring, you will need a mount built for it rather than a stock shank. A heavy bezel in silver is the economical route, and the metal can cost a lot in gold. On the hand it will cover plenty of finger, so people who work with their hands often prefer to keep it for occasions. For a pendant, a bezel on a sturdy chain hangs well, and the weight is less of a concern. Garnet at 7 to 7.5 on Mohs will take either setting without trouble, and a custom silver ring setting can be talked through on WhatsApp.

Check before you buy

With large garnets the usual problem is a dark centre. Hold the stone at arm's length, and if the middle reads as a hole rather than red, the cut has not worked. We think this one stays alive, but judge it yourself. Quote GSN-GT-18. Other sizes are in the garnet collection.

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 garnet guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural garnet with a weight of 12.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,750 — roughly Rs. 1,012 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-18 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 garnet rates 7 to 7.5. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy garnet 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 garnet 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): Garnet is usually untreated. 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.