At just under four carats this is the smallest garnet in our dark group, and small suits a stone like this rather well. The colour is concentrated into less surface, the whole piece stays light on the hand or at the neck, and a modest stone sits comfortably in a slim setting without needing a heavy shank to balance it.

The stone

3.95 carats, which is 4.34 ratti. Rs. 5,030, about Rs. 1,273 per carat, reference GSN-GT-01. A faceted stone. One piece, as photographed.

What it looks like

Measured from the photograph, this stone reads 46 out of 255 in brightness, which puts it among the deeper stones in our range, and red leads the next strongest colour channel by 28 points — one of the cleaner red readings we measured. At this size the depth works in its favour: a small stone with a strong colour reads as a definite red rather than disappearing into darkness.

Ways to wear it

• A slim ring. The classic. Garnet's hardness means it does not need a protective setting, so a lighter, more open design works.
• A pendant. Light reaches a stone at the neck from the front, which suits a deeper colour.
• Earrings, as a pair. Possible if you can match a second stone, though each of ours is a single piece.
• Daily wear without fuss. At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage, this is a stone you can put on and forget about.

Why the rate is a little higher here

At about Rs. 1,273 per carat this stone sits above our larger pieces, which run closer to Rs. 985. That is the usual pattern for an abundant mineral: cutting and polishing take roughly the same work whatever the finished size, so a small stone spreads that cost over fewer carats. The total price is still among the lowest in the range.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet records that rather than claiming better. Garnet is among the least-treated gemstones sold, with no standard heat or diffusion process behind its colour. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch on request.

Care

Warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if inclusions are visible, and keep it apart from harder stones in storage.

More

The garnet price guide explains the rates, the carat to ratti converter handles the conversion if you think in ratti, and the collection page has the rest of the range.

Ordering

One piece only. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan by insured, tracked courier, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery — open the parcel and look at the stone before you pay — and seven days to return it unused. Dimensions have not been recorded; message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural garnet with a weight of 3.95 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,030 — roughly Rs. 1,273 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-01 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 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.