Pairs are rare in loose natural stones, which is what makes this 5.61 carat garnet interesting. A hundredth of a carat separates it from the 5.6 carat garnet we list under GSN-GT-02, and the red is close enough that the two could sit side by side in earrings or cufflinks. If you are thinking about that, tell us on WhatsApp before either piece sells.

On its own, it is a strong red stone at Rs. 6,830, or about Rs. 1,217 per carat. It is hard enough, at 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, to handle daily wear in a ring, and it has no cleavage plane to worry about, so a knock is less of a danger than it is with kunzite or labradorite.

Garnet is a family of minerals rather than a single species, and the dark reds belong to the almandine and pyrope end. We describe the colour we can see and quote the SKU, GSN-GT-03, so there is no confusion between stones.

Care is simple: warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry it. It can share a pouch with other garnets, but keep it from quartz-hard gems that might rub it. Find its companions in our garnet collection.

Order with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan: open the parcel, check the stone, then pay. If it is not right for you, you have 7 days to return it. Before you choose, read our garnet guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural garnet with a weight of 5.61 Carat. Its price is Rs. 6,830 — roughly Rs. 1,217 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-03 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.