Durability first: a ruby is a corundum, 9 on the Mohs scale, and this 15.9 carat Kashmir stone is no exception. That means everyday dust, keys and coins will not mark it. What can hurt a stone of this size is mass itself; a heavy ruby in a thin mount can knock against doors and tables, so choose a sturdy bezel or thick prongs, or hang it as a pendant.

The stone is natural, red, and large, weighing 15.9 carats. It is priced at Rs. 35,630, about Rs. 2,241 per carat. The listing names Kashmir as origin. Size aside, quality depends on colour, clarity and treatment, so inspect it in daylight when it arrives.

Heating is common in ruby, and lesser material may be glass-filled. Glass-filled material is not sold by us as natural ruby. Quote GS-000520 on WhatsApp and we will say what we know; independent lab testing is available on request.

Cleaning and storage

Warm soapy water and a soft brush are enough. Keep it in a soft pouch so the stone does not rub against other jewellery. The ruby collection and the care guide offer more help.

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 ruby, known in Urdu as Yaqoot, with a weight of 15.9 Carat. Its price is Rs. 35,630 — roughly Rs. 2,241 for each carat. Origin: Kashmir. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000520 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 ruby rates 9. Few materials will scratch it, so it copes well with everyday ring wear. A soak in warm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft brush keeps it bright; skip the ultrasonic cleaner if inclusions reach the surface.

Whoever you buy ruby 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 ruby 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): Most ruby (yaqoot) is heated, and lower grades may be glass-filled; we do not sell glass-filled ruby as natural ruby. 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.