Heat treatment of ruby is close to universal in the trade, so it is no surprise and no scandal. What matters is that you know about it, and we encourage you to ask about this 3.55 carat Mozambique ruby before you pay. Write to us on WhatsApp quoting GS-00014 and we will share what we know about it, and independent lab testing can be arranged if you want it.

Once you know that, the rest is simple. The stone is priced at Rs. 66,750, which works out at about Rs. 18,803 per carat. A ruby of this weight carries a rate well above what the same weight of coloured quartz would, and the figure reflects its colour and the rarity of larger rubies.

Wearing it

At 9 on the Mohs scale ruby suits a daily ring, and a 3.55 carat stone has enough size to look substantial in gold or silver. Clean it in warm soapy water and keep it separate from other stones in storage. Tradition links ruby, known as yaqoot, with the Sun.

For more choice, look at the ruby category, or see our notes on ruby quality.

Cash on Delivery is available across Pakistan, so you inspect the stone before paying, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural ruby, known in Urdu as Yaqoot, with a weight of 3.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 66,750 — roughly Rs. 18,803 for each carat. Origin: Mozambique. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-00014 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 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.