This is an emerald cut ruby, and that is a statement about the stone rather than a flourish on the listing: the photograph shows a rectangle with the four corners cropped off and long step facets running parallel to the edges, which is exactly what an emerald cut is. Only a handful of the stones in this category are cut this way. It weighs 7.20 carats and its colour is recorded as Pinkish red.

What an emerald cut does to a stone

Step facets behave quite differently from the brilliant-style facets used on most coloured stones. Instead of scattering light into sparkle, they work like a series of mirrors, giving broad flashes and showing the body colour very openly. That openness is the catch: an emerald cut hides nothing, so it is used on material that can stand being looked into. It also makes the stone read larger than its weight, because the shape spreads rather than piling depth underneath.

The numbers

The price is Rs. 12,380, about Rs. 1,719 per carat. In ratti, 7.20 carats is 7.91 ratti. The reference is GS-000557.

Ruby, yaqoot and hardness

Ruby is red corundum, yaqoot in Urdu, at 9 on the Mohs scale. One caution specific to this shape: the cropped corners of a step cut are the most exposed points on the stone, so claws that sit on those corners, or a bezel, are worth insisting on rather than leaving to chance.

Treatment, and what we have not done

Most ruby (yaqoot) is heated, and lower grades may be glass-filled; we do not sell glass-filled ruby as natural ruby. A step cut is the shape where filling is easiest to spot, which is a point in this stone's favour when you examine it, not a reason to skip the disclosure. This stone has not been tested and there is no laboratory report for it. We will not call it unheated, and we will not offer you a document we do not hold. Independent testing can be arranged first if you want it.

Setting and care

An emerald cut at 7.20 carats makes a strong rectangular gents ring, or a pendant hung on its long axis. Warm water, mild soap, soft brush. Keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners and steam.

Buying this one

Cash on Delivery across Pakistan: look down into the stone yourself before you pay, which is the whole advantage of this cut. Returns within 7 days of delivery. Tracked, insured courier. WhatsApp +92 308 887 3888, reference GS-000557.

Questions people ask about this stone

How do you know it is an emerald cut when no cut is recorded? From the photograph, which belongs to this listing alone. It shows a rectangle with the corners cropped and long parallel facets running down the length. That is what an emerald cut is, and it is one of the few shape claims on this page we can actually show you.

Does a step cut hide flaws? The opposite. Brilliant faceting breaks light up and disguises a lot; long step facets act like windows. That makes this a good stone to inspect yourself when the courier hands it over.

What should I ask my setter for? Protection at the cropped corners, which are the most exposed points on a stone cut this way. Claws sitting on the corners, or a bezel, rather than claws on the long sides.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural ruby, known in Urdu as Yaqoot, with a weight of 7.2 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,380 — roughly Rs. 1,719 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000557 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

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.