"What should I check before I believe what I am told?" is a good question to ask about any coloured stone. With amethyst, the answer is heat. The trade accepts that some stones are warmed to lighten the colour, although many are sold just as they were mined.

So ask us about this one. It is a natural jamunia, laser cut, 5.25 carats and purple. Message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know; an independent lab test is open to you as well.

What we can say for certain

It is listed under reference AG-000256 and rates 7 on the Mohs scale, enough for regular jewellery. Because it is a smaller stone, its rate per carat runs higher than on our larger amethysts, which is normal for the gem.

Wipe it with a soft cloth and keep it out of strong sunlight. Companions are in the amethyst collection. With Cash on Delivery you can examine the stone before paying.

Karachi orders usually arrive within 1–2 working days, other cities within 2–4, and you can return the stone within 7 days. Read our amethyst guide first.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural amethyst, known in Urdu as Jamunia, with a weight of 5.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 13,130 — roughly Rs. 2,501 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000256 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 amethyst rates 7. 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 amethyst 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 amethyst for those three points before it is listed, 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. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Amethyst is usually untreated, though some stones are heated to lighten the colour. 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.