Wondering how to set a 7.20 carat black agate? These are the options we usually suggest.

A simple silver ring comes first. The stone is compact enough to sit well in a slim band, and a bezel will protect its edge. If you want something richer, gold is the alternative, and black looks sharp against it. For a pendant, a small bail and bezel keep the stone secure and let it hang flat. A custom silver ring can be talked through with us on WhatsApp; we discuss what you want before quoting anything.

If you cannot choose between silver and gold, think about the wearer's other jewellery. Matching the metal to what he or she already wears usually settles it.

Know the stone

This piece is Kala Aqeeq, a natural black agate of 7.20 carats. Mohs hardness is 6.5 to 7, so daily wear is reasonable. The colour is dyed, which is standard for black agate. When you message us, mention AG-BL-0013.

See other options in the black agate collection. Before you choose, read our black agate guide.

No advance payment: the parcel comes Cash on Delivery, Karachi usually in 1–2 working days and other cities in 2–4, and unused stones can be returned within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural black agate with a weight of 7.2 Carat. Its price is Rs. 1,350 — roughly Rs. 188 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-BL-0013 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 black agate rates 6.5 to 7. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy black agate 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 black agate 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): Black agate is almost always dyed — it is standard for the stone. 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.