Hold this stone by a window, then look at it again under a lamp. A sapphire with dark and blue tones together usually reads deep and inky indoors and shows its blue more clearly in daylight, and that difference tells you a lot. This one is a 13.40 carat neelam in blue and black tones.

What the trade says

Most sapphire has been heated, and anyone who tells you otherwise without proof is guessing. Heat is used to improve colour and tidy the interior, and it is considered normal. Stones that never saw a furnace exist, but they cost more and need a laboratory report to prove it. So ask us what we know about this one, and decide with that in hand.

What we know

It is a natural sapphire weighing 13.40 carats, at a low rate per carat for its size. Hardness is 9 on the Mohs scale, so scratching is not a worry for ordinary wear. The reference to quote is AG-000765.

At this weight it suits a pendant or a broad, protective ring. Would you like an independent opinion? Outside lab testing is your choice, and our authenticity page explains how we approach it.

In Vedic tradition neelam is linked with Saturn. Our sapphire guide has more.

Cash on Delivery means you inspect the stone at your door first. Karachi usually 1–2 working days, other cities 2–4, and 7 days to return.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 13.4 Carat. Its price is Rs. 18,000 — roughly Rs. 1,343 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000765 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 sapphire 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 sapphire 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 sapphire 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): Most sapphire on the market is heated to improve colour and clarity; unheated stones exist and cost more. 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.