Ten carats of neelam fills the palm in a way a two-carat stone never does, and this Afghan sapphire weighs 10.08. Size on its own is not the whole story, though. When a big sapphire is offered at a modest rate, the usual reason is a softer colour or some visible clarity features, not a hidden bargain. So look at it for what it is and for what you plan to do with it.

Colour, origin and cut

We list it as a natural blue sapphire with Afghanistan as the origin. No cut is recorded on this listing, which is one more reason to ask for pictures from the top, the side and underneath before you decide. Message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-000856 and we will send them.

Ask about treatment too. Most sapphire in the trade is heated to improve colour and clarity, and we will tell you plainly what we know about this one. If you want it confirmed on paper, an independent lab test is your choice to make.

Hardness is not a worry: sapphire sits at 9 on the Mohs scale. With this much weight, a strong pendant mount or a broad ring in silver or gold carries it best. Other pieces are in the sapphire category, and our sapphire guide walks through what to check.

You pay Cash on Delivery only after opening the parcel in front of the rider; Karachi orders usually land in 1–2 working days, other cities in 2–4, and unused stones can come back within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 10.08 Carat. Its price is Rs. 11,250 — roughly Rs. 1,116 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000856 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 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.