Ask for blue sapphire in any Pakistani gem market and you will hear the word neelam. In Vedic astrology it is traditionally tied to Saturn, and many families have worn it with that belief for generations. Plenty of others simply like a deep blue stone. We mention the tradition as background only and make no promises about what a stone will do; our neelam article explains how it is usually discussed.

This natural neelam weighs 2.3 carats and its origin is given as Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Sapphire scores 9 on the Mohs scale, so it is tough enough for a ring that stays on every day.

Buyers who follow tradition often want to know whether the stone has been heated. The honest answer for the trade as a whole is that heating is common. For this particular piece, message us on WhatsApp with reference AG-000862 and we will tell you plainly what we know. If you want a written report, independent testing is your call.

For more choice, browse the sapphire collection, where stones of different sizes sit side by side.

You can order with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan and pay only after you have checked the stone at the door. Karachi usually receives it in 1–2 working days, other cities in 2–4, and if it does not suit you, 7 days are allowed for a return.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 2.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 22,500 — roughly Rs. 9,783 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000862 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 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.