A low rate per carat on a big neelam is a good reason to look closely, and this 24.35 carat stone has one. On large stones, a low rate usually comes down to colour or clarity, so view the photographs in daylight and ask questions.

It is a natural blue sapphire with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is large, so a pendant or a statement ring is its likely home. The reference is AG-000778.

Reading a per-carat rate

A rate per carat is useful, but it never tells the whole story. Two sapphires of the same weight can differ widely in price because of colour saturation, transparency and how well they are cut. That is why we photograph every stone as it is, so you can see it before deciding.

Treatment

Heating is the usual practice for sapphire. We will share what we know about this stone. Independent testing is your choice.

Tradition

Neelam is associated with Saturn in Vedic astrology, and an astrologer's advice is customary before wearing it.

Browse more blue sapphire listings, message us on WhatsApp for photographs, and read our sapphire guide.

Inspect it at your door before paying. Karachi typically 1–2 working days, other cities 2–4, and returns within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 24.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 18,750 — roughly Rs. 770 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000778 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.