Only diamond is harder than sapphire. At 9 on the Mohs scale, a 3.25 carat neelam shrugs off keys, dust and the small knocks of daily life, which is why it makes such a sensible ring stone. The one real risk is a sharp blow on the edge, so for everyday wear a bezel or another protective setting is a good idea.

This stone is a natural blue sapphire with Ceylon (Sri Lanka) as its stated origin. Its reference is AG-000859; send that on WhatsApp and we will answer questions and send extra photographs.

About treatment: heating is the accepted norm in sapphire, used to improve colour and clarity. Ask us what we know about this particular stone. If you would like independent confirmation, a lab test is your choice and we will not stand in the way.

Looking after it is easy. Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush behind the stone remove the film of oil and soap that dulls it. Ultrasonic cleaners are normally fine for sapphire itself, but avoid them if the piece also holds softer stones. Keep it in its own cloth pouch so it does not scratch other gems, and it will stay bright for many years.

You will find similar weights in the sapphire collection, and the basics of cleaning and storage are in our care guide.

Pay only once you are happy: Cash on Delivery across Pakistan, roughly 1–2 working days to Karachi and 2–4 elsewhere, and 7 days to send back an unused stone.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 3.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 13,130 — roughly Rs. 4,040 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000859 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.