Blue from Afghanistan, 4.45 carats: this neelam gives you a clear sense of what a mid-sized blue sapphire looks like without stepping into the heavy-money bracket. Here is what is worth knowing, and checking, before you decide.

• Weight: 4.45 carats, a substantial ring size.
• Origin: Afghanistan, as listed.
• Colour: blue, the reason neelam is wanted. Judge its depth in daylight, not under bright shop lights.
• Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale; among common gems only diamond is harder, so ring wear is no problem.
• Treatment: most sapphires in the trade are heated to lift colour and clarity; unheated stones exist but cost more. Ask us about this one.
• Reference: AG-000499, to quote on WhatsApp.

When the parcel arrives, open it in front of the rider and inspect the stone before you pay. In Vedic astrology blue sapphire is linked with Saturn and traditionally worn only on an astrologer's advice; our neelam article goes through that tradition. More stones of this family are in the sapphire category. Independent lab testing is your option if you want it.

When it arrives, open it with the rider still there and pay only if you are happy. Karachi usually gets it in 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan in 2–4, and you can return it within 7 days in its original packing.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 4.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,400 — roughly Rs. 1,213 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000499 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.