Forty carats is a lot of sapphire. Most stones bought for jewellery weigh a few carats; at 40.35, this Afghan neelam belongs with collectors or in a substantial pendant rather than on an everyday ring.

Big sapphires are priced for their size, not carat for carat like small, finely coloured ones, so the rate per carat here is low. That is normal. Judge the stone on what you see rather than on the figure alone, and ask us for photographs from several angles in daylight.

It is a natural blue sapphire, neelam in Urdu, with Afghanistan given as its origin, and it rates 9 on the Mohs scale. The reference is AG-000871.

Plan the setting early. A heavy stone needs a well-made mount with strong prongs or a full bezel, and most people find a pendant more comfortable than a ring at this weight. Some buyers keep a stone like this loose, as a display piece.

Heating is common in sapphire. Message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this one; independent testing is available if you want a report.

If you would rather have something smaller, the sapphire collection has plenty. Our sapphire guide explains how size and colour affect price.

It comes Cash on Delivery across Pakistan, so you open the parcel, examine the stone and pay only then. Karachi normally receives it within 1–2 working days and other cities within 2–4; returns are accepted for 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 40.35 Carat. Its price is Rs. 60,000 — roughly Rs. 1,487 for each carat. Origin: Afghanistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000871 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.