Real presence on the hand, without the bulk of a double-digit sapphire: that is the space a 5.75 carat neelam fills. In a ring, this size sits comfortably in a man's or a woman's setting, and at Mohs 9 everyday knocks are not a worry.

The stone

A natural blue sapphire, neelam in Urdu, weighing 5.75 carats. Quote reference AG-000763 when you message us on WhatsApp and we will send fresh daylight photographs so you can judge the blue yourself.

Heating: the question to ask

Furnace heating is routine for sapphire. It is done to deepen colour or clean up the interior, and most stones on the market have had it at some point. Stones that skipped the furnace do exist, but they sell for noticeably more. Ask us what we know about this piece before deciding. If you want a written opinion, an independent laboratory report is yours to arrange.

Tradition

In Vedic astrology neelam is tied to Saturn, which is why many families consult a jyotishi before wearing one. Astrologers often suggest a short trial period.

Compare it with the rest of our sapphire stones if you are still choosing, and read our sapphire guide.

Open the parcel in front of the rider and pay only when satisfied. Karachi usually 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan 2–4, returns within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 5.75 Carat. Its price is Rs. 16,880 — roughly Rs. 2,936 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000763 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.