Most sapphire rings use stones of two to four carats, so a 7.55 carat neelam is a bold choice. It wears differently: it sits high on the hand, catches light from further away, and benefits from a sturdy, protective setting. It would also make a fine pendant.

Checking a big sapphire

In larger stones, colour zoning and inclusions are easier to see, so inspect it in daylight and under a lamp. If the photographs look flat, ask us for a video. The stone itself is tough: sapphire is 9 on the Mohs scale.

The stone

A natural blue sapphire, reference AG-000761, at a modest rate per carat for its size. Heating is common practice for sapphire, with never-heated stones commanding more, so ask us what we know about this one. Independent lab testing is up to you.

Keep it in a pouch of its own so it cannot rub against softer stones, and clean it with warm soapy water now and then.

In Vedic astrology neelam is associated with Saturn, and many families consult an astrologer before wearing one.

See the sapphire collection for comparison, and read our sapphire guide before deciding.

When it arrives, open the parcel and look before paying the rider. 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 7.55 Carat. Its price is Rs. 18,750 — roughly Rs. 2,483 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000761 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

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.