Comparing neelam across sizes is easier if you think per carat. It lets you lay a 9.30 carat stone beside a 4 carat one fairly. Remember, though, that colour depth and clarity move the rate more than weight does. This stone carries a low rate per carat for its size, so judge its colour closely.

It is a natural blue sapphire, neelam in Urdu, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. At this weight it looks substantial in a ring and can carry a pendant just as easily. Quote AG-000766 when you write to us.

Setting and wear

Sapphire's hardness lets it sit in a plain silver band or a more protective closed setting without worry about chipping, though a hard knock against a counter edge can still hurt any stone. For a ring worn every day, choose a setting that holds the girdle all the way round rather than a few thin prongs. Silver ring settings made to your finger size can be talked through on WhatsApp.

As with other sapphire, heating is common in the trade, so ask what we know about this particular piece. Independent lab testing is up to you.

In Vedic astrology neelam is linked with Saturn, and an astrologer's advice is customary.

The full sapphire range is one click away, and our sapphire guide explains more.

Open, check, then pay. Karachi usually 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan 2–4, with a 7-day return window.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sapphire, known in Urdu as Neelam, with a weight of 9.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,750 — roughly Rs. 1,371 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000766 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.