Talk to any experienced dealer about aqeeq and colour enhancement comes up quickly. The stone is often heated or dyed to strengthen its tone. That is ordinary practice in the trade, not something to hide, and the only thing that matters is that the buyer is told.

So before you settle on this 16.5 carat Yemeni carnelian, please ask. Message us on WhatsApp with reference AG-00029 and we will tell you what we know about this particular stone. If you want something on paper, you are free to have it tested by an independent lab.

Here is what we can say without hesitation. It is a natural aqeeq from Yemen, 16.5 carats in weight, and 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a reasonable choice for a men's silver ring. When the rider arrives you can open the parcel and examine the stone before handing over any money, and if it does not suit you there is a seven-day return window. Similar stones are on the aqeeq category page, and the authenticity page explains how certificates work.

Cash on Delivery covers all of Pakistan: Karachi in about 1–2 working days, other cities in 2–4, with 7 days to send it back. Read our aqeeq guide before you choose.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural aqeeq with a weight of 16.5 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,150 — roughly Rs. 191 for each carat. Origin: Yemen. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-00029 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 aqeeq rates 6.5 to 7. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy aqeeq 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 aqeeq 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): Agate (aqeeq) is often heated or dyed to deepen its colour. 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.