People who buy aqeeq from us tend to ask the same three questions, so we have answered them here for this 16.85 carat Yemeni carnelian. It is one loose stone, sold as photographed.

Has it been heated or dyed?

Aqeeq often is, because it brings up a richer colour. Send us a message on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact piece. An independent lab test is always open to you if you want one.

Is it hard enough for a ring?

It rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. In a ring with a bezel that guards the edges it will do fine, though repeated knocks on a kitchen counter or a door frame will leave marks in time. For constant wear, a pendant treats it more gently.

How do I ask about it?

Quote AG-00030 when you message us and we will pull up this stone straight away. The rest of the aqeeq range is there to compare.

It ships Cash on Delivery: open the box, look at the stone, then pay the rider. Karachi usually takes 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan 2–4, and returns are open for 7 days. Have a look at our aqeeq guide first.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural aqeeq with a weight of 16.85 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,000 — roughly Rs. 178 for each carat. Origin: Yemen. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-00030 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.