Few stones at this price are as hard as lehsunia. Chrysoberyl rates 8.5 on the Mohs scale, just below corundum, which means a 9 carat cat's eye like this one can go into a daily-wear ring and come through years of ordinary use without its surface dulling.

Hardness is not the same as toughness, though, so a hard knock against a counter edge is still best avoided. A bezel or closed silver setting protects the girdle and keeps the stone secure while you get on with your day.

The stone itself is a soft grey-green with a narrow, well-centred band. Turn it slowly under a single light and the line should tighten and then open again. That movement is the first test of a real chatoyant stone, and it is worth doing as soon as the parcel arrives.

At 9 carats it has some weight on the hand, yet stays comfortable.

Clean it with warm water and a soft cloth, then keep it in a pouch away from other gems.

The family is usually left natural, but we prefer to confirm each stone. Message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-CE-0002 and we will tell you what we know; independent lab testing is your choice. See other options in the cat eye range.

No payment is taken until you have seen the stone at your door. Karachi deliveries usually take 1 to 2 working days and the rest of Pakistan 2 to 4, with 7 days to return it unused. Before you choose, read our cat eye guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural cat eye, known in Urdu as Lehsunia, with a weight of 9 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,400 — roughly Rs. 600 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-CE-0002 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 cat eye rates 8.5. 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 cat eye 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 cat eye 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): Cat's eye chrysoberyl (lehsunia) is usually untreated. 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.