By lapis standards, 10.30 carats is a large stone. Most cabochons we see are well under that, so this one makes a statement on the hand or at the throat. It is also heavy enough that a thin setting will not do.

Look for the same things you would in a smaller stone, but expect any flaws to show more across the bigger dome. Here the blue is deep with golden pyrite. Check that the colour is even from edge to edge, that white calcite does not cluster in one corner, and that the polish is smooth. Daylight is the best test.

Lapis is sometimes waxed or lightly oiled, and occasionally dyed. Message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-LL-12 and we will tell you what we know about this stone. Independent lab testing is your choice.

Hardness is only 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so a deep silver bezel and careful wear are advisable. A pendant is the easiest way to enjoy a stone this size.

Other sizes are listed under lapis lazuli.

Clean it with a soft damp cloth, never by soaking.

Inspect it at your door, then pay the rider. Karachi deliveries usually take 1 to 2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and other cities 2 to 4, and unused stones can be returned within 7 days. Before you choose, read our lapis lazuli guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural lapis lazuli, known in Urdu as Lajward, with a weight of 10.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,860 — roughly Rs. 375 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-LL-12 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 lapis lazuli rates 5 to 6. That makes it soft for a gemstone, better suited to pendants, earrings and rings for special occasions than to a daily ring. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and polish it with a dry, soft cloth after wear.

Whoever you buy lapis lazuli 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 lapis lazuli 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): Lapis lazuli (lajward) is sometimes dyed or waxed to even out its blue. 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.