Old Persian and Mughal-era trade spoke of lajward as a stone carried across mountains, and the name still carries weight in the Pakistani market. Some people wear it by tradition, as a stone of reflection, and others simply because the blue is handsome.

This piece weighs 15.50 carats. It rates 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a relatively soft gem. Keep it away from harder stones, sweat and cosmetics. Pendants and brooches are the safest settings.

Now the sensible question: has it been treated? Lapis lazuli is sometimes dyed or waxed so the blue looks more even. Message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-LL-23 and we will tell you what we know about this stone. Independent lab testing is your choice.

Other options are listed in the lapis lazuli section.

Wear it where it will not be rubbed, and store it wrapped in soft cloth.

When it arrives, look at it in daylight and check the blue is even across the dome.

Open the parcel with the rider present and pay only if you are happy. 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 15.5 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,810 — roughly Rs. 375 for each carat. Origin: Iran. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-LL-23 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 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.