Lapis is bought for colour rather than transparency, so its rate per carat stays fairly steady across weights, and the price of a bigger stone mostly reflects the extra material. This 18.80 carat lajward is a good example: priced in line with the smaller stones, just more of it.

The colour is a deep blue with gold running through it, the pyrite many buyers look for in lapis. Gold like this catches the light well against dark blue, and it is easiest to enjoy in a setting that leaves the face open.

Setting and care

A hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale means a bezel that shelters the edges is wiser than prongs, and a pendant is gentler on the stone than a ring.

Lapis is sometimes dyed or waxed in the trade, so it is sensible to ask about this one before buying. Message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-LL-27 and we will tell you what we know. Independent lab testing is your choice.

Browse the rest of the lapis lazuli stones to compare.

Wipe it with a soft damp cloth and store it on its own.

You pay only after opening the parcel and seeing the stone. Karachi deliveries usually take 1 to 2 working days, other cities 2 to 4, and you have 7 days to return it unused. 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 18.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 7,050 — roughly Rs. 375 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-LL-27 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.