Most lapis sold for jewellery is smaller than this, so at 24.60 carats this lajward is a statement piece in its own right. It will feel substantial on a chain and looks best in a design that gives it room rather than crowding it with other stones.

The colour is deep blue with golden flecking.

What to look for in lapis

Check the evenness of the blue, how the gold is spread, and the polish. A patchy face or pale streaks usually mean a lower grade. Lapis is sometimes dyed or waxed in the trade, which can hide those flaws, so ask. Message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-LL-32 and we will pass on what we know. Independent lab testing is your choice.

Hardness is 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so keep it away from sharp knocks. A silver bezel pendant with a strong bail is the natural setting.

Compare it with others in the lapis lazuli collection.

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

Open the parcel and check the stone before paying 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 24.6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 9,230 — roughly Rs. 375 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-LL-32 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.