Lajward is what many Pakistani buyers call lapis lazuli, and it has been part of rings, tasbih beads and inlay work here for generations. A 6 carat cabochon in solid blue with golden flecks is the sort of stone a person might wear for years without a second thought. In astrological tradition it is linked with Saturn, and some people choose it as a lower-cost companion to blue sapphire; that is belief, not a promise.

Now the facts. The stone weighs 6 carats. Its hardness is 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, softer than most gems used in rings, so treat it gently.

The blue is solid and the gold flecks are pyrite. A natural scatter of metallic gold is one reassuring sign in lapis, because pyrite does not appear in the dyed look-alikes.

Lapis may still be dyed or waxed, so message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-LL-03 and we will share what we know about this piece. Independent lab testing is your choice.

See the lapis lazuli category for companions, or our Urdu and English gemstone names page for other trade names.

A silver bezel ring or a small pendant suits it best.

You pay Cash on Delivery once you have opened the parcel and seen the stone. Karachi orders usually come within 1 to 2 working days, other cities within 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 6 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,250 — roughly Rs. 375 for each carat. Origin: Pakistan. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-LL-03 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.