Here is the trade reality first: some lapis lazuli, or lajward, is dyed or waxed to make the blue look even. Dealers know it, and any careful buyer should ask, whatever the seller says.

So please ask. Message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-00062 and we will tell you what we know about this 29.25 carat stone. If you want a firmer answer than a dealer's word, an independent lab test is your option.

What we can say about the stone

It weighs 29.25 carats. Its hardness is 5 to 6, about that of a steel knife blade, so it needs a protected setting rather than a ring that gets knocked about all day. A pendant is kinder to it.

Look at the surface for the usual mix of deep blue with lighter patches; a perfectly uniform, glassy blue should prompt more questions. If it is not what you expected when you open the parcel, the 7-day return window applies. Related pieces are in the lapis lazuli section.

Cash on Delivery lets you see it before paying; Karachi usually receives orders in 1–2 working days and other cities in 2–4. Read our lapis lazuli guide before you choose.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural lapis lazuli, known in Urdu as Lajward, with a weight of 29.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 128 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-00062 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.