In the Pakistani market purple sapphire is often called jamuni neelam, after the dark, plum-like jamun fruit. This stone belongs to that family: a natural purple sapphire from Africa, weighing 20.45 carats.

The word sapphire covers every colour of corundum except red. Corundum, the mineral behind both sapphire and ruby, is one of the hardest natural materials, and this piece scores 9 on the Mohs scale. It shows asterism, the star-like reflection that appears when light moves across it, and its colour reads as rich rather than pale. For the naming background, our Urdu and English gemstone names list sets the trade terms side by side.

The reference is AG-000503. Heat treatment is common on purple corundum, and natural-colour stones are harder to find. We cannot read a stone's history from a photograph, so ask us what we know about this one. Independent lab testing is your option.

At twenty carats it is a conversation piece, better in a pendant or a broad ring bezel than in a slim band. More options are in the purple sapphire category.

The parcel comes Cash on Delivery, so the stone is in your hand before you pay a rupee. Karachi: usually 1–2 working days. Elsewhere in Pakistan: usually 2–4. Returns: 7 days, unused and in its packing. Our purple sapphire guide is worth reading.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural purple sapphire with a weight of 20.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 9,000 — roughly Rs. 440 for each carat. Origin: Africa. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000503 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 purple sapphire rates 9. Few materials will scratch it, so it copes well with everyday ring wear. A soak in warm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft brush keeps it bright; skip the ultrasonic cleaner if inclusions reach the surface.

Whoever you buy purple sapphire 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 purple sapphire 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): Purple sapphire is often heated to refine its colour; unheated stones are less common. 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.