In the bazaar, red garnet is often lumped in loosely with other deep red stones, and buyers sometimes mistake it for something costlier. It is a separate mineral with its own character, and it is priced honestly for what it is.

This one weighs 13.20 carats. It reaches 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, good enough for a ring worn often. A stone this size feels substantial and looks best in a plain, solid mount. To discuss a silver ring setting, message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-GT-20.

Like most garnet, it is generally sold without treatment. As a careful buyer you should still ask, and we will tell you what we know. If you want an independent opinion, lab testing is your choice.

Look at the other options in the garnet range before deciding, and read our notes on gemstone names in Urdu and English if the trade terms are unfamiliar.

When it arrives, hold it at arm's length and check that the centre stays red rather than going dark, which is the main thing to watch with large garnets.

Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and give it a pouch of its own.

Pay only after opening the parcel and seeing the stone. Karachi orders usually come within 1 to 2 working days and the rest of Pakistan within 2 to 4, with 7 days to return it unused. Before you choose, read our garnet guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural garnet with a weight of 13.2 Carat. Its price is Rs. 13,130 — roughly Rs. 995 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-20 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 garnet rates 7 to 7.5. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy garnet 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 garnet 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): Garnet is usually untreated. 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.