It helps to know what is normal in the trade before you pay for any garnet. Garnet, or gomed as many buyers here call it, is usually left just as it was mined and polished, which is one reason it makes such a straightforward first coloured stone. A careful buyer still asks, though, because "usually" is not the same as "always".

Here is what we can tell you about this one. It weighs 3.95 carats and shows a deep claret red. As the smallest garnet in this group, it carries the highest rate per carat, which is typical for smaller stones. Hardness is 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so daily wear is no worry.

What we cannot do from a photograph is vouch for this exact stone's history. Message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-GT-01 and we will pass on what we know. If you want proof, independent lab testing is your choice.

Under four carats, it sits well in a slim ring, which makes it a good first gemstone ring or a small pendant. Wash it with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.

Our garnet range has larger stones if you decide you want something broader.

Pay the rider after opening the parcel and seeing the stone. Karachi orders usually arrive in 1 to 2 working days, other cities in 2 to 4, and unused stones can be returned within 7 days. Before you choose, read our garnet guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural garnet with a weight of 3.95 Carat. Its price is Rs. 5,030 — roughly Rs. 1,273 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-01 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.

Between two and six carats is the range most people choose for a gents' ring or a noticeable pendant. Here colour drives the price more than size does, which is why two stones of near-identical weight can be priced very differently.

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.