People pick garnet for rings because of its hardness. This 9.50 carat red stone measures 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it shrugs off most everyday scratching, and as a pendant it would last for years without trouble. A ring is perfectly reasonable too, as long as you take it off for heavy work and gardening.

It still deserves a little routine care. Clean it with warm water, a drop of dish soap and a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry. Keep it in a pouch rather than loose among other jewellery.

The stone is a natural red garnet weighing 9.50 carats. Garnet is usually untreated, which keeps the questions to a minimum, but we will happily share anything we know about this particular piece. Message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-GT-17. Independent lab testing is your choice.

If you want to weigh it against alternatives, the garnet category is the place to start.

It also makes a thoughtful gift, being both hard-wearing and a traditional birthstone.

No advance payment: the parcel is opened and checked at your door before you pay. Karachi deliveries usually take 1 to 2 working days, other cities 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 9.5 Carat. Its price is Rs. 10,500 — roughly Rs. 1,105 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-17 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 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.