Ask an older relative about Sulemani aqeeq and you will probably hear the name of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), whose name the stone carries in Pakistan and across South Asia. It has long been set in silver, and many people wear it for protection. That is a matter of belief, and we leave it with you rather than promise anything.

What we can describe is the stone. This is a natural Sulemani agate of 17.30 carats, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, so it is suitable for a ring provided the setting guards its edges. At this weight it is a large piece, happiest in a broad gents' ring.

Its banding is the main attraction, and as with all Sulemani, those bands are sometimes dyed to make them stand out more. Message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-SU-0018 and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone.

You can see the wider family in Sulemani agate, or read our quality guide to learn what to look for in the bands and polish.

Buying is simple: Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, with the parcel opened and the stone checked before any money changes hands. Expect 1 to 2 working days in Karachi and 2 to 4 elsewhere, plus 7 days to return it unused.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sulemani agate with a weight of 17.3 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,550 — roughly Rs. 147 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-SU-0018 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 sulemani agate rates 6.5 to 7. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy sulemani agate 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 sulemani agate 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): Sulemani agate is sometimes dyed to sharpen its banding. 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.