An unheated sapphire can naturally be used in jewelry, but a heated sapphire is not considered "denatured." Here's an overview of this ancient technique, its benefits, and why some people prefer to avoid it.
What is a heated sapphire?
Heating the sapphire is an extremely common process, carried out in a high-temperature oven (up to around 1,800°C) or in the traditional way. It was already done in ancient times.
The goal is to improve natural imperfections, inclusions and lack of intensity or homogeneity of color. Many blue sapphires are naturally of insufficient quality to be used on jewelry, alternately too light or too dark. That said, these precious stones exist in different colors and many are heated, for example, the purple sapphire. In particular, we obtain better saturation.
The vast majority of sapphires are heated, regardless of their origin in the world.
What is the price of an unheated sapphire?
Theoretically, the purchase of an unheated blue sapphire costs more than a heated sapphire. The same goes for other colors. An unheated sapphire is rarer and the value increases. Some stones are even rarer, such as unheated Burmese sapphire, of remarkable purity and brilliance. The same goes for the unheated Ceylon sapphire which, although less rare, is also renowned for its high quality and diversity of shades.
However, the price of a sapphire does not depend only on heating. The price of a heated sapphire high quality sapphire can definitely be more expensive than a less exceptional unheated sapphire.
Is it okay to heat sapphire?
Whether or not there are additives (diffusion treatment), Heating sapphire is a completely accepted practicein the world of jewelry. It is specified on gemological certificates and considered normal, even essential for many stones, including diamonds or prestigious Burmese rubies. Regarding precious stones, only emerald cannot be heated. This process has no effect on thecaring for a sapphire ring or other jewelry.
Heated or unheated sapphire: which to choose?
Buying an unheated sapphire can have advantages, provided the stone is naturally of good quality, of course. Authenticity enthusiasts prefer sapphires that have not been embellished, seek out rarer stones, or collect the most valuable stones. For creating rings and jewelry, many people turn to heated sapphires because of the price or simply because they are easier to find, and in a variety of shapes and colors. A unheated sapphire ring may require a lot of research.
Can you recognize a heated sapphire?
A gemologist has the necessary equipment to recognize a heated sapphire from an unheated sapphire. To the naked eye, it is impossible. On the other hand, let's take the example of a pink sapphire, which would turn brown: you can clearly see the difference after heating.
Heating does not alter a sapphire
Heating is not considered a treatment per se. This is why A heated sapphire is no less esteemed than an unheated one. Treatments that can significantly change the nature of the stones are more controversial.But if they are mentioned on the certificate of authenticity (which is also required by French law), there is no deception. A good example is the treatment called filling, which involves injecting products into the fractures of a stone, with the aim of making it more beautiful and solid. This treatment improves the appearance, but it impacts the physical properties.
