Non Heat Treated Sapphires
It is rare to find a sapphire that has not received basic heat treatment. Approximately 95% of sapphires on the market have received basic heat treatment. Heat treatment is a common, stable, well accepted practice. It is basically an extension of the natural formation of gemstones; heat and pressure and it only causes subtle improvements in color and clarity, if at all.
It is such a common practice that it is the only treatment of sapphires that is not required to be disclosed in the industry, as it is just assumed heat treatment is present. All other known treatments must be disclosed. You will often notice in appraisals and gem certificates that heat treatment is mentioned ONLY if it is not present.
Heat treatment is very difficult to confirm even by a trained gemologist. Non-heated sapphires command a premium in price, therefore, it is important to confirm any such claims. The only way to be absolutely certain about whether or not a sapphire has received heat treatment is by testing and certification by the main GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGL (American Gemological Laboratory), or GRS (Gem Research Swiss)labs. They are the only labs in the world of which we are aware that have the equipment for such testing. This also makes testing cost prohibitive for many of the lower-priced sapphires. Basically, if claims are made about a non heat treated sapphires, there is only one way to be sure, and that is certification from the MAIN GRS,GIA, or AGL aboratories. Otherwise, you can assume heat treatment has occurred.
For more information on sapphires, please visit the Gemological Institute of America section on Sapphires
You can shop our Sapphire Collection here!
We have also written a blog on sapphires, which can be found on this website or by clicking onto this: Sapphires for Engagement Rings and Other Jewelry
If you want to visit our other online locations, you can find us on Etsy as PristineGemstones (loose gemstone shop) and PristineJewelry (finished jewelry shop)
Blog prepared by: Rogerio Graca, professional gem cutter/lapidary and supplier of gemstones for 24 years.
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