Heated Sapphire vs. Unheated Sapphire of natural sapphire

Sapphires dazzle with their deep blue hues, hardness, and mystical allure. While naturally formed sapphires exhibit beautiful colors, the vast majority are heated to intensify their appeal. This improves color saturation and eliminates unwanted inclusions. Unheated sapphires retain their natural characteristics and are exceptionally rare. Understanding the differences between heated and unheated sapphires empowers jewelry buyers to make informed decisions.

An Overview of Sapphire Heat Treatment

Heating sapphires is a standard industry practice used to enhance gem quality and appearance. Stones are subjected to temperatures of 1600-1800°C for several hours or longer. This extreme heat repairs fractures, minimizes inclusions, and intensifies color saturation.

Specifically, heat diffuses trace elements like titanium and iron within the sapphire to improve its clarity and color. Dark spots disappear, fractures fill in, and hues become more uniformly vivid. Heating is considered relatively mild compared to other treatments. When performed correctly, enhancements are permanent and stable.

The Allure of Untreated Sapphires

While heated sapphires exhibit lively, saturated hues, unheated stones showcase subtle, mysterious colors produced purely by nature. Each unheated sapphire displays a unique identity reflecting its specific formation environment deep within the earth.

Untreated sapphires frequently reveal alluring veils, fingerprints, and all-natural inclusions. Their hues are often softly blended mixes of light and dark blues, with accents of green, yellow, orange and violet. For collectors who appreciate untreated gems, unheated sapphires are the ultimate prize.

Detecting Heat Treatment in Sapphires

How can one discern heat from unheated sapphires? Trained gemologists leverage scientific testing as well as visual cues to make the distinction. Here are some signs a sapphire may be unheated:

  • Even, moderately saturated blue color without high vividness

  • Presence of silky veils, clouds, halos and crystal inclusions

  • Subtle secondary hues like green, yellow or violet

  • Fewer filled fractures and cavities

  • Certificate from reputable gem lab stating “unheated”

Conversely, indicators of heat treatment include:

  • Highly intensified, vivid blue saturation

  • Lack of veils or clouds

  • More filled fractures, cavities and absence of crystals

  • More uniform color without secondary hues

Advanced testing such as spectroscopic analysis can definitively determine if a sapphire has been heated. Whenever possible, request certification from a respected gemological institute.

Pricing Differences:Natural Heated vs. Natural Unheated Sapphires

Due to their rarity, unheated sapphires sell for significant premiums above heated equivalents. On average, untreated stones fetch 30-50% higher prices per carat. For large sapphires above 5 carats, unheated pieces can demand 200-300% premiums.

This vast pricing difference highlights the scarcity and collectability of unheated sapphires. Their untreated status also strengthens their investment value. For jewelry buyers who appreciate subtle beauty, paying top dollar for an incredibly rare unheated sapphire may be worthwhile.

The Case for Heated Sapphires

While unheated sapphires are coveted by collectors, quality heated stones make beautiful jewelry at more accessible price points. Their enhanced saturation exhibits a stunning vibrancy desired by many sapphire fans.

When heat treatment is applied judiciously by experts, it can produce extremely eye-catching gems. As long as the heating is disclosed, buyers can make informed decisions based on their gem priorities and budget.

For buyers focused on carat size, heated sapphires can deliver superb bang for the buck. Larger treated sapphires display wide vistas of vivid blue for less compared to much smaller unheated stones.

Should You Consider an Unheated Sapphire Gem?

Deciding between heated and unheated sapphires depends on personal preferences and budget. For collectors who relish untreated gems, paying a premium for unheated stones is likely worthwhile. The cachet, investment potential, and aristocratic beauty appeal to discerning buyers.

Yet even lovers of rare gemstones should review several stones to find the most pleasing unheated sapphire. Carefully vet for quality since not every unheated sapphire exhibits superior color and clarity. The peace of mind gained from third-party certification is invaluable.

Understand your priorities in terms of size, budget and aesthetics. If you admire subtlety and untreated gems, then unheated sapphires will bring lasting enjoyment for generations. If you prefer vivacious hues in larger carat weights, heated sapphires can deliver stunning looks. An experienced jeweler can provide guidance to make the best choice for you.

Takeaways on Heated and Unheated Sapphires

  • Nearly all blue sapphires undergo heat treatment to intensify color and clarity

  • Unheated sapphires are exceptionally rare and display natural characteristics

  • Look for subtle hues, inclusions and moderate saturation to identify unheated stones

  • Unheated sapphires garner huge premiums over heated equivalents

  • While heated gems exhibit more lively colors, unheated ones offer subtle appeal

  • Let your gem priorities and budget steer you towards the ideal heated or unheated sapphire

Q: What are heat treated sapphires?

A: Heated sapphires are gemstones that have undergone a heat treatment process to enhance their color and clarity.

Q: What is unheated blue sapphire?

A: Unheated sapphires are natural gemstones that have not been subjected to any artificial heat treatment.

Q: What is the difference between heated and unheated sapphires?

A: The main difference between heated and unheated sapphires is that heated sapphires have been treated to improve their color and clarity, whereas unheated sapphires retain their natural state.

Q: Are heated sapphires considered real gemstones?

A: Yes, heated sapphires are still considered real gemstones as they are made of the same mineral composition as natural sapphires.

Q: Are unheated sapphires more valuable than heated sapphires?

A: Unheated sapphires are considered more valuable than heated sapphires because they are rarer and retain their natural beauty.

Q: Is heat treatment common for sapphires?

A: Yes, heat treatment is a common practice for enhancing the color and clarity of sapphires in the gemstone industry.

Q: Does heat treatment affect the durability of sapphires?

A: No, heat treatment does not affect the durability of sapphires. They remain just as durable whether they are heated or unheated.

Q: Can you buy unheated sapphires for sapphire jewelry?

A: Yes, it is possible to buy unheated sapphires for sapphire jewelry. Unheated sapphires are highly sought after for their natural beauty.

Q: What should I consider when buying unheated sapphires?

A: When buying unheated sapphires, it is important to consider their color and clarity, as these factors significantly contribute to the beauty and value of the gemstone.

Q: Are there any visible differences between heated and unheated sapphires?

A: In some cases, the color and clarity of heated sapphires may appear slightly different from unheated sapphires, but this can vary depending on the individual stone’s characteristics.