Summary
Over 95% of sapphires go through heat treatment to boost color and clarity.
This stable, permanent process doesn’t harm the gem or make it fake.
Heated sapphires offer beauty and strength at lower prices, while unheated ones remain rare and expensive.
Buyers should always check lab reports and compare values before purchasing.
Introduction
When you hear the word treated, you might think your sapphire is fake — but it isn’t.
In fact, over 95% of sapphires and rubies on the market go through heat treatment to enhance their natural color and clarity. The process is widely accepted in the gem trade and doesn’t make your stone synthetic.
How Heat Treatment Works
During heat treatment, experts expose sapphires to high, controlled temperatures.
This process improves color and clarity, giving the stone a deeper blue and fewer visible inclusions.
Importantly, the change stays permanent, so your sapphire won’t fade or lose its beauty with time.
That’s very different from unstable methods such as:
- Dyeing – adding artificial color with chemicals
- Fracture filling – hiding cracks with glass
- Diffusion – forcing color only into the surface
These unstable methods often wear off or damage the gem.
In contrast, heat treatment strengthens the stone’s natural appeal and keeps it stable for life.
Learn more about gemstone enhancement standards from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Heated vs. Unheated: What Buyers Should Know
So, what’s the real difference between a heated and an unheated sapphire?
It’s mainly about price and rarity.
A fine unheated sapphire is rare, and rarity always drives its price higher.
Meanwhile, a heated sapphire with similar beauty and size costs far less, giving you great value.
For instance, a 3-carat unheated blue sapphire with vivid color can sell for three to five times more than a heated one of the same quality.
Both stones come from nature, but one underwent heat enhancement to reveal its full potential.
For deeper insights, explore How to Identify a Real Sapphire.
Smart Buying Tips
Before you buy any sapphire:
- Ask for a lab certificate from GIA or IGI. It clearly shows whether the sapphire is heated or unheated.
- Compare prices to make sure you don’t overpay for a treated stone.
- Decide what matters more — rarity or affordability.
If you want beauty, durability, and value, choose a heated sapphire.
If you prefer rarity and long-term investment value, go for an unheated sapphire and expect a premium price.
FAQs
1. Does heat treatment make a sapphire fake?
No. Heating enhances the gem’s natural beauty. It doesn’t turn it synthetic.
2. Will the color fade later?
No. The heat-induced color remains stable and lasts a lifetime.
3. How can I confirm if my sapphire is heated?
Check the gem certificate from labs like GIA or IGI. It mentions “Heated” or “Unheated.”
4. Are unheated sapphires better investments?
Yes, because they’re rare. But heated ones offer better value for daily wear.
