Treatments

Sapphire Treatments

In the jewelry industry, it is assumed that sapphires have been heat treated unless otherwise specified. Like most jewelry-quality sapphires, many of Gemnation's sapphires are heat-treated (and only heat treated) to enhance the gemstone's color and vibrancy. We also sell untreated sapphires.

The Gemological Institute of America and other certification authorities accept heat treatment as a valid and acceptable modification; it is permanent and will not degrade over time.

Other treatments that are available to the jewelry industry such as fracture filling (glass infilling of cavities), surface diffusion (surface coloring treatment), oiling, dyeing or waxing HAVE NOT been performed on any of our gemstones. These treatments are temporary in nature and may require future maintenance. We consider these treatments unacceptable for the quality of stones that we sell.

Heat Treatment

Sapphire is heated to improve its clarity and color. At temperatures above 1700 degrees Celsius, the silk dissolves and improves the color and clarity of the stone. This treatment can turn a colorless sapphire into a blue sapphire. At lower temperatures, silk can be improved and the color lightened.

Some of our sapphires have undergone no treatment of any kind. These rare gemstones may sometimes cost in excess of $20,000 per carat.