Education: Heat Treatment of Sapphires

Most sapphires that are mined from the ground undergo a heat treatment before being used in jewelry.  Only 1% of sapphires used in jewelry are unheated.  These sapphires undergo no extra treatment (expect for cutting and polishing) after being mined from the ground. These sapphires are very rare and do command a premium in price.

Heat treatment is the standard normal and industry accepted treatment for sapphires. Heat treatment involves subjecting the sapphires to a high temperature with or without the addition of a "fluxing agent". This treatment is permanent and improves the clarity and may also change the color of the sapphires.  No special care is necessary for heat treated sapphires as compared to unheated sapphires and there is no loss of color or clarity over time.

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