Heat-Treated Rubies and Sapphires

Scientists will treat gemstones to enhance their color or clarity. One method of treating gemstones is to treat them with heat to a very high temperature, which can enhance the stone but may or may not detract from the value of a treated stone over a natural one. Two very popular stones that are often heat-treated are Rubies and Sapphires. Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers explores the methodology of turning up the heat.

Heat-Treated Rubies

Discovering desirable rich, natural rubies is very rare and expensive. To make rubies more affordable, gemologist will commonly heat-treated rubies to replicate the desired rich red color. They will heat rubies almost to their melting point, which improves the crystalline structure of the gem. Surprisingly, this heating process improves the stones color and clarity.

Heated Sapphires

In fact, a gemologist will permanently dissolve rustle silk inclusions using heat treatments on a sapphire. Furthermore, this can lighten or brighten the color and improve the clarity of the sapphire. By heating gouda sapphires, a milky white sapphire, gemologists can create a beautiful blue sapphire. Gemologist will use lower heat on pink sapphires to enhance color and clarity.

Natural Gem-Quality Stones

Rubies and Sapphires that are naturally brilliant in color and clarity are rare and considered more valuable. Additionally, jewelers should disclose a stone’s treatment to you for pricing purposes.