Education: Heat Treatment of Sapphires

Only 1% of sapphires used in jewelry are unheated.  These sapphires are very rare and 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.