Heated sapphires worth the money and time, and why you should buy them in 2023

Updated 2023: Reasons Why Heated Sapphire is Worth the Money and Time

Shiraz Jewelry
  • Heating is a common and accepted treatment for sapphires, and it can enhance their color and clarity. Heated sapphires are, in some cases, more valuable than untreated sapphires, as the heating process can bring out the full beauty of the gemstone.
  • There is a strong demand for high-quality sapphires in the global market, especially in Asia, which is driving up the price of the gemstone.
  • The use of beryllium (Be) in sapphires has become increasingly popular in recent years. The treatment is acceptable in the industry but consumer should be aware about it when purchasing Be-treated sapphires. 

For the past 40 years, I have been an avid collector of precious stones, with a particular focus on sapphires. I believe that investing in these gems can be a wise decision for those looking to preserve the value of their money in the coming years, especially when banking system around the world is at risk in 2023.

In my previous post recently about Colored Gemstone As Investment Hedge in 2023, I wrote about colored gemstone ability to hedge against financial collapse risks. In this post, I will try to explain to you why heated sapphire is a good gemstone to buy as a start if you don’t have the budget yet to buy untreated sapphires.

Sapphires are among the most popular gemstones in the world, prized for their rich color, durability, and versatility. They're often used in jewelry, but sapphires are also popular in other industries, such as electronics and manufacturing. While some sapphires are naturally occurring and untreated, many are heated to enhance their color, clarity, and overall appearance. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why heated sapphire is worth the investment.

"Heated sapphires a convenient choice for buyers who want a specific type of sapphire but don't want to wait for an untreated stone to become available."

Should I Buy Heated Sapphire?

Heated sapphires, have become increasingly popular in the gemstone industry. This treatment involves placing a natural sapphire in a furnace at high temperatures, which enhances and improves its color and clarity. But why is investing in heated sapphires worth your time and money? Here are some reasons why:

1. Enhanced Color

Investing in heated sapphires is a smart choice due to their improved color. This treatment can transform a dull sapphire into a vibrant, eye-catching gemstone. By heating the sapphire, the treatment can remove inclusions and improve color saturation, giving it a brighter and more vivid appearance. It can also help to create more uniform patterns and hues within the stone. This improvement in color and clarity ultimately increases the value of the sapphire, making it a worthy investment.

2. Improved Clarity

Heated sapphires are more accessible and affordable than natural or untreated sapphires. Heating enhances the color and clarity of lower-grade sapphires, which means they can be sold at a more reasonable price point than untreated high-grade sapphires. This makes heated sapphires a great option for those who are looking to invest in a beautiful and durable gemstone without breaking the bank.

3. Availability

I would say that investing in heated sapphires is a wise decision for those who prioritize sustainability. This treatment is a more resources-friendly alternative to untreated sapphires. They are more readily available in the market than untreated stones. This means that if you're looking for a specific color or size of sapphire, you're more likely to find a heated stone that meets your requirements than an untreated one. This makes heated sapphires a convenient choice for buyers who want a specific type of sapphire but don't want to wait for an untreated stone to become available.

4. Cost-Effective

Another reason why heated sapphires are worth the investment is that they are often more affordable than untreated stones. This is because heating can significantly improve the appearance of lower-quality stones, making them more marketable and increasing their value. For example, a lower-quality sapphire with a pale or washed-out color can be heated to improve the color and make it more valuable. Still, they are natural sapphires and the color created is permanent.

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Wiser Choice While Keeping Finances in Mind

It is a smart choice for a number of reasons. The improved color and clarity, increased durability, affordability, and sustainability make it a wise choice for any jewelry collector or enthusiast. It's important to note that the treatment process should be disclosed by sellers, and that heated sapphires can still hold significant value and beauty. Therefore, heated sapphires should definitely be considered as a worthy investment.

Heated blue sapphire in 18k white gold setting
Heated green sapphire from Thailand

 

A standard heated blue sapphire may be sold as low as US$100 per carat (or about THB 3,400) and may go up to US$2,000 per carat (or about THB 68,000) or higher depending on the quality, size, and color.

Beryllium (Be) Treated Sapphire

Sapphire heat treatment with beryllium was accidentally discovered by Thai gem cookers around the year of 2000. The use of beryllium diffusion in sapphires has become increasingly popular in recent years. This treatment process involves the introduction of beryllium into the sapphire to enhance its color and clarity.

Beryllium diffused sapphires will never fetch the same prices as completely untreated stones. Natural sapphires that emerge from the ground with their inherent beauty intact will always command a premium over any treated stone.

However, in my opinion, it is unlikely that the price differences between traditionally heat-treated sapphires and beryllium diffused sapphires will be significant. Over time, the prices for these two types of treated sapphires will converge, as consumers become more educated about the treatment processes and their impact on the value of the stone.

The beryllium treatment has so far proven to be permanent and stable. So don’t worry about the concern that the color will change over time.

Always consult with your gemologist or trusted jeweler. The views expressed here reflect individual perspective and may be differ from other opinions.
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