A Guide for Collectors and Investors of Gemstones
Introduction to Gemstone Treatment
In the world of high-end gemstones, treatments play a significant role in a gem’s appearance and value. Rubies and sapphires, among the most coveted gemstones, often undergo heat treatment to enhance color and clarity. Heating can intensify a gem’s hue, making it more visually appealing, but this process also alters the gem’s natural state.
For collectors and serious buyers, knowing a gemstone’s treatment history is critical. An unheated gem is considered closer to its pure, original form, making it especially appealing to those who value natural rarity.
Unheated vs. Heated Gemstones
Unheated Gemstones
Unheated rubies and sapphires are entirely untouched by heat treatment. They showcase their natural colors and clarity levels, often carrying unique inclusions that highlight their purity. These gemstones are cherished for their unaltered state and are seen as a true reflection of nature’s artistry, which makes them rare and highly valued in the market.
Heated Gemstones
Heat treatment is a centuries-old practice. It is a method for enhancing a gemstone’s color and clarity. Heated rubies and sapphires often display a more vivid color, giving them a visual allure that attracts many buyers. However, discerning collectors can sometimes spot visual differences. Unheated stones may have slight inclusions or less intense colors. Those who appreciate natural beauty seek out these prized characteristics.
Rarity and Value
Rarity
Unheated sapphires and rubies are rare, particularly in intense colors like vivid blues and reds. Due to their natural, untreated state, finding such gemstones is exceptionally challenging, which adds to their desirability and exclusivity.
Market Value Comparison
Unheated rubies and sapphires typically command premium prices, especially when they come from notable origins like Burma (Myanmar) for rubies or Kashmir for sapphires. These locations are renowned for producing gemstones with legendary color and clarity. That enhances their appeal to collectors. Heated stones are more widely available, making unheated gems even more valuable by comparison.
Why Collectors and Investors Seek Unheated Gemstones
Many collectors and investors view unheated gemstones as superior assets. Their rarity and authenticity often result in increased or stable value over time. To ensure a gemstone’s natural status, certifications from reputable institutions, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), are essential. These certifications authenticate the treatment history, providing collectors and investors with the confidence that they’re acquiring a genuinely unaltered gemstone.
Conclusion
Unheated rubies and sapphires occupy a unique place in the gemstone market. Their rarity, beauty, and natural state make them coveted by those who understand the significance of treatment history. For collectors and investors, knowledge and careful consideration are key to building a portfolio of gemstones that retain and potentially increase in value over time. Informed purchasing ensures that each gem is not only a piece of natural beauty but also a wise investment in the enduring allure of unaltered gems.
Authored by:
Kelly Knoll, ISA CAPP
President/CEO – Heritage Appraisals LLC.
Learn more about Kelly and her background as an appraiser.
