What Does “Natural & Untreated” Mean For Sapphires?

The accumulation of the right knowledge is of enormous significance when it comes to buying hefty price gemstones, especially sapphires. Roping in a perfect sapphire gem requires precise knowledge of the domain, technical expertise, and the price of gems in the different international markets. 

Most gem enthusiasts prefer to embrace natural gemstones rather than lab-synthesized sapphires that deliver no astrological benefits. Words like ‘natural’, ‘treated’, or ‘untreated’ play a quintessential role in making a well-informed decision when buying natural light blue sapphires or other varieties. But what about those who don’t have a smidgen of idea about technical terminologies? The key purpose of creating this blog post is to educate our valued readers about pivotal queries like what does natural & untreated mean for sapphires and how treatment influences the value of sapphires. 

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Meaning of “Natural” & “Untreated” in Sapphires

Natural or untreated in real yellow sapphires are not mere words. They carry deep meaning and we are here to unveil that. A truly untreated real yellow sapphire is a gemstone that has undergone minimal human intervention from its discovery in the earth to its final form as a faceted jewel. These precious stones are extracted from their native geological environment and then carefully cut and polished to enhance their natural geometry and light-reflecting properties. Crucially, no artificial treatments or enhancements are applied to alter the sapphire’s inherent characteristics.

The allure of an untreated sapphire lies in its unadulterated state, preserving the unique features bestowed upon it by nature’s own processes. Over millions of years, the interplay of heat, pressure, and various elements within the earth’s crust has shaped each sapphire, imbuing it with distinctive color variations, inclusions, and optical phenomena.

This natural origin and lack of human manipulation make untreated original white sapphires exceptionally rare in the gemstone market. Their scarcity, combined with the growing appreciation for natural, unenhanced gems, significantly elevates their value among collectors, jewelers, and discerning buyers.

The uniqueness of each untreated sapphire cannot be overstated. Unlike their treated counterparts, which may undergo processes to enhance color or clarity, these natural gems showcase unparalleled diversity. Each stone tells its own geological story through its specific hue, saturation, tone, and internal characteristics. This individuality ensures that no two untreated sapphires are exactly alike, making each one a truly one-of-a-kind treasure.

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The Case of Treated Sapphires

There is no denying that the sapphire market is dominated by treated stones, a reality reflecting modern gem-enhancement techniques. While these treatments can enhance a sapphire’s appearance, they can also impact its long-term value and durability. For those seeking a gemstone that is not only beautiful but also a potential investment, an untreated and natural pitambari sapphire is worth considering.

Unlike their treated counterparts, untreated sapphires boast the natural allure and potential for appreciation over time. It’s crucial to inquire about any treatments applied to a sapphire before purchasing. While skilled gemologists can often detect treatment signs, advanced technology is essential for definitive identification.

As ethical sellers, we fully disclose any treatments our sapphires have undergone. Our detailed descriptions provide transparency and allow you to make informed choices. Remember, the true splendor of sapphire lies in its natural beauty, a quality that shines brightest in untreated stones.

With the continuous evolution of treatment methods, staying informed is key. Understanding the nuances of sapphire treatments empowers you to select a gemstone that aligns with your aesthetic and investment goals.

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Other Crucial Details on Sapphires

Many sapphires and sapphire jewelry pieces found online or in retail stores are labeled as “natural” sapphires. However, this term can be misleading, as these sapphires often lack full disclosure about the treatments they’ve undergone.

When a sapphire is described as “natural,” it means the rough crystal was mined from the earth, not created in a lab. What is often not mentioned, however, is that the vibrant color and clarity being sold as “natural” have typically been enhanced through various treatments. In reality, the natural state of these sapphires before treatment is often much less impressive.

While it’s true that a natural sapphire originates from the ground, the beautiful color and clarity you’re paying for usually result from an extensive heating process, not something that occurred naturally in the stone. Treated sapphires are far from rare—they are, in fact, abundant. Consumers seeking genuine value in their sapphire jewelry should be cautious of descriptions that label treated sapphires as merely “natural,” as this can obscure the truth about the treatments these stones have undergone.

These sapphires are subjected to ultra-high temperatures—often exceeding 1800°C—for several days. During this process, additives like glass and coloring agents can be used to fill natural cavities and cracks. In many cases, coloring agents are diffused into the sapphire, resulting in a complete and radical change in its color.

Sapphires that have undergone such treatments, especially those involving coloring agents or diffusion, should be clearly identified as such, rather than just being labeled as “heated.” This level of transparency is crucial for consumers to make informed decisions about the true value of the sapphires they purchase.

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Written By pmkkgems

Muskan Sain is a well-versed gemstone expert with over 8 years of experience in the field. She has received extensive training from a renowned gemological institute, which has equipped her with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the identification, grading, and valuation of gemstones.

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