Since not all gemstones mined are “jewellery” quality, some treatments are sometimes needed in order to enhance their colour and or clarity. Some gemstones like Tanzanite require treatments such as heat in order to bring out the colour. When a gemstone is treated, it does not necessarily mean it’s worthless; it just depends on what gemstone it is and what the treatment is.

“Heating a gemstone is a common treatment and a well known practice in the industry. “ Even though many gemstones are treated, natural gemstones are still the rarest and most valuable. For example, a natural unheated blue sapphire is much rarer and more valuable compared to a heated blue sapphire or beryllium heated sapphire”. Below is a list of different treatments used on a variety of gemstones.

Click Here for a list of gemstone treatments