The Untouched Sparkle – Why Untreated Gemstones Are Worth More

Kingsley & Co pride ourselves on offering only the finest quality gemstones, those that nature created and time preserved. In the world of fine gems, one question often arises: what’s the difference between a treated gemstone and an untreated one? The answer can significantly impact not only a gemstone’s beauty, but also its value, rarity, and long-term worth.

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of gemstone treatments and explore why untreated stones are so highly prized.

What Are Gemstone Treatments?

 Gemstone treatments are processes used to improve a stone’s appearance and typically its colour, clarity, or durability. While treatments are common in the trade, they do alter a gemstone from its original state. The most frequent types include:

• Heat Treatment – Enhances or deepens colour (commonly applied to rubies and sapphires).

• Fracture Filling – Improves clarity by filling cracks or fissures (often seen in emeralds).

• Diffusion Treatment – Alters surface colour using chemicals and high heat.

• Irradiation – Changes a gem’s colour, such as creating vivid blue topaz.

• Dyeing – Adds or intensifies colour, particularly in stones like agate and turquoise.

While these treatments can result in attractive stones, they do have an impact on long-term value and desirability.

Why Untreated Gemstones Are More Valuable

 We value untreated gemstones for their purity, rarity, and authenticity. Here’s why collectors and connoisseurs are willing to pay a premium:

1. Rarity

 Naturally vibrant, untreated gemstones are rare. For example, a ruby that boasts strong colour and clarity without enhancement is exceptionally hard to come by and therefore highly sought after.

2. Natural Beauty

 Untreated stones display the earth’s raw, unaltered beauty. There’s something undeniably special about owning a gem exactly as nature intended.

3. Stability & Longevity

 Some treatments, particularly glass fillings can degrade over time or with exposure to heat, light, or cleaning agents. Untreated stones tend to be more durable and stable over the long term.

4. Investment & Collectability

 Untreated gemstones often outperform treated ones in terms of resale value. At auctions and in the collector’s market, their desirability continues to rise, especially when accompanied by origin reports and treatment-free certificates.

Price Comparisons: Treated vs Untreated Stones

 Here’s a comparison of typical market prices to illustrate the difference in value:

• Ruby

  • Heated ruby (1 carat): £500–£1,000

  • Untreated ruby (1 carat): £3,000–£10,000+

  • Rubies from Burma (Myanmar) command even higher premiums.

• Sapphire

  • Heated sapphire: £300–£1,000

  • Untreated sapphire: Can be 2 to 5 times more valuable, depending on colour and origin.

• Emerald

  • Oil-treated emerald: £800–£2,000

  • Untreated emerald: £3,000–£6,000+, with top Colombian stones fetching even more.

• Topaz

  • Treated blue topaz is widely available and relatively inexpensive.

  • Untreated natural blue topaz is rare and fetches a noticeably higher price, though the gap isn’t as dramatic as with rubies or emeralds.

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How to Know if a Gemstone is Untreated

 Untreated gemstones are often indistinguishable from treated ones without professional analysis. That’s why certificationis crucial.

At Kingsley & Co, all our untreated gemstones are accompanied by independent certification from internationally recognised gemmological laboratories, including:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

• IGI (International Gemological Institute)

• Gübelin Gem Lab

• SSEF (Swiss Gemmological Institute)

We believe in full transparency, whether a gemstone has been treated or not, you’ll always know exactly what you’re purchasing.

Are Treated Stones Still Worth Buying?

 Yes, absolutely. Treated gemstones can be beautiful and are often more affordable, making them ideal for everyday wear or gifts. However, for those interested in long-term investment, collectability, or sheer rarity and untreated is the ultimate standard.

Thoughts from Kingsley & Co

 Gemstone value is a delicate balance of origin, rarity, and purity. Untreated gemstones are the most natural and valuable form of these stunning gifts from the earth. Whether you’re investing, collecting, or simply appreciating fine jewellery, an untreated gemstone is a timeless choice.

At Kingsley & Co, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of exceptional, untreated gemstones, each carefully sourced and fully certified.

Discover true natural beauty. Explore our collection of untreated gemstones today.