There people who argue that since gemstones are natural products their natural elements should not be tampered with. You too may agree to this point of view but natural products like gemstones need enhancements to make them wearable by humans and heat treating gemstones is one such enhancement. Natural products in their natural state lack the attractiveness and gloss and people would hesitate to wear them on their fingers or around their necks.

Though people know that gem cutting and polishing is an integral part of the gemstone industry few realize that gems that are mined do not come with its trademark cut or sparkle. The same is achieved later through different processes like heat treating gemstones. A rough uncut sapphire when compared to a gorgeous blue sapphire looks horrible. The beautiful blue sapphire is a product of human craftsmanship done painstakingly
on a natural product.

Gemstone enhancements are therefore necessary to bring out the true quality and look in a gemstone. Enhancements like heat treating gemstones in no way affect the price and value of a gemstone.
There are gemstones like garnets and peridots which does not require any enhancement. On the other hand highly desirable gemstones like ruby and sapphire are routinely heat treated. Rubies are heat treated to get that wonderful "pigeon's blood red" color that people find so desirable.

Gemstone labs have found that the color of rubies could be improved by heating. Heat treatment is now a common procedure applied for all types of rubies. The sapphire is also enhanced by heating. Sapphires found in their natural state have internal deposits (foreign materials) which affects its clarity. Gemstones are heated at a high temperature of over 1000 degree centigrade to make it look clearer and attractive.