Few gemstones captivate the imagination like the Pigeon Blood Ruby. Renowned for its mesmerizing hue and unparalleled rarity, this gemstone has been a symbol of power, passion, and luxury for centuries. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or simply an admirer of natural beauty, understanding the mystique of the Pigeon Blood Ruby Gemstone is a journey into the heart of gemology’s most coveted treasure.
What is a Pigeon Blood Ruby?
The term “Pigeon Blood Ruby” describes rubies with a specific, highly prized color: a vivid, saturated red with a subtle blue undertone. This unique hue resembles the intense red of a freshly spilled drop of blood from a pigeon, a comparison rooted in Burmese tradition. While the name might sound macabre, it underscores the gem’s exceptional purity and intensity.
Not all rubies qualify as Pigeon Blood. The designation depends on color saturation, tone, and fluorescence. Top-grade specimens exhibit a “traffic-stopping” red that appears to glow from within, even in low light.
Origin and Historical Significance
Pigeon Blood Rubies are most famously linked to Myanmar (formerly Burma), particularly the Mogok Valley, where they’ve been mined for over 800 years. Burmese legends describe these gems as “teardrops of the Earth,” believed to grant invincibility in battle. Ancient warriors embedded rubies into their flesh for protection, while royalty adorned themselves with the stone to signify authority.
However, political conflicts and ethical concerns surrounding Myanmar’s mining practices have shifted attention to newer sources. Mozambique, Tanzania, and Vietnam now produce rubies that meet the Pigeon Blood standard, though Burmese stones remain the benchmark for quality.
Characteristics of Pigeon Blood Rubies
1. Color: The defining feature. The ideal Pigeon Blood Ruby boasts a pure red hue with 80-90% saturation, a medium-dark tone, and a faint blue undertone. This combination creates a velvety richness unmatched by other red gemstones.
2. Clarity: Rubies often contain inclusions (known as “silk”), which can enhance value by confirming natural origin. However, excessive inclusions diminish transparency and brilliance.
3. Cut: A skilled cut maximizes color and light reflection. Oval and cushion cuts are common, preserving carat weight while highlighting the gem’s fire.
4. Carat Weight: Large Pigeon Blood Rubies are exceedingly rare. Prices rise exponentially above one carat, with stones over five carats fetching millions at auction.
Evaluating Quality: Beyond the 4Cs
While the Four Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat) apply, additional factors influence value:
1. Fluorescence: Burmese rubies often exhibit strong red fluorescence under UV light, intensifying their color in sunlight.
2. Origin: Myanmar rubies command premium prices, but Mozambican stones are gaining recognition for similar quality and ethical sourcing.
3. Treatments: Heat treatment is common to enhance color, but unheated stones are 20-30% more valuable. Glass-filled or dyed rubies are considered lower quality.
The Importance of Certification
Always demand a gemological certificate from reputable labs like SSEF, GRS, or GIA. These reports confirm origin, treatments, and whether the ruby meets Pigeon Blood criteria. For instance, GRS uses the term “Vivid Red” with a “Pigeon’s Blood” comment for qualifying stones.
Ethical Considerations
Myanmar’s rubies face scrutiny due to human rights issues. Many buyers now seek stones from Mozambique or Thailand, where mining practices are more transparent. Certificates like the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) mark ensure ethical sourcing.
How to Buy a Pigeon Blood Ruby
1. Reputable Dealers: Purchase from established jewelers like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or certified gem dealers.
2. Budget: Prices start at 10,000 per carat, for smaller stone sand exceed 1 million per carat for top-tier gems.
3. Red Flags: Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, lack certification, or use vague terms like “Burma-like.”
Caring for Your Ruby
Though durable (9 on the Mohs scale), Pigeon Blood Rubies require care:
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has fractures.
- Store separately to prevent scratches from other jewelry.
Investment Potential
Pigeon Blood Rubies have outperformed many assets, with auction prices soaring. In 2015, the 25.59-cat Sunrise Ruby sold for $30.3 million-a record for colored gemstones. Their scarcity and growing demand in Asian markets make them a compelling investment, though liquidity can be lower than diamonds.
Famous Pigeon Blood Rubies
The Sunrise Ruby: This Burmese gem holds the record for the most expensive ruby sold at auction.
1. The Graff Ruby: A 8.62-cat unheated stone purchased by Laurence Graff for $3.6 million in 2006.
2. Carmen Lúcia Ruby: A 23.1-cat Burmese ruby displayed at the Smithsonian, donated in memory of Carmen Lúcia Buck.
Conclusion
The Pigeon Blood Ruby Gemstone is a marvel of nature, blending fiery beauty with historical grandeur. Whether acquired for its aesthetic charm or as a legacy asset, this gem demands informed purchasing, ethical consideration, and proper care. As markets evolve and new sources emerge, its legend continues to grow-one vibrant red hue at a time.
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