What are "Pigeon blood" rubies?
"Pigeon blood" is a term used to describe the color of high-quality rubies. It refers to a deep, rich red color that is often described as being similar to the blood of a pigeon. This term is used to describe the most highly prized and valuable rubies, which are considered to be the most beautiful and desirable.
The origin of the term "pigeon blood" to describe the color of high-quality rubies is not entirely clear. It is believed that the term originated in the 19th century and was first used by European traders and gem merchants to describe the deep red color of Burmese rubies. The term "pigeon blood" is often associated with Burmese rubies, which have been mined in the Mogok region of Myanmar for centuries. These rubies are considered to be among the finest and most valuable in the world and are known for their deep red color, transparency, and minimal inclusions.
The term is also sometimes used to describe rubies from other locations such as Mozambique or Madagascar which can have a similar deep red color. However since February 2023 the the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland has coined a new trade color term: "Crimson Red." This term is used to describe rubies that have the ideal color and quality, but with a different fluorescence criterion. To qualify as "Crimson Red," a ruby must have the correct hue, saturation, and tone, be evenly distributed across the stone, be untreated and have a cut that produces a lively brilliance. Additionally, it must have little to no fluorescence in short-wave UV light. These criteria must be strictly adhered to, and therefore only a small percentage of high-quality untreated rubies will ever meet them. This new term has specifically been introduced to tackle the pressing need to have a different qualifying term to describe top quality rubies that have not been sourced from Burma since upwards of 80% of total ruby product now originates in Mozambique.
It's worth noting that the term "pigeon blood" is a traditional term and not a scientific or gemological one. It's a term that is used within the trade and it is not always used in a consistent way. It's important to understand that the term "pigeon blood" is a subjective term and can be used to describe different shades of red in rubies. Also, the term is not only used to describe the color of the ruby but also the transparency, clarity, and overall quality of the stone. A ruby that is described as "pigeon blood" is considered to be of the highest quality, with a deep red color, good transparency, and minimal inclusions.
Additionally, the term "pigeon blood" has been used in the past to describe rubies that have been treated to enhance their color. However, buyers should be aware that some treatments can affect the value and durability of the stone. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source and that the ruby has been responsibly sourced.