What is Pigeon Blood Ruby? Is It Worth It?

When it comes to rubies, no term carries more prestige, mystery, and price power than “Pigeon Blood Ruby.”
But what does it actually mean — and more importantly, is it really worth the premium?

Let’s break it down.

What is a Pigeon Blood Ruby?
A Pigeon Blood Ruby is not a separate type of ruby — it is a color grade.
It refers to the finest and most desirable red color found in natural rubies.
👉 According to gemological standards, it describes:
• A vivid, highly saturated red
• With a slight blue undertone
• Strong internal glow (fluorescence)
• No brown, orange, or dull tones
This specific color is considered the highest quality in rubies.

Why is it Called “Pigeon Blood”?
The term originated in Myanmar (Burma), where traders compared the finest ruby color to the first drop of a pigeon’s blood — believed to be the purest and most intense red.
While it sounds dramatic, in the gem trade, it simply means:
“The most perfect red a ruby can have.”
What Makes a Ruby “Pigeon Blood”?
Not every red ruby qualifies.
To be considered true pigeon blood, a ruby must meet strict criteria:

1. Color (MOST IMPORTANT)
   • Pure, vivid red
   • Not too dark, not too pink
   • High saturation and brightness
   Even slight purple, pink, or orange tones can disqualify it.
2. Fluorescence (The Glow Effect)
   High-quality pigeon blood rubies show a natural inner glow due to chromium.
   👉This is what makes the stone look “alive”
3. Origin (Not always required, but important)
   • Historically: Burma (Myanmar) — especially Mogok
   • Now also found in:
   • Mozambique
   • Madagascar
   However, Burmese stones still command the highest prices.
4. Treatment
   • Unheated = extremely rare + most valuable
   • Heat-treated stones exist, but are less valuable
5. Certification
   Important labs that may use the term:
   • GRS
   • SSEF
   • Gübelin
   👉 Note: GIA does NOT use the term “pigeon blood”

How Rare is Pigeon Blood Ruby?
Extremely rare.
👉 Less than 1% of all rubies qualify as pigeon blood quality.
That’s why:
• Prices skyrocket
• Demand stays high
• Fakes and misuse of the term are common
Is Pigeon Blood Ruby Worth It?
YES — If You Want:
• Investment-grade gemstone
• Top-tier color quality
• Long-term value retention
• Prestige and rarity
Top stones can reach:
$100,000 – $300,000+ per carat
 Record pieces have sold for millions

BUT — Be Careful
The term is often misused in the market.
Many sellers label average rubies as “pigeon blood” just to increase price.
👉 Without certification, the term means nothing.

When is it NOT Worth It?
• If the ruby is:
• Poor clarity
• Heavily included
• Dark or pinkish
• No proper lab report
👉 In these cases, you’re paying for the name, not the quality.

How to Buy a Real Pigeon Blood Ruby
Before buying:
✔ Ask for certification (GRS / SSEF / Gübelin)

✔ Check if it’s natural


✔ Confirm treatment status

✔ Evaluate color in natural light

✔ Avoid “too cheap” deals

Final Verdict
A Pigeon Blood Ruby is the pinnacle of ruby quality — but only when it’s genuine.
👉 It is worth it if:
• The color is truly vivid red
• The stone is natural
• It is properly certified
👉 It is NOT worth it if:
• It’s just a marketing label
• There is no lab verification

Looking for a true pigeon blood ruby?
At RocksMan, we source natural, high-quality rubies directly from trusted suppliers.
👉 Request a custom ruby based on your budget, size, and origin

👉 Or explore Or explore our available ruby collection on our website Or
On Our Gem Rock Auctions Store.