"Pigeon Blood" Ruby

"Pigeon Blood" Ruby Gemstone

The term "Pigeon Blood" has a rich history and was traditionally used to describe the most exquisite colors found in Burmese (Myanmar) rubies. In 1996, GRS introduced the color term GRS-type "Pigeon Blood," establishing a market standard for trade, auction houses, and end-users.

Definition of GRS-type "Pigeon Blood"

GRS-type "Pigeon Blood" Type 1 refers to rubies that exhibit medium-strong to strongly saturated vivid red hues with high intensity and low tone. These rubies also display medium to strong fluorescence under UV light (365nm).

In 2012, GRS introduced the term "Pigeon Blood" Type 2 for rubies that possess the correct vivid red color but exhibit less than medium-strong fluorescence. Rubies qualifying for this designation receive an appendix in the GRS gemstone report, with a comment such as, "This vivid red Mozambican ruby resembles a GRS-type 'Pigeon Blood' ruby without strong fluorescence."

Rubies meeting the GRS-type "Pigeon Blood" criteria can be sourced from various locations worldwide, including Burma (Myanmar), Mozambique, Madagascar, and others