Why Pigeon Blood is the highest quality ruby

Ruby is a gemstone that has been loved around the world since ancient times for its deep color, beauty, and rarity. Among rubies, the bright red ruby ​​that resembles the blood of a pigeon, called ``pigeon blood,'' is known to be of the highest value.

Ruby, which has all of these elements, is worthy of being called a "miracle gemstone," and its value continues to increase year by year.

The charm of the vivid red color called “Pigeon Blood”

The vivid red color called "pigeon blood" that only the highest quality rubies have is an attractive feature that cannot be experienced with other gemstones. Pigeonblood is characterized by its red hue, high saturation, and medium lightness. This exquisite balance creates a deep and elegant red color that captivates the viewer.

Rarity and history of rubies from Myanmar

Myanmar has long been world-famous for its ruby production. In particular, the Mogok Valley in the north of the country has been known for producing rubies of the highest quality. For centuries, rubies mined here have captivated people around the world with their beauty. However, due to years of mining, the production of rubies from Myanmar has been decreasing year by year, and due to their rarity, rubies from Myanmar are becoming more and more valuable.

At a recent Christie's auction, an 8-carat "Pigeon Blood" ruby ​​from Myanmar sold for nearly 8 billion yen! This is the highest price ever for rubies.

Ruby value standard: color

The most important factor in a ruby's value is its color. The highest quality rubies have a bright red color, and the pure, deep red called "pigeon blood" is especially highly rated. Color uniformity is also important; uneven color distribution or uneven color reduces the value. Ruby's red color is due to its chromium content, and the brighter and darker the color, the more valuable it is. Ruby, with its exquisite balance of hue, saturation, and brightness, commands high prices on the market.

Ruby value standard: transparency

The clarity of a ruby is also an important factor in determining its value. Natural rubies often have inclusions, but those with fewer inclusions and those that are difficult to see with the naked eye are more expensive. Inclusions occur naturally during the ruby's formation process, and it is rare for a ruby ​​to be completely flawless. However, if inclusions impair a ruby's brilliance, its value decreases. The most valuable rubies are those with high clarity and few inclusions.

Ruby value standard: weight

A ruby's weight, or carat, also has a large effect on its value. The heavier the ruby, the more rare it is, and the higher the carat weight, the higher the price for the same quality. Rubies of 2 carats or more are especially rare and often sold for high prices at auctions. However, not only the weight but also the way it is cut and the overall balance affect the price, so the overall proportions are also important.

Ruby value standard: Origin

The origin of a ruby is also an important factor that affects its value. In particular, rubies from Mogok in Myanmar (formerly Burma) are considered to be of the highest quality and are highly valued in the market. These are famous for producing deep red rubies called "pigeon blood". Other production areas such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar are also known, but evaluations differ depending on the characteristics and quality unique to each production area. Having a certificate of origin further increases the ruby's credibility and value.

Ruby value standard: processing or not

Rubies are often treated to improve their color and clarity. Common treatments include heat treatment and fracture filling, which enhance the beauty of rubies but reduce their value compared to untreated natural rubies. Rubies, especially those that are untreated and of high quality, are extremely rare and highly valuable to collectors and investors. Gemstone certificates often indicate whether or not the gemstone has been processed, which greatly affects the price.

Ruby value standard: Unheated = not high quality

Ruby of low quality with many scratches and inclusions may be sold unheated as it may break when heated. The same goes for inferior rubies with low transparency. There are many cases where rubies that are large but of poor quality are sold for millions or tens of millions of yen just because they are "unheated," even though they are actually only tens of thousands of yen. Not all unheated rubies are of high quality, so it is important to purchase from a professional seller who sells unheated rubies with their original value at a fair price.

Expecting long-term increase in asset value

Due to its rarity and beauty, the highest quality unheated pigeon blood ruby from Myanmar can be expected to increase its asset value over the long term.

Increase in global demand

Demand for high-quality rubies is increasing among the wealthy, especially in Asia, where economic growth is rapid.

Decrease in supply

In Myanmar, ruby mining resources are being depleted, and production is decreasing year by year.

Non-heat treatment

Natural rubies that have not been subjected to heat treatment are said to have even higher value due to their rarity.

These factors make unheated pigeon blood ruby ​​from Myanmar an attractive long-term investment as prices are expected to continue to rise.

Effectiveness as an anti-inflation measure and asset diversification

In recent years, the global inflation trend has continued. As the value of cash and deposits dwindles, physical assets like unheated pigeon blood rubies from Myanmar can be an effective hedge against inflation. In addition, since they tend to have different price movements than traditional financial products such as stocks and bonds, you can expect the effect of risk diversification by incorporating them into your investment portfolio.

Ruby as an inherited asset

Ruby is an asset that retains its value over a long period of time due to its rarity and durability. In particular, the highest quality rubies are traded at stable high prices on the market, making it easy for them to preserve their value over generations. There are many collectors and investors, and gemstones with high rarity can increase in value over time. In addition, gemstones such as rubies are small in size but highly valuable, making them assets that are easy to physically carry. Unlike assets such as real estate or heavy gold, it can be easily moved. Ruby is highly valued as jewelry due to its beauty, and as a gemstone that has been passed down from generation to generation, it can also symbolize historical meaning and family ties.