Phoebe Shang, GG
A gem lover and writer, Phoebe holds a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and masters in writing from Columbia University. She got her start in gemology translating and editing Colored Stone and Mineral Highlights for a professor based in Shanghai. Whether in LA, Taipei, or New York, Phoebe spends her time searching for gems to design and being lost in good books.
Articles by Phoebe Shang, GG
Sapphire Engagement Ring Guide: Something Blue
Rare, beautiful, and expensive, sapphires will really wow when brides need “something blue.” When you’re shopping for sapphire engagement ring...
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Sapphire Buying Guide
Long associated with royalty, sapphires are some of the most popular (and expensive) gems in the world. Our sapphire buying...
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Garnet Symbolism
Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. The January birthstone has inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light,...
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Ten Big, Beautiful, and Affordable Engagement Ring Stones
Looking for a gem that will make a big impression on your finger, not your wallet? These ten gems make...
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Colorful Options: Choosing Topaz Engagement Ring Stones
You can probably find a topaz engagement ring stone in your favorite color at a reasonable price. Learn what to...
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10 Rare Engagement Ring Stones that Won’t Break the Bank
Not all rare gemstones cost a fortune. If you’re looking for something different but affordable for your wedding, here are...
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Red and More: Choosing Garnet Engagement Ring Stones
Garnets come in a wide range of colors, not just classic red, and many are relatively affordable. Learn how to...
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Ten Rare and Expensive Engagement Ring Stones
These ten gems are some of the rarest and most desired in the world. If money is no object, consider...
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Classic Engagement Ring Stones
Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
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Seven Stunning but Delicate Engagement Ring Stones
With protective settings and special care, these seven beautiful but delicate engagement ring stones can help you make a unique...
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Protective Gem Settings for Rings
All gemstones, from fragile opals to durable diamonds, can benefit from protective gem settings. Learn which jewelry designs are best...
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An Incredible Union of Colors: Choosing Opal Engagement Ring Stones
Celebrate your unique love story with an opal engagement ring stone. Though opals require extra care, no other gem combines...
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Choosing Pearl Engagement Ring Stones
Although natural pearls are extremely rare and expensive, the availability of cultured pearls makes it easier to buy this classic,...
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Buying Diamonds Online? Match Your Shopper Personality Type to an Online Store
How can you find the right website when you’re buying diamonds online? See which of these diamond websites matches your...
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The Fifth C: What Determines Diamond Cost?
When consumers think of diamonds, they think "expensive." However, what exactly makes that so? Beyond the unavoidable factors of mining,...
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Diamond Buying and the 4 Cs, Part 4: Assessing Diamond Clarity
Diamond buyers often find assessing clarity challenging. Although inclusions may be difficult to see and identity, they can have a...
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Diamond Buying and the Four Cs, Part 3: Evaluating Diamond Cuts
Cut is perhaps the most complex of the Four Cs of gem grading and is usually taken for granted by...
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Diamond Buying and the Four Cs, Part 2: Diamond Color
For most gem buyers, color is probably the most well known of the Four Cs of gem grading. However, diamond...
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Diamond Buying and the Four Cs, Part 1: Diamond Carat Weight
Diamond buyers often want to know which of the Four Cs of gem grading is most important — color, clarity,...
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Gem Trends 2018: Ultra Violet Gems and More
What will 2018 bring to the world of gems and jewelry? Learn about the latest gem trends — everything from...
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An Introduction to Fancy Gem Cuts
Rounds dominate the gem market, but fancy gem cuts offer many beautiful options. Learn about the most popular fancy shapes,...
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A Guide to Gem Cutting Styles
Gem cutting styles refer to the shape and arrangement of facets. The three most basic styles are brilliant, step, and...
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Opal Mining in Coober Pedy: History and Methods
The town of Coober Pedy, Australia produces more opal than anywhere else. Its culture has been thoroughly shaped by opal...
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