Tips for shooting jewelry?

[margosoriginals]

Hello! I am pretty new to TPF, and need some advice. I have an online jewelry business and have been constantly trying to improve my photography. I sell my work on Etsy, so the product photography tends to be pretty artsy, but still needs to be conducive to portraying a lot of detail in small thumbnails. It leaves very little room for error, and I am having trouble finding the best light, so that the photo is bright enough, but doesn't hit the metal too strongly and turn it to white. I always use natural light, but it is hit or miss, and I was wondering if there is any sort of set up that would be best? I have attached a couple of my best shots, and one of my worst from recently. I would love to hear your advice and opinions! If the customer doesn't love what they see in the photograph, they certainly aren't going to buy it. Thanks for all your advice- it is really appreciated!

 

[tirediron]

Invest in a light tent; these can be had on eBay for as little as $30. This will give you the necessary diffusion and non-distracting backgrounds so that your scene isn't over-powering the subject.

 

[margosoriginals]

Thanks, I think I'll buy one tonight!

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

Ask Bitter Jeweler... He's the man to talk to about jewelery.... At least that's my opinion.

 

[margosoriginals]

Is this a person on this forum?

 

[tirediron]

Is this a person on this forum?

Yes, he's a jewellery artist/metalsmith and very accomplished photographer. This is definitely his area of expertise.