7 tips for photographing jewelry

If you’re unsure whether photographing jewelry is a worthwhile investment of your time and effort, consider the data. According to Etsy’s buyer surveys, 90 percent of shoppers said the quality of product photos was “extremely important” or “very important” to a purchase decision. In fact, product photo quality influenced buyers more than shipping costs, customer reviews, or purchase prices!

What’s more, the global online jewelry market is forecast to reach a value of about $117 billion by 2027. This growth represents a golden (sorry, couldn’t resist) opportunity for online businesses and brick-and-mortar stores looking to expand their eCommerce presence. Eager to capture your share of that flourishing market? 

Check out these 7 creative ideas for jewelry product photography to help attract buyers, reinforce your brand, and boost sales.

1. Make the vibe visual

Is your brand boho/funky or classic/luxe? Do you cater to buyers seeking modern designs or lovers of vintage pieces? Jewelry photographs must never compete with or detract from the items you sell. Sure, you can use a traditional velvet display stand. Or, try unexpected backdrops such as textured fibers, scarves, or natural materials like moss and stone. Think of the pictures as a visual extension of your brand to entice target customers. Express your brand with backdrops or props that tell a story, such as a wedding, personal milestone, or special occasion. The more jewelry photos your store displays, the more emotion they will evoke.

2. Light it right

One of the trickier aspects of jewelry product photography is using lighting to capture the sparkling qualities of your offerings. You might try photographing jewelry in a lightbox. Artificial lighting helps you control the environment but can result in dull pictures. Feel free to experiment with natural lighting or highlight your pieces in outdoor settings. Jewelry takes on different qualities depending on how it’s worn and who’s wearing it. Consider showcasing your jewelry pictures using a variety of skin tones and models. Why limit yourself to standard photos when prospective buyers may be shopping for themselves or loved one?

3. Invest in quality

Depending on your budget, you could purchase a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera for photographing jewelry. These versatile professional-level cameras give you many options. Digital cameras enable you to adjust settings automatically or in manual mode. You can play with lighting, filters, and pixel sizes. If you prefer extremely close focus, try a specialized macro lens for super-sharp images of objects. Changing the aperture settings manually will provide a natural blurred background that heightens the dramatic effect of your jewelry pictures.

4. Get smart with your smartphone

Even without a fancy camera, you can capture vibrant pictures of jewelry using a newer smartphone. Experiment with angles by moving the phone–or your jewelry piece–until you capture the best approach. If you prefer, get a tripod designed for smartphones to stabilize your images. Best of all, you don’t need to invest in a bunch of special software. You can use the smartphone’s processing and editing features to achieve the desired effect in your jewelry photos.

5. Think multifaceted use

You may need to create jewelry pictures for different media and purposes. Adopting best photography practices can help you shoot and select the most useful photos. For example, print photography has different requirements from online specs. If you’re sending direct mail postcards or advertising in a wedding publication, be sure the image resolution of your jewelry pictures meets technical requirements, ensuring sharp and attractive images.

6. Hit us with your best shot

You can vary the look and feel of how you photograph jewelry. In addition to studio shots, try lifestyle pictures featuring your products “in the wild” in different settings. You can also highlight unique jewelry details with extreme close-ups and process shots that reveal their craftsmanship. Similarly, your buyers are likely interested in how the jewelry will be packaged, particularly if the item is a gift.

7. Spark spontaneity!

Incredible product photography isn’t just for luxury brands. Tap into your personal creativity and artistic vision for jewelry photography ideas. For inspiration, check out Pinterest and Etsy websites. Vintage magazine ads, wedding albums, and even museum collections can help you generate fresh ideas for photographing jewelry.

To support the unique needs of jewelry store owners, Clover offers robust POS systems with tools for inventory management, employee scheduling, customer engagement, and more. Accept all payment types and keep your entire operations running smoothly. Clover also offers a wealth of resources for business owners–from guidance on general product photography and getting started in eCommerce to how to open a jewelry store and how to sell jewelry online.

Find more small business tips in The Green.

Editorial Team

Insights, Marketing, Retail, Run your business

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