Jewelry Photography: How to Take Beautiful Photos of Jewelry for Resale

Reselling your used jewelry online can be a great way to clean out your jewelry box and earn a little cash. If you're looking to sell your jewelry online, taking beautiful photos is key to attracting buyers and increasing sales. Photography is a powerful tool — did you know that our brains can identify an image in 13 milliseconds? That’s 60,000 times faster than we can interpret text. Here are some jewelry photography tips and tricks for making your jewelry stand out on sites like Etsy, eBay, or other online marketplaces. Let’s dive in!

#1: Use a High-Quality Smartphone Camera

A high-quality smartphone camera can make a big difference in the quality of your photos. Smartphones have come a long way in their photography capabilities — most smartphones have cameras with excellent lenses, so you can take high-quality images without investing in professional camera gear. 

#2: Use Portrait Mode or the Macro Setting

Use a macro lens to capture the intricate details of your jewelry up close, which will make it easier for buyers to see the quality and craftsmanship of your pieces. On your smartphone, you can use the macro setting or portrait mode to get impeccable images that look like they belong on a jewelry brand’s website. 

#3: Use Natural Light

Natural light is the best option for jewelry photography. Avoid using flash or artificial lighting, since this can create harsh shadows and reflections. Instead, try photographing your jewelry near a large window or outside on a sunny day. If you need to use artificial lighting, you can use a mirror or flashlights to manipulate the lighting until you get the effect you want.

 

#4: Use a Plain Background

A plain white or neutral background can make your jewelry stand out and make it easier to edit the image later on. Alternatively, you can use a textured background to add some depth to the photo and make it more interesting, but be sure that the background doesn't detract from the jewelry you’re displaying. Experiment with different materials and colors to find what works best to highlight each piece.

#5: Clean Your Jewelry

Before photographing your jewelry, make sure it is clean and free of any blemishes or damage. Use a soft cloth or brush dipped in warm water and dish soap to gently clean the piece and remove any dirt or debris. A clean piece of jewelry will look more polished and professional in the final photograph.

#6: Experiment with Composition

Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most flattering composition for your jewelry. Try to highlight the most important aspects of the piece, such as its unique design or the way it catches the light. Getting lots of different angles will help you to show off every element of a piece and give potential buyers a better idea of what to expect from the jewelry. 

#7: Edit Your Photos

Editing your photos can make a big difference in the final result. Simple adjustments like adjusting the brightness and contrast or cropping the image can go a long way in making your jewelry look more appealing. Focus on framing your image beautifully instead of on manipulating the image itself. There are many free or low cost online tools available that can help you edit your photos quickly and easily, like Canva, Photoshop, and Fotor. 

#8: Be Consistent

Whether you’re selling multiple pieces or taking several shots of one item, consistency is key when photographing your jewelry for resale. Make sure that you take all of the photos in the same style and with the same lighting. This will create a cohesive look and make your online store or website look more professional.

#9: Show Your Jewelry in Action

Time to show off your modeling skills! Consider showing your jewelry in action by photographing someone wearing the piece — if you don’t want to be in your photos, then grab a friend. This can help potential customers visualize what the jewelry will look like on them. You could also show the jewelry paired with different outfits or in different settings to give customers ideas on how to style it. 

By following these tips and tricks, you can take stunning photos of your jewelry that will make it stand out to potential customers. Make sure that your jewelry is in great shape before you photograph it; send your pieces to our team of expert professionals for the TLC they need. We’ll give your jewelry the full spa treatment so it’s in tip-top shape when you’re ready to sell it online.