How can I take a good picture of a diamond ring with a digicam?

Question

I've tried all options, with flash, without flash, all modes, the diamond just dazzles and spreads the light around

Answer 1

Diamonds are what they are because they are so good at sparkling and reflecting light back.

In jewelery photography (or in many macro photography) it is important to get wide even lighting. To do so create a tent of white material and shoot your lighting THROUGH the material.

http://olympusdigitalschool.com/photo_lessons/E-1_Sapphire_Set_in_the_LiteRoom/index.html

Even though they are using a commercial light tent you can do the same using just ordinary fabric (ex: bed sheets) but just test to make sure it is pure white. And slight color cast will make the diamond look less than white (cheap).

You don't even need the extra lights. You can just go outside and use the sunlight (even through cloud cover) for lighting.

Good Luck.

P.S. Jewelery photography is very difficult subject. Requires lots of trial and error. Just don't give up easily and you'll get it.

Answer 2

That's good, actually. The main thing to watch out for is to not get too close to the diamond. Use the "macro" setting on the camera and make sure you're far away enough from the ring to get a clear focus on the ring. If you don't want more sparkle, don't use the flash. A tripod will also help you to hold the camera still, if you have one. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

You also need to consider the background and surrounding area. Most reflecting surfaces will need a contrast to make them have the 3D definition. It is common to use strips of black matte paper strung at critical degrees to see the contrast and depth. A small light box or tent is a good light source as the lighting comes from the outside and doesn't have pinpoint reflections (you can add those with a "wink" light).

Most jewelery are photographed using jeweler's putty to have the ring set upright on a glass (set about 5" from the background). This prevents unwanted shadows.

I have done product photography for 30 years and jewelry and silverware are the most difficult. Good Luck,

Answer 4

Diamonds typically like a little bit of "hard" light, but the ring itself likes soft light.

You're getting into one of the most difficult types of product photography. I recommend you purchase the book "Light, Science and Magic" by Paul Fuqua. You'll need to learn a lot about light in order to do this well. If you're serious about learning to do this right, I'd be happy to answer more detailed questions directly.

Answer 5

I think the camera you are using just isn't going to cut it. I have a canon powershot and mine can do it fine without a flash. Maybe you can borrow a friend's camera to take the picture with? I'm sure someone would let you.

Maybe try to take it in a different light. Try outside, in the bathroom, in a closet... :D

I hope you can get it to work!