How to Photograph Jewellery to Sell: Simple DIY Tabletop Ideas

September 25, 2026

Shiny things reflect everything - including you, your phone and the ceiling light. The trick with jewellery is soft, diffused light that surrounds the piece.

Honest note: we design and print cards, badges and prints in the UK. The light box is a recommendation from elsewhere.

Diffuse the light

Micro light box. A 30cm portable light box with 120 LEDs gives even, shadow-free light from above, with a plain backdrop behind. It folds flat into a drawer, so there's no need for umbrellas or softboxes.
The diffused walls stop hotspots and glare on silver, gold and enamel.
At 30cm it suits small things - jewellery, badges, cards, shoes shot in pairs, miniatures and cakes. Bigger items need a bigger box or daylight.

DIY tabletop ideas

Rest rings on a folded card or a small stand.
Hang necklaces from a straight edge to show the drop.
Pin badges look best on denim or felt - Shop the range
Use white card to bounce light into dark spots.

Avoid reflections

Shoot slightly from the side rather than straight on.
Wear dark clothes so you don't reflect.
Wipe fingerprints off first.

Key things to remember

Polish every piece before shooting - photos show every mark.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I stop glare on jewellery photos?

Diffuse the light - a light box or white fabric - and shoot at a slight angle.

What background is best for jewellery?

White for marketplaces, with a textured prop for lifestyle shots.

Do you sell the light box?

No. We design and print greetings cards, enamel pin badges and art prints in the UK. The light box is a recommendation from elsewhere - only the things linked to our own shop are ours.

What is a good example of how to photograph jewellery to sell?

"The diffused walls stop hotspots and glare on silver, gold and enamel." is one of 10 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

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