What Type of Lights Should I Use for Different Jewelry?

Diamond and Gemstone Adjustment Standards#

When photographing gemstones, the goal is to preserve accurate color, enhance brilliance, and avoid overexposing the stone’s facets.

Diamonds and Moissanite#

Use the cool (white) sparkle light to enhance brilliance and give the stone a brighter, whiter appearance. Keep brightness at a moderate level, as too much light can wash out fire and scintillation.

If you notice a dark patch or camera reflection on the table facet, slightly tilt or rotate the piece.

Colored Gemstones (Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, etc.)#

Use the warm (yellow) sparkle light to enhance color depth, particularly in reds and greens. Avoid excessive brightness, which can wash out the stone’s natural color.

For blue stones such as sapphires and aquamarines, the cool sparkle light may also help deepen the blue tone. Try both and choose the option that best represents the stone.

Opals and Iridescent Stones#

Use the warm sparkle light to enhance play-of-color and bring out iridescence. Keep the piece completely still during capture for the clearest result.

Transparent or Light-Colored Stones (Topaz, Morganite, etc.)#

These stones are more prone to glare. Lower or turn off the GemCam Pro front light using GemCam Light Controls, and angle the magnetic sparkle lights away from the stone rather than shining them directly onto it.

In many cases, the GemLightbox Max ambient lighting provides enough illumination without additional lighting.

Common Questions#

Which sparkle light should I use for diamonds and gemstones?#

Use the cool (white) sparkle light for diamonds and moissanite to enhance brilliance. For colored gemstones, start with the warm (yellow) sparkle light to enrich color depth. For blue stones such as sapphires and aquamarines, try both warm and cool light and choose the one that best represents the stone.

Why does my gemstone look washed out?#

The lighting may be too bright. Reduce the sparkle light brightness until the stone's natural color, facets, and brilliance become more visible. Overexposure can reduce both color depth and sparkle.

Why is there a dark patch or reflection on my stone?#

This is often caused by the camera or surrounding environment reflecting on the stone's facets. Slightly tilt or rotate the jewelry until the dark area or reflection disappears.

How can I reduce glare on transparent or light-colored gemstones?#

Lower or turn off the GemCam Pro front light using GemCam Light Controls, and adjust the magnetic sparkle lights so they are not shining directly onto the stone. In many cases, the GemLightbox Max ambient lighting may already provide enough illumination.