Practical styling can make all the difference in creating stunning jewelry photos that capture the essence of your brand. Whether you’re a new jewelry designer just starting or an established brand looking to refresh your marketing strategy, these 5 effective ways to style your jewelry for a photoshoot can help you stand out in a crowded market.
White Backgrounds: Keep it Simple and Clean
White backgrounds are a popular choice for jewelry photography for a reason. They help emphasize the colors and textures of the jewelry, creating a minimalist look that draws attention to the piece. To achieve this clean look, use a lightbox or soft lighting to ensure even illumination. Make sure the jewelry is the focus of the image, and avoid any distracting elements that may take away from the piece.
However, using white backgrounds exclusively can make your photos look monotonous and repetitive. To avoid this, try experimenting with different shades of white or cream or adding a touch of texture to the background by using fabrics or materials with a subtle pattern.
Natural Backgrounds: Create a Mood or Story
While white backgrounds can be effective, natural backgrounds like wood, stone, or plants can add depth and interest to jewelry photos. These backgrounds help create a mood or story around the jewelry, which is particularly effective for social media marketing. For example, a beachy background can develop a sense of wanderlust for travel-inspired jewelry, while a woodsy background can create a cozy, autumnal feel for seasonal pieces.
When using natural backgrounds, it’s essential to strike a balance between the background and the jewelry itself. You don’t want the background to overpower the jewelry, but you don’t want it to fade into the background. Try experimenting with different compositions and lighting to find the perfect balance.
Textured Surfaces: Add Depth and Interest 
Textured surfaces like fabric or paper can help add depth and interest to jewelry photos. By playing with texture and pattern, you can create a sense of movement or flow in the images, which can help draw the viewer’s eye to the jewelry. When selecting textures, make sure they
complement the jewelry without distracting from it. For example, a textured scarf can add a soft, feminine touch to delicate jewelry, while a rough-hewn wood surface can complement more rustic pieces.
In addition to fabric and paper, you can experiment with other textures like metal, glass, or stone to create a more industrial or architectural feel. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures to create a unique and visually striking composition.
Bold Props: Create Visual Contrast
Using bold props like flowers, books, or crystals can help create a striking visual contrast with the jewelry, making it stand out even more. When using props, make sure they complement the jewelry without overpowering it. For example, a bouquet of flowers can add a pop of color and visual interest to minimalist jewelry, while a stack of books can create a sense of sophistication and intelligence that complements more classic pieces.
To avoid overwhelming the composition with too many props, focus on one or two key pieces that enhance the jewelry and help tell a visual story. For example, if you photograph a vintage-inspired necklace, consider adding a vintage book or a vase of flowers in a classic style to complement the jewelry’s aesthetic.
Layering and Stacking: Create a Dynamic Look
Layering or stacking jewelry can create a dynamic, eye-catching look that draws attention to the unique features of each piece. To achieve a balanced, cohesive look, mix and match different styles and textures of jewelry and experiment with other layering techniques.
For example, layering delicate chains with bolder statement pieces can create a layered look that complements both types of jewelry, while stacking rings in different metals and textures can create a playful, eclectic look.
When layering or stacking jewelry, paying attention to the composition and balance of the pieces is essential. Start by selecting a focal point, such as a statement necklace or bracelet, and then build around it with complementary pieces. Avoid overwhelming the composition by keeping it simple and selecting pieces that work well together.
Lighting: Make Your Jewelry Shine
Lighting is a critical component of successful jewelry photography. Using the right lighting, you can make your jewelry shine and create a sense of depth and dimension in the photos. When selecting lighting, consider factors like the color temperature, direction, and light intensity. One effective lighting technique for jewelry photography is to use a soft, diffused light source like a lightbox or diffuser. This type of lighting helps create a soft, even illumination that highlights the jewelry’s features without creating harsh shadows or glare.
Another technique is to use creative lighting setups like side lighting or backlighting to create a sense of depth and dimension in the photos. You can create a more dynamic and visually interesting composition by playing with light and shadow.
Editing: Enhance Your Photos
After you’ve taken your jewelry photos, it’s time to edit and enhance them to create a polished, professional look. Editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom can help you adjust your photos’ exposure, contrast, color, and sharpness to create the perfect final image.
When editing, your goal should be to strike a balance between enhancing the image and over-processing it. Avoid using filters or presets that drastically alter the image, and instead focus on subtle adjustments that help bring out the best in the jewelry.
Effective jewelry styling is critical to creating compelling photos that showcase your brand and products. By experimenting with different styles and techniques like white backgrounds, natural backgrounds, textured surfaces, bold props, layering, stacking, lighting, and editing, you can create visually striking photos that capture the attention of your target audience.
Remember to keep it simple, avoid distractions, and have fun with your jewelry styling to create images that reflect your brand’s unique personality. You can create stunning jewelry photos that make your products shine with the right combination of styling, lighting, and editing.
