[Whipspeed]

You are pretty brave buying jewellery off the TV. I couldn't do it, I like to look at it first, preferably with a loupe, think that stems from the jewellery photography, get in close and you can see the flaws! I've actually not bought any jewellery since then.

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by WOODY

BUT £750 FOR THE WEEKEND HIRE SOUNDS GOOD, LET ME THINK ABOUT THAT FOR AWHILE ER NO THANKS.

Sarah, it was a mixture of gut feeling of a safe deal based on their length of service (over 3 years, indicating a secure + successful operation) + "what the hell, give it a go" ... will report back after I receive the goods

Another comforting thing is that they offer a 10 day no-quibble money back guarantee, so there's nothing to lose by at least having a look at the item at home, then if you don't like it, send it back, and if I'm really disappointed in the whole transaction, then I just won't order from them again, but we'll see

Actually I hope it's crap, 'cos I'm a jewellery-junkie, but I like the real thing, not cheap imitation, so if it turns out to be good stuff, then I may just have to block the GemsTV channel off from myself

[Whipspeed]

Good Luck, let me know how you get on. The stones I found the most flaws in when photographing were emeralds. I was shooting a £32K emerald & diamond ring (bit too large and ostentatious for my taste!) and the flaws in the stone were dreadful. Really put me off. If you want to check the quality of the stuff you buy, set it up on a plain acrylic background and photograph with a macro lens. another emerald I shot had just been bought as a Xmas present and when viewed on screen was completely off in the mount.

I like the real stuff as well, which is probably why I've got a very small amount of jewellery.

[Charlotte]

I knew there was a reason that emeralds are my least favourite gemstone (I think I have one by default in a mixed-gem ring)

Where was the jewellery you were shooting Sarah? i.e. privately owned, or in a jewellery store, or what?

[silkstone]

I like Opals. Especially the strawberry flavoured ones.

Diamonds have never been the same since Jet Harris and Tony Meehan packed up.

[Whipspeed]

I was shooting in the store Charlotte, took all my kit there including studio lights on a trolley and shot upstairs in an empty room, couple of the pieces were privately owned and the shop had asked them to bring the pieces in, as he designs and makes his own stuff. Didn't want insurance hassle ferrying them about.

Opals are my favourite stones.

Use your new jewellery as an oportunity to try some small scale studio shots, small light tent and I use 3 anglepoise lamps fitted with daylight bulbs (can only borrow proper lights from hubbies work occasionally) and get some acrylic, which is fairly readily available, black gives good reflections.