what is the best way to light diamonds/jewelry using outdoor light and a cocoon?

I am trying to light jewelry with diamonds on a p[lain white backdrop, to be used for a

website. I have a redwing cocoon, and was planning on shooting using natural light

Any suggestions? I was wondering what the best way was to make the light

consistant, and the diamonds sparkle/

Thank you

Joanna

 

Diamonds don't shoot well on a white background - much better on a contrasting colour, even better on black. For the sparkle I have used a cross-screen filter or coarse nylon mesh over the lens, and a "pin-spot" lamp to provide the reflection for the sparkle.

 

I am sure there are others here who will be able to give you more advice. Good luck,

<I>what is the best way to light diamonds/jewelry using outdoor light and a cocoon?</

I><P>By not taking the approach you are taking. To make gemstones come alive you need

very, very

carefully controlled lighting.

<I>what is the best way to light diamonds/jewelry using outdoor light and a cocoon?

</I><P>By not taking the approach you are taking. To make gemstones come alive you

need

very, very

carefully controlled lighting.</I>just trying to kill the italics. Sorry.

On a commercial jewelery shoot I assisted on, we used a beauty dish with the center dome removed, the entire thing covered with tinfoil, and many small, pencil-sized holes poked in the foil to produce lots of point sources (that's what makes diamonds sparkle). This was in addition to the 6'x6' softbox lighting the model and the settings.