Photographing a Diamond: How to Bring Out the Bling

A camera can tell very different stories when it comes to the quality of the diamond represented in a photograph. And for those selling diamonds online a deep understanding of this is vital.

Lighting is everything when it comes to capturing the essence of a diamond. So, when you are looking to photograph a diamond the right light is critical. “You are always looking for the best possible lighting to bring life, brilliance and scintillation out of a diamond,” explains Robert Weldon, manager of photography and visual communications at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

While there are various lighting choices, ranging from natural, incandescent, continuous, and flash, the most important aspect is the lighting needs to be diffused, according to Weldon. He suggests putting a cloth between the light and the subject of the photo, the diamond. “The cloth spreads the light around and when it enters the diamond, the light that emerges will be more brilliant,” he noted. Diffused light also gives the image an even tone.

Adding Sparkle

“It is important to look at a diamond in as evenly lit situation as possible,” said Weldon, noting that in an “ideal world” the light would come from all directions. Professional photographers use at least two lights, one on the left side and the other on the right. Weldon advises using a direct, pinpoint light source to add sparkle and fire to the diamond.

“The human eye likes contrast,” said Weldon. A black backdrop provides a more dramatic effect but the use of a lighter background, such as blue, can help create a specific mood. However, do not tent the diamond with white reflectives, as they can cause it to look flat, explains Don Kozusko, owner, DK
PhotoImaging Inc., in New York City.

A black backdrop provides a more dramatic effect.

Robert Weldon of the Gemological Institute of America

The procedure for photographing a diamond for a print or online catalogue is the same. Anything digital is processed through software, but often for a website the file size is reduced impacting its resolution.

Weldon acknowledges that a small amount of tweaking in Photoshop for example, is acceptable, but cautions that the image has to represent the actual stone. He is adamant that “small means small.” Embellishing a diamond through Photoshop is “no better than enhancing a stone in the laboratory. If a stone is misrepresented, the client will be disappointed and not purchase it.”

“Every diamond is different,” says Kozusko. “Of course it is easier to photograph a well-cut diamond — practically all the work is done. All you have to do is capture its beauty.

Image: IIDGR