Capturing beautiful jewelry photos does not only require photographic skills but also requires backdrops that complement the overall photography composition.
A background can enhance the appeal of a jewelry photo to the extent that an ordinary jewelry piece may look extraordinary with an exquisite background.
Whether you are capturing a sophisticated metalwork or an ordinary jewelry piece, choosing the right background is a vital decision to present the unique feature of the ornament.
In this blog post, I’ll share the 10 best background ideas for jewelry photography. I hope it’ll help you to enhance the overall appeal of the jewelry and increase customer conversion.
Why background is important for jewelry photography?
Setting mode and tone
Backgrounds help photographers create specific photographic modes. For example, you need a thematic background for storytelling or conveying emotions. On the other hand, if you want classic mode, a single color, such as plain white or gray, background is usually chosen.
Maintaining brand consistency
The photo background creates a sense of brand identity and consistency. Therefore, the same background is usually applied to all the jewelry product images so that the customers can recognize the brand. This is how background plays a vital role in branding.
Highlighting specific features of the jewelry
Sometimes, specific backgrounds are utilized to highlight different features or aspects of jewelry pieces. For example, if you want to showcase the sparkle of diamonds, you should use a dark or black background. On the other hand, a light-colored background is used to showcase jewelry with vibrant colors.
Applying creativity and innovation
Photo background is a way to apply the creativity of a photographer to present the jewelry product in a better way. To produce visually compelling images, photographers experiment with different colors, textures, and themes to captivate the audience. Thus, it helps in the sales conversion process by creating more appealing jewelry images.
Top 10 Jewelry photography background ideas
Plain White background
A white background is a classic choice for jewelry with high contrast. For example, diamonds with sparkling gemstones require a bright background to enhance the color of the stones.
Other than this, some social media and e-commerce platforms require the products to be displayed on a white background. White is preferred to display jewelry products with minimalist aesthetics.
Black
Black is often used as a background for jewelry photography to convey luxury and sophistication. High-end and more refined jewelry looks elegant on a black background. It can be applied to create creative reflections and shadows.
Photographers use this background to showcase metallic craftsmanship and create a dramatic mood. However, if the color of the jewelry does not have enough contrast against black, then it should be avoided.
Gray
Gray is a neutral color. It is not too stark like white or too dramatic like black. You can use a gray backdrop in jewelry photoshoots to soften the highly contrasting color of the jewelry.
For example, if the jewelry piece has bright gemstones with intricate details, a gray background can be a good choice to reduce the visual noise and smoothen the color of the jewelry to the eyes of the viewers.
Overall, gray is the best choice as a neutral background that does not compete with metallic luster.
Mannequin
Mannequins add a sense of realism to jewelry photography. You can use it in a few cases. For example, if the jewelry product does not have a unique size, then a mannequin can be used to show the proportion and scale.
Ornaments such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings can demonstrate wearability when presented on a mannequin. This technique enhances the visual appeal by contextualizing the jewelry items and adding a personality to the whole presentation.
Gradient
A gradient photo background shows a subtle and smooth change between two colors to add creativity. It is a widely use backdrop in jewelry photography when the photographer needs to put depth and visual interest in the photograph.
It is a great technique to create a specific atmosphere or mood. For example, a gradient with warm colors may convey a sense of luxury. Additionally, if you want to add a modern, contemporary feel to your jewelry photography, a gradient background is the way to go.
Textured
A textured background is another great idea for jewelry photography. It creates a unique aesthetic that can be useful in various photography situations.
For example, if you are selling handcrafted jewelry, a textured background can help you portray your story by focusing on the craftsmanship. Similarly, it can be used to add a vintage look, evoke nostalgia, and tell the perceived story of the jewelry.
If the jewelry has natural elements such as wood or stones, a textured background will create a harmonious composition to grab the viewer’s attention.
Product packaging
Pleasing product packaging is a great way of showcasing jewelry products to reinforce brand identity. In this technique, the photographers can enhance the perceived value of the jewelry and create a sense of luxury.
This is a popular concept for jewelry that is often purchased by gift-givers. You can also promote jewelry products with limited or special collections and create a sense of exclusivity by shooting them with packaging.
Cloth
Clothes are also a popular choice in jewelry photography as a photo background. If you want to create a shooting environment and create the utmost focus on the jewelry piece, you may use this kind of background with a neutral color.
Cloths can also be used to present delicate jewelry items without creating an overwhelming composition. Additionally, you can create a vintage or romantic mood, emphasize femininity, or even create a cozy and intimate atmosphere using a background made of clothes.
Bokeh
A Bokeh background is created by keeping the background out of focus and showing blurred lights, colors, and shapes. Jewelry photography with this kind of background is advantageous in several situations.
For example, if you want to create a dreamy or dramatic environment, or a romantic or ethereal ambiance in your photoshoot, then using a bokeh can be a great idea.
Additionally, bokeh can emphasize the sparkle and brilliance of the jewelry. Therefore, if you are shooting gemstones, you can use a bokeh background.
Wood
Wook is another popular choice as a background in jewelry photography. This material can create a natural aesthetic in your photograph and is recommended in several situations.
If you are shooting in a rustic theme, showcasing earthy or wooden jewelry, you can use a wooden background. Handcrafted jewelry items are often photographed on this type of background. Similarly, use a wooden background to showcase bohemian jewelry to create a homely atmosphere.
FAQ
How do you add background in jewelry photos in the post-production?
If the desired photo background can not be incorporated during the photoshoot, expert jewelry retouchers can add it during post-production. Adobe Photoshop is the most popular and comprehensive jewelry image editing tool used by photo editors. To add an artificial background to your photo, cut out the jewelry by creating clipping paths around it. Then, delete the existing background and place the new background behind the jewelry layer. Finally, apply the refine edges, blending or masking technique if necessary to make the background look natural.
What is the best background color for gold jewelry?
Black, white, or metallic colors can be applied to gold jewelry. Black can be used to create a sophisticated or luxurious atmosphere. On the other hand, white or light gray color will create a neutral tone and establish a minimalistic aesthetics. Additionally, metallic colors such as bronze will emphasize the metallic qualities of the jewelry.
What is the best background for jewelry photography?
There’s no single background option that is best for jewelry photography. For example, black, white, and gray are the most popular background colors. Other than these, some other frequently used backgrounds for jewelry photography are bokeh, gold, metallic, wine red, wooden, textured, and so on.
How do you style jewelry for photography?
To style jewelry for photography, clean and prepare it first. Next, understand the jewelry you are showcasing and prepare the photography set according to it. Choosing the background according to the photography objective and theme. Use the props wisely and consider branding elements. Finally, capture the photo and enhance the photo in the post-processing.
What is the best color to photograph jewelry?
Color is often chosen based on the type of jewelry, desired aesthetics, and photography objective. For example, white is the best color for creating a clean and minimalistic atmosphere. Black, on the other hand, is a color that conveys luxury. Additionally, a wooden color is best for promoting jewelry with natural materials.
Conclusion
There are a lot of background ideas for jewelry photography. It can be overwhelming for a beginner photographer to apply the right background for the right piece of jewelry according to the desired mood.
Hence, applying it during post-production can be a great solution. My final advice is that choose the right photo background as per the guidance I have provided above. If you have any confusion, hire a professional jewelry retoucher and create the background in the post-production.
