using props in jewelry photography

Not that i'm an expert, but I thought I'd share my recent discovery of how cool it can be to include props in photographing your jewelry designs. I made this ring using a vintage flower cabochon and copper filigree ring base. I was thinking of how to showcase it in the best way and my mind stumbled across this pretty teacup... I decided to try it out with the ring on my finger. I took it on my front porch after it rained which makes for a good lighting situation, and you can see the wet wood in the background. I'm excited about the outcome and about trying out more options in the near future. sophia ring available HERE

mad about mocha

I was asked recently to do a custom order...there was a set in my shop with vintage celluloid ivory roses and portrait cameos. She wanted the roses a MOCHA color. I searched and searched all the sources I could think of, and finally broke down and asked a fantastic fellow seller and friend of mine on Etsy (MataHariJewelry) how on earth I could find them...as the only ones vaguely close to what I needed were in Italy and would cost me about half what I would end up charging.
She told me that she had JUST been experimenting with dyeing the roses with RIT powder dye, and showed me the gorgeous outcome of her coral roses.
I decided to give it a go, using Cocoa Brown dye, and a little patience... after a few tries I was able to get the right shade for my customer, and now I am obsessed with dyeing everything mocha! I don't know what will happen when I get my hands on more colors...the possibilities are endless.