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Brody Ross

1099 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Brody Ross 1099 days ago
Brody R My Experiences of Photographing Silver Jewellery
 The process of photographing silver jewellery is difficult, but it can be accomplished with a limited budget. Let me begin by clarifying that when I refer to "on a budget" I am referring to PS700 You can spend much less, but from my experience, it can decrease in the overall quality of your photos. In the overall scheme of things, PS700 is still less expensive than outsourcing the work , and when you sell items it's an investment to make. Let me first explain how I've tried to provide you with an understanding of the experience I've experienced!
 
 I began using an 8MP digital compact camera. Nothing fancy, just an PS80 family camera. I set it up on an PS5 tripod and bought a light box tent on eBay. The light box tent was PS30 and included some lamps. The images I got were decent but nothing extraordinary, they looked amateur. I could stop at this point and then used Photoshop to modify the photos but the website which I had been working on required qualityand I wanted to achieve a better outcome. After a long period of study and lots testing and error,, I achieved some impressive results. Let me show you the process!
 
 Cameras are an important factor to consider and I chose to purchase the PS500 Nikon D3100 DSLR. It was a lavish purchase for a novice, however the results were beyond my expectations. I won't discuss the vast array of cameras available, but it was either the option of either a Cannon or one from Nikon and I decided to go with the Nikon due to the price being just right, and there was no other reason. There's really nothing to distinguish between the beginning DSLR cameras of this class.
 
 Photography of silver jewellery close-up is known as macro photography (the photographing of objects in close proximity) The D3100 features an option to guide me that lets me select macro mode, and not have to deal with all the jargon about shutter speeds as well as aperture settings, among other technical issues. I spent a lot of time learning about various camera settings . I then tried out different options. I personally discovered that using the macro mode without flash was the perfect choice. The only thing I changed was the size of the images I chose to use the best quality, which resulted in the largest size of the file but will yield benefits in the event of editing your images in the future.
 
 The next issue was that I wanted pure white backgrounds. I realized quickly that the best method to achieve this was to use the use of a light tent. I found one for a price of PS150 and two studio lighting and an acrylic riser to put the jewels on. The lights were fluorescent 500k daylight bulbs. Lighting is important in this case and these bulbs worked. The acrylic is an excellent addition as it provides a reflections when you require it.
 
 The tents typically come with backgrounds that are solid colours. I needed put the background in ironing by laying a towel on top of it, and then ironing on at a low temperature, and I also ensured that there was no dust on it because even the tiniest marks are likely to show. I set up the tent on the bottom of a box, so that it could stand up to allow me to position my tripod properly in front and set the lights on either in the opposite direction from the tent. The most important thing to consider when lighting is to make sure that your tent isn't flooded with light placing the lights over the tent. Play around with the distance but you're looking for an equally distributed white light with no reflection, and silver is extremely reflective! There were some photos in which the silver looked almost gold due to the light sources that were too close.
 
 The tents I bought had a cord inside for hanging items, however it was a thin white cord which was difficult to eliminate from Photoshop therefore I made my own with cotton, however the volume of movement was too much to take a decent picture In the end, I decided to use some guitar strings (the "e" string is for those who play guitar) and found it to be perfect. The motion was very minimal and offered a stable and secure way to put earrings on. I used the riser in acrylic to capture the necklaces placing it on its side and then using sticky tape to hold the chains. The necklaces were photographed in a flat position on the riser, which created stunning reflections that added depth to the photos.
 
 While creating a piece of jewellery , I tried experimenting with angles, distance and height so that I had the right images that I could later work on at my computer. It was also necessary to alter the direction of the lights frequently, some of my pendants had Swarovski crystals, and I discovered that it was possible to move the lights to be angled so that some light was getting absorbed into the area in front of the tent, I was able to make sparkling crystals. Bluetack also played a role throughout the day. I used small pieces of bluetack to hold the pendants in the position I wanted. there are some who suggest wax beads are equally effective here however I chose to use the items I had in my possession.
 
 The only other issue I encountered was reflection. The tent I bought featured a flap on the front that you could lower to make sure that the camera was only peeking inside, however you'll be surprised by how much silver can absorb! To cut down on reflections on silver objects made of pure silver, make use of the tent's front flap. Make sure that the light distribution is even You may have to tweak certain images to make them a bit more rounded in Photoshop!
 
 After a long day of shooting photos, I brought hundreds of photos onto my computer to look over. The first thing that stood out to me was the fact that the background was not pure white. It was gray. It's a result of a number of things, but lighting is the one of the main reasons. The best way to create a white background is to launch Photoshop and select the image, adjustments > levels and slide the slider to the right side to the left. The image will dim while the background become whiter and, if you can get the right balance you can edit the image using an eraser tool and cut the grey that remains, leaving white background. There's no shortcuts in this process, it requires a lot of adjustments to get it perfect, but make sure you employ the eraser tool with soft edges instead of the ones with solid edges, it's much easier to work with to eliminate the grey.
 
 Another method I came across was to make sure I was using Photoshop to sharpen the chains of my necklaces. I accomplished this by cutting off the chains and placing them in an additional layer after which I used the sharpen option. This was to ensure that I did not make the pendants alter. The final step was to make use of burning tools to give some of the colour which I had lost due to the adjustments to the level, but go slowly or it'll cause the silver to appear dull. Just a gentle brushing using the burn tool should accomplish the task.
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 The final results aren't quite as professional as the professional photographer could achieve however they were perfect for the 640x640 maximum image size I needed to use for the website I had. I am sure that you will get a lot of information on compact cameras or scanners that are suitable for images of second hand jewellery that you sell on eBay. However, when you want to sell jewellery made of silver, you must increase the speed as I discovered after several weeks of testing and playing!
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1099 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Brody Ross 1099 days ago
Brody R Jewellery & Earcare Guide - For All Your Earcare Needs
 Prior to the advent of modern technology, there was any restrictions on the style of fashionable jewellery. In other words, designers could use nearly any metal as the base to make the ear posts and the clips that you wear. The most well-known element of any costume jewelry piece was the plating process. the fact that the piece was made of either gold or silver plated did not matter and the only element common that was used in all plating of jewellery was the use of  the word 'Nickel'.
 
 Nickel was used to increase the shine of necklace or earrings. However, it was a established fact that in certain instances, the addition of nickel can trigger an allergic reaction to the skin. It was not possible to establish exact figures on the number of individuals this effect actually caused, but this didn't stop Eurocrats from acting in a ferocious manner. In the meantime, the 'Boys from Brussels' decreed that all necklaces, earrings brooches, rings, and necklets and, in actual fact, all fashion jewelry or accessories that touched the skin's surface should be nickel free..
 
 To sum it up - today, when you purchase your trendy earrings or that gorgeous necklet, generally they're nickel-free. However, this doesn't mean all ear care stops here Oh no! There's still a fundamental hygiene standard you need to be adhering to be able to avoid any future issues. This is why BACKS can assist. Our product range of earring backs for replacement and clip pads, as well as anti-allergenic sterile earrings and sterile studs has for the past 15 years helped many people deal with their jewellery-related problems. They are widely available in retail stores across the U.K. In the United Kingdom, The Backs Earcare Products range is available for purchase direct to your convenience.
 
 PRODUCT GUIDE.
 
 The Gold Plate backs are Perfect for all earrings that are pierced, they are secure, comfortable and cheap For the best results, both the earring posts and backs must be cleaned regularly by using backs Ear clear solution.
 
 The Silver Plate backs are The same as mentioned above, but just silver plate.
 
 Supabacks: Our best selling item , and certainly the most versatile of the backs that are replaced. The big disc and bullet back provides excellent support for even the most massive earrings. This earring backing is perfect if you've enlarged the piercings within your lobes.
 
 Polymer Supabacks as above but only in the instances where Supabacks feature a gold-plated bullet sections - they are absolutely transparent.
 
 Bullet Backs: Gold plated bullet-shaped earring clutch or butterfly that is extremely discreet and secure - perfect for any earring type.
 
 Hypo Backs: Similar to the ones above however, this time constructed from top quality polymer, making them non-reactive and extremely discreet.
 
 Clip Pads: They are designed to help ease the pressure created from certain clips. If the clip of your earring is pierced with a gap, these tiny comfort pads simply make it easier to push through.
 
 Slip On Pads A universal comfort pad that can alleviate the ear-pinch sensation by putting on some jewelry. Simply slide the polymer sleeve on an arm on the clip and your jewellery will be at hand to put on.
 
 The Ear Clean Solution tiny bottle is likely to be the most valuable product in your jewelry box. The solution is antibacterial and anti-fungal, as well as anti-septic. Perfect for earlobes with sensitive skin, recently pierced and for the general cleaning of necklets, earrings, Bangles, and other forms of body jewelry (see an additional section).
 
 PROBLEMS AND SOME SOLUTIONS.
 
 I don't want to bother you , but that tiny gap in your earlobe isn't able to heal itself.
 
 Consider this - if it was true, you wouldn't be able wear your earrings! It's not to say that your body's defenses can't help you to close the area around the piercing. However, it may require some assistance from you. Yes, there have been people who were able to wear nails that are rusty and not experience any reactions, whereas others need to scratch themselves to feel irritation or pain. It is possible to conclude that a little cleaning and maintenance is going to be beneficial and likely help to avoid certain painful reactions that occur occasionally.
 
 Q I'm wearing nickel-free earrings and they cause irritation after a brief period of wearing the earrings.
 The body's cycle is changed approximately every seven years like you once sprint a mile in 16 seconds. Today, this may not be feasible. This is also the case for your body. The pH balance might have changed which can trigger reactions that are acidic. Similar symptoms can be related to medication , e.g. Sulphur-based drugs. Try using Ear Clear Solution on both the earrings' backs, earring posts and the earlobes. If you are still experiencing symptoms then try clip earrings or sterilized studs for a time, this way you can keep your piercings free. If your problems persist - consult your G.P.
 
 Q My earrings are heavy and are moving more than they ought to.
 In the past, you've probably been a victim of a trend towards big or heavy earrings. When worn for a long period of time without proper support, they have made the holes bigger. Switch to an earring that has a built-in disc to support. Supabacks or Polymer Supabacks may aid, but they will not return your earlobes back to their previous glory, but they will stop further stretching
 
 Q I'm still experiencing irritation, even when I am wearing gold jewelry - what is the reason?
 The only pure gold is 24ct . Since pure gold is not strong enough, it has to be reinforced with an alloy. The more alloy in the jewelry the lower the carat value for example. 9ct is the most durable gold, and 22ct is by far the softest , and is by definition the purest. If you're having issues with gold, try an older carat such as 18ct. Remember to clean your earrings. it may suffice for a short period of wear.
 
 Q My earlobes feel painful whenever I put on clip-earrings.
 It's easy, just use the clip pad. This simple step will lessen the pressure on your ear that can be caused by more extreme clips for ear.
 
 Q How often do I have to change my earring's backs.
 In a perfect world, approximately every 3 months, an alternative is to look them carefully Are they looking past the date they are sold-out? If not, then throw them out since you would never wear a piece of clothing in six months with no washing, would you? Keep in mind that these earring backs sit right next to your skin in certain cases, 24 hours between 7 and 24. Go on Throw Them Away!
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 Q I'm unable to wear fashionable or gold earrings that don't cause discomfort.
 
 If for the reasons mentioned above you experience an extremely allergic reaction, you can Try one that is sterile, such as Hypo Studs They have piercing qualities and therefore as non-reactive as you could find . If this doesn't work for you consider sterling silver. one ounce at a time, it's more pure that 18ct gold.
 
 Be aware that regular cleaning of both clips, earring posts and earlobes will assist in preventing infection and improve the comfort.
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 BODY JEWELLERY
 The growing popularity of jewellery on the body is something that no one could have anticipated. Unfortunately, the knowledge regarding taking care of the body piercings as well as the jewelry itself hasn't kept up.
 
 Body piercings have been performed on nearly every body part from the face to would we call it, private areas. Each piercing has one thing in common : they must be cleaned!
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1099 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Brody Ross 1099 days ago
Brody R Choosing Your Bridal Jewellery
 When you've found that perfect wedding dress that is absolutely gorgeous on you, now is the time to begin planning the accessories you'll be wearing it with. It could be an irresistible pearl wedding necklace or an elegant crystal tiara the matching crystal necklace and earrings that truly set the tone for your dress and make you appear as if you've spent a fortune when you get married. If you opt to wear crystals on your wedding day , it is more than likely to cost less than diamonds, platinum, gold or other jewellery. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars to sparkle at your wedding and we Swarovski crystals are thought to be the equivalent alternative to diamonds! There are some things to keep in mind when selecting your wedding accessories, to make sure you are wearing what is most flattering to you and your gown. Keep in mind that the photographer is going to take the chance to photograph your entire look from every angle, so you'll need to appear the best in these photographs which your loved ones will cherish for many long time to follow.
 
 Be aware of the intricate beadwork on the dress. Do you want a basic, minimalist dress with no fuss? If so, then you could make a bolder choice with the jewelry you wear for your wedding. Perhaps an exquisite crystal necklace could make the perfect accessory, you can add an appropriate crystal bracelet and crystal earrings as well. Do you have a dress that is ornamented with tiny crystal beads? If so, what colour? Are they crystal clear (diamond-like) or are they iridescent? appearance (in the bridal accessory world it is known as AB crystal)? Do they have pearls? Once you've uncovered the intricate material used in your dress's decoration, you are able to decide if you want to make your bridal accessories out of Swarovski crystals freshwater pearls, or a combination of pearls and crystals. It is a good rule of thumb for dresses that are lavishly embellished, you should be cautious with your bridal jewelry as you don't want overdoing it. A simple wedding necklace will suffice and complement a wedding dress with elegance.
 
 What is the neckline in your outfit? If you have a V-shaped neckline, sweetheart, or halter or a halter neckline, a necklace with drops or a pendant that is of a certain type would complement it wonderfully. When you've got a high neckline like one that is Edwardian style, you can put aside the necklace and opt for beautiful Drop earrings. If you've got a bateau or scoop neckline, then it is best to choose a necklace that best suits your style. it will be one that follows the curve of your neckline but does not feature a drop or pendant. If you're wearing strapless dresses where the basque is right across your chest, you'll be able to select from a wide range of wedding necklaces since there is more room to work with and can choose the classic as well as a statement piece, choker necklace or drop necklaces of a variety of styles.
 
 Take a look at the colour that your dress will have. Are you wearing white champagne, cream, metallic blue, or a different colour? It is possible to incorporate other colors in your jewelry. If, for instance, you're planning to wear the dress that appears like champagne, you can choose to have your accessories made of "silk" Swarovski crystals, which complement champagne wedding dresses wonderfully. If your dress is a shade of scarlet you can have your jewellery created using'siam' Swarovski crystals, if your dress is lighter mocha/coffee shade, you might consider incorporating 'golden shadow or light Colorado topaz within your jewellery to enhance the colour of the dress.
 
 Are you planning a color motif for your wedding? Perhaps the main color of your bouquet will be a specific hue? You can have your wedding jewelry crafted specifically for you, and in the shade that complements the color scheme of the bridal bouquet. Maybe you'd like only a little bit of color like lillac, rose or sage green incorporated into the bracelet, necklace or earrings.
 
 After you've found the perfect wedding jewellery that is perfect for you, now is the time to think about the wedding tiara, or hair accessories to match it. If you decide to go for bold and extravagant jewellery, you'll need to tone it down by wearing a simple elegant tiara. If you choose to go with a simple tiara you could get away with a the most impressive Tiara. The bridal tiara you choose will depend on the style of hair you've picked for the day. Brides who have longer hair, curls , and dramatic hairstyles are generally required to wear a larger hairpiece because a hairband could be obscured by larger hair. Simple hairstyles i.e. straight hair flowing smoothly down, or part-up and part down, will require the use of a more delicate tiered tiara. Take note of the size of your head as well Do you have small heads? If yes, keep the tiera small, as a large tiara could just make you look drab and we wouldn't want this to happen since it's essential to stand out, the whole look you have not just your face, like your Tiara.
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 And don't forget your bridesmaids either...
 
 It is a common practice for brides to incorporate gifts for their bridesmaids and bridesmaids with something that they will wear to the wedding and what better gift to her than a piece crystal jewelry that is designed specifically for them, and with an appropriate colour to match their outfit. There are more than 50 colors of crystals to pick from and you'll surely find something that matches. If you're feeling really indulgence, you can gift them with a jewellery set, or perhaps the matching crystal tiara. Wedding sets for bridesmaids are a good value and won't cost anything, so if your budget is able to allow it, it's worth buying all your bridesmaids the same set of accessories. there's no need to fight!
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