How to photograph jewelry for eBay (so it actually sells)

On eBay, your photos do the work a jeweler's counter does in a store. The buyer can't hold the ring, tilt it into the light or try it on. They decide from your photos, and they decide quickly. The main photo decides whether they click at all.

eBay's photo rules

Check eBay's current picture policy for full details, but the essentials are:

• At least one photo is required, and eBay allows up to 24 per listing. Use as many as you need.
• Photos should be at least 500 pixels on the longest side. Aim far higher (1600 pixels or more) so buyers can zoom in on the stone.
• No added borders, text, logos or watermarks on the photos.
• Photos must show the actual item. Stock or catalog images aren't allowed for pre-owned items, and for fine jewelry buyers expect real photos of the exact piece anyway.

The shots every listing should have

1. Main photo: the piece alone, centered, on a plain white or very light gray background, filling most of the frame. This is the photo in search results.
2. Front and side profile: shows the height of the setting and how the stone sits.
3. Top-down close-up of the stone: in focus, so buyers can see the cut.
4. On the hand or neck: shows real-world size. Buyers struggle to judge a 1 carat stone from a product shot alone.
5. Hallmarks and stamps: the 14K or 950 stamp inside the band, and any maker's mark.
6. The certificate: the grading report next to the piece, with the report number readable.
7. Packaging: if the piece ships in a box, show it. It reassures buyers about what arrives.

Lighting a diamond

Diamonds sparkle because they reflect light sources, so how you light them matters more than the camera.

• Use soft, even light for the overall shots: a light tent or a large window with indirect daylight. This keeps the metal clean and avoids harsh reflections.
• For the sparkle shot, add one small, bright point of light (an LED pen light works) close to the stone. Point lights create the fire buyers want to see.
• Turn off mixed lighting. Yellow room light plus daylight makes white gold look dirty and stones look tinted.
• Clean the piece right before shooting. Fingerprints and dust show at high zoom.

Camera and setup

A recent phone camera is enough. Use a tripod or a stand so the shots are sharp, tap to focus on the stone, and turn off digital zoom (move the phone closer instead). Shoot several angles and keep only the sharpest.

Video

A short video of the piece turning in the light is one of the most convincing things you can show a buyer. eBay supports listing videos, and a 10 to 20 second clip of the stone catching light answers questions photos can't.

The main photo is the one that matters most

Buyers see dozens of similar rings in search results. A clean, bright, well-centered main photo on a white background gets the click; a dark, cluttered or tiny one gets skipped. If you only improve one thing in your store, improve your main photos.

Soldvio reorders and uploads photos for its clients, checks every listing for photo count and quality, and flags listings whose photos are holding them back. Get a free store audit to see how your photos compare.