Essential Props for Jewellery and Product Photography
Props are an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to elevating your jewellery photography and product photography from average to eye-catching. They introduce texture, structure, colour, and a sense of storytelling to your images, helping your products feel more refined, professional, and on-brand. Whether you're a small business owner or a product photographer, these are my go-to props for styling small products and jewellery:
Backdrops
Every still life scene starts with a strong backdrop. In product photography, your background sets the tone for the entire image. If you’re just starting out and looking for a budget-friendly option, a trip to your local craft store for large sheets of coloured card or poster board is a great place to begin. For something more durable and long-lasting, acrylic backdrops are a worthwhile investment, offering a wide range of colours and finishes while being easy to clean—ideal for professional product photography shoots. Fabric can also double as a beautiful backdrop, either softly draped behind your product or laid beneath it to add depth and movement.
Fabrics
Fabrics are one of the easiest ways to introduce both texture and tone into your jewellery and product photography. I often reach for natural materials like linen or cotton, particularly when working with brands that focus on sustainability or an organic aesthetic. For a more elevated, luxury product photography feel, satin, velvet, or faux suede work beautifully. In terms of colour, soft neutrals such as white and beige create a light, airy look, while deeper tones like green, burgundy, navy, and burnt orange can add richness and contrast—especially alongside reflective jewellery pieces.
Rocks & Stones
Rocks and stones are a staple in my product styling kit. They work effortlessly in both jewellery photography and beauty product photography, particularly when you want to convey a natural, earthy aesthetic. With such a wide variety of textures, shapes, and tones available, they’re incredibly versatile props for product shoots. One of my favourite (and slightly unexpected) places to source them is a local garden centre—especially the aquarium section.
Dried Flowers
Dried flowers are a timeless addition to any product photography prop collection. They offer texture, soft colour, and an organic feel that compliments both jewellery and beauty products. I love placing them behind a product and using a shallow depth of field to gently blur them, creating a soft, atmospheric backdrop. You can also use them to style up a scene containing a beauty product or to create shadows in your image.
Ceramics & Stonewares
Ceramic and stoneware pieces bring a subtle, artisanal quality to your product photography. Their imperfect textures and muted tones work beautifully in jewellery photography, adding depth without distraction. Larger pieces, such as vases, can be used to build layers in the background, while smaller plates or dishes are perfect for styling and displaying products. Marble trays are another favourite—they introduce soft, neutral tones alongside a refined, natural texture that works particularly well in high-end product photography.
Vintage & Antique Finds
Sourcing props from antique shops and charity stores is one of the best ways to find truly unique pieces for your product photography. You’ll often come across interesting textures, aged finishes, and one-of-a-kind shapes that add character and depth to your images. Some of my favourite product styling props have come from these places. The key is to stay intentional—always consider how each piece will compliment your product rather than compete with it.
Closing thoughts
Creating strong product photography isn’t about using more props—it’s about using them with intention. A carefully curated selection allows you to create a consistent, elevated visual identity that builds trust with your audience and ultimately helps convert browsers into customers.
If you’re a jewellery brand or small business looking to elevate your imagery, you can have a play about with these things yourself or you can invest in a professional product photographer who has extensive experience in this area already and can make your vision a reality.
If you’d like help creating refined, on-brand imagery for your products, feel free to get in touch.