some of the jewellery i've shot so far

I am just not partial to the "human prop"...as a woman, I don't want to see my jewelry on another woman. But, that's just me! If you want to do a human prop...then you should use an actual hand model.

The first one is getting there...IMHO, I think I would like to see an actual scene set. If your going to use props...then then they need to look as it they belong there...they are part of the overall look. I would also use a shallower DOF...and put the prop just out of focus.

What are the props they would like you to use?

the heart shaped bouquet of roses, a silk handbag, candles, a strange looking sponge, various bits and bobs, just got some advice from the local photography shop about the lens i'm using, they reckon i should try the 18-55mm kit lens, or buy a proper macro lens (which i can't afford) so it's back to the drawing board for now :

a few more now i've tried the 18-55mm lens thoughts?

What other lenses have you got Sharon?

Try themes for the different types of jewellery.

e.g. Single red rose behind an open jewellery box with an engagement ring in it.

thats all i have Stewart the 18-55mm and the tamron 70-300mm, the client particularly said no props that can't be for sale like jewellery boxes as they don't want to start buying them in, you know what customers can be like they want what they can't have as a rule

Sharon surely they have ring boxes for when they sell the rings.

I'm sure this is what Stewart meant. The box the ring comes in.

Stick with it mate, you'll get there.

they don't Jan, they use little bags like the one in the background of this shot, they are very unusual in thier thinking and set up they also make all the jewellery themselves

I agree with Jan you'll get there and the shot above is proof - great clarity - for me the blue works well - keep going Sharon ~ John

thanks John, i'm liking the blue more and more and got a few more ideas from looking through jewellery pages on the net today