triple d Diamond & Gemstone Photokit
/Taking photographs of gemstones and diamonds can truly be a struggle. Getting a clear crisp professional picture is more, often than not, the result of a lot of expense and wasted time trying to obtain the correct lighting, position, and focus. The triple d Diamond & Gemstone photo kit (available from Kassoy for $299.00) and companion app simplifies this process and makes photographing and sharing images of stones easy and enjoyable.
The triple d Diamond & Gemstone photo kit is a portable professional photo-kit that is designed specifically for use with smartphones. The kit comes in a nicely padded attractive carry case that measures 5-¼” x 3”, allowing it to easily fit in any bag or briefcase. Inside the case is the kit itself. The small size compact kit is comprised of two parts of high quality metal that attach to each other via a magnet, a high quality loupe with an LED light, tweezer stand, and a black and white removable background.
Getting started with the kit is easy. Simply slide the two kit pieces apart and then reattach them via the magnet to form a stand for your smartphone. Flip the background to black or white depending on preference, or remove it altogether. Your smartphone is then placed on the slip-proof silicone pad with the camera lens over the high quality loupe lens. The magnet that attaches the pieces together allows you to slide the base portion across so that your phone’s camera can be positioned properly regardless of the phone’s model or orientation. Once you are ready, flip on the LED light and pick up your stone in your tweezers. The tweezer stand that is on the side of the kit contains an insert that aids in stability and allows you to smoothly spin your tweezers to get images from every angle. The wheel can also be pulled out to allow larger stones to be viewed. Once your stone is positioned and you can see it clearly on your phone’s screen, start shooting; it’s that easy.
triple d has also created a free companion mobile app to facilitate easy sharing of stone images as well as any accompanying information, including any laboratory certificates. Images can be taken through the app or uploaded from your phone’s photos or videos. Once you have an image you then can add any certificates (GIA, EGL, etc) or other specific data. When that is complete, you can send the stone to your contacts or just save it to your library. The app was clean and simple. If I did have questions I found that the tutorials on the company’s website were easy to follow. When sending images of stones you have the option of creating a blind group; think of it like the BCC option in your email, everyone can see the image and information but they can’t see or tell if others are part of the conversation. The app keeps your conversations private and organized. As you can imagine, this can be especially useful for selling stones.
I am very impressed by the triple d photo kit. The compact size and light weight means I can take it anywhere. The LED light allows me to work in all light levels and, coupled with the reversible background, all colors of stones. Even somewhat difficult to photograph stones come out looking near perfect without having to retouch and color correct. The photos are crisp and clear every time right from the start; using the smart phone’s screen as a viewfinder means that I can clearly preview every image and I’m never left guessing whether I have one that works or not. I’m able to zoom in and see inclusions and examine facets without having to change lenses. The flat non-slip surface means I don’t have to fight with instability. Because the kit is made for smartphones, I’m able to easily switch over to video. I especially enjoy the video option because it allows me to present gemstones in a more compelling way.
This triple d photo kit is not designed for photographing jewelry, but I decided to push the product a bit and I was not disappointed. I simply removed the reversible background, used the travel case as extra stability for my hand and either held the piece with a tweezer or my fingers. The results were beautiful clear images of hallmarks, close ups of details on settings, and photographs of set stones as they would be seen through a loupe.
triple d has created a product that eliminates the need for expensive and cumbersome equipment or costly photo studio fees. The easy to use portable setup allows anyone, regardless of skill, to obtain stunning results without the hassle of possible wasted time spent trying to get a good shot. The images that can be captured are professional and beautiful and the ability to take videos can add a dynamic element bringing your stones to life for buyers. I personally would count this among the “must haves” of equipment for photographing diamonds and gemstones.
See the triple d photo kit in action on my youtube channel.
