Technique beats gear

Use macro or portrait mode, tap to focus on the CZ, and lock exposure so the gold does not blow out. Mount the phone on a small tripod or clamp - handshake is the enemy of sharp macro. Shoot inside a lightbox or in soft window light; never under direct sun, which creates harsh reflections on plating.

Even a phone on a tripod, as shown above, can produce clean, sellable images.

What to avoid

Do not use digital zoom - it loses detail; move the phone closer instead. Skip the flash; use continuous diffuse light. Keep the background plain and the lens clean. With these rules, a phone handles most social and marketplace needs for a modest range.