Precious and semi-precious stones (loose or set)

A very clear depiction of a cluster of amethysts! The stones appear to levitate a bit, but overall the light and detail do demand that we feast our eyes on these rich hues and fine structures. Thank you for entering this photograph and congratulations on your second place!

There is a law against passing off glass or paste as diamonds! This photographer is lucky as this is a mere photo contest, and the photo itself is well executed, but off brief, thus "no dice" from the Judge! (No sentence, either...).

As people who have tried to photograph a small shiny, reflecting-in-many-directions, somewhat-transparent bit of carbon or similar substance would know, it is a challenging task. This photographer has succeeded and at the same time has managed to create an air of mystery that is easily associated with diamonds. The negative space adds to the drama. Thank you for entering this photograph and congratulations on your third place!

Both the feature stone and the surrounding diamonds are in clear focus in this image of a desirable sapphire ring. Unfortunately, at least in my opinion, the shop display base lets the overall photograph down. Thank you for entering this photograph!

I like the lateral thinking of this interpretation: The feature is the light-coloured hollowed-out agate, which then features lavish decorations on its surface. This item from the famed Fabergé eggs collection is indeed a gift fit for an Empress. Thank you for entering this photograph!

This photograph shows a good angle of a delicate jewellery piece, however, I think that the coloured part is melted glass made to look like a turquoise stone.

A pleasing composition with the focus on what looks like an impressive garnet pendant, with just the hint of a more traditionally-set white opal ring in the background. Thank you for entering this photograph!

The photographer has included a few triangles in the composition to lead the eye through the frame. The brightest area on top is a bit distracting, but due to its shape it leads back to the gold chain, which leads to the pendant. The depth of field renders a crystal-clear focus on the stones and their mirrored image, and they are photographed at their most attractive angle for this effect to be visible. Thank you for entering this photograph and congratulations on your Top 10 placement!