I'm using Adobe Photoshop 5.5 for this tutorial, although I've done this jewel effect with Photoshop versions 3.0 through 6.1, so don't worry if you have a different version of the software.

The basic concepts I'm coverering here can be used with any medium, not just Photoshop. I use these same basic ideas with paint and markers.

Keep in mind that the light source for this jewel is the TOP LEFT. This may be different for your jewels, however, depending on the light source in your picture (see below).

First, start out with a flat color (fig. a.)
This is the general color you want your jewel to be. Not too bright, not too dark.

Second, use the Color Picker to pick a slighty darker shade of your original flat color. Airbrush this onto the top half of the jewel. (fig. b)
The darker half of the jewel will always be CLOSEST to the light source. I know it seems it should be the opposite, but doing it that way would make the jewel seem like a piece of plastic, instead of a glassy, translucent object. Remember, the light is going THROUGH the top of the jewel, and hitting the BOTTOM INSIDE. Look at any cabochon (polished, round) jewel or bead to figure this one out. Also see the image below. The fuzzy white circles indicate a light source for each jewel.

Third, use the Color Picker to pick a color slighty lighter than your original flat color. Airbrush this onto the bottom part of the jewel. (fig. c)
Notice how the dark color curves around the top and sides, while the lighter color is just a round splotch in the lower center. This is to give the illusion of roundness to the jewel.

Fourth, use the Burn Tool to darken the innermost part of the dark area. (fig. d)

Fifth, use the Dodge Tool to lighten the innermost part of the light area, and add a small lightened area at the top of the jewel on the dark area, like a fuzzy spot. This is where your highlight will be, indicating where the light source is, and where the light is entering the jewel. (fig. e)

Lastly, use the Dodge Tool with a smaller brush size to lighten the very center of the small fuzzy light spot you made in step 5, until it is bright white. (fig. f)

Note: You can experiment with this basic set of "rules" to come up with different results, depending on how bright or dim your light source is.

This tutorial is COPYRIGHT ©2001 Stephanie Lostimolo

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