Getting in close -- and in control

There are two things you need to consider. The first is the closest focusing distance of the lens. You'll need to put the lens very close to your jewellery to make it fill the frame. Fortunately, this is an area where digital cameras excel. Most of the compact cameras have macro modes that let you get within 50mm of your subject, and sometimes even within 10mm. To get this close, you'll need to have the lens on its widest setting, so don't pay extra for a big zoom -- it won't help you. Alternatively, you can use an SLR with a dedicated macro lens.

Second, you need a camera that gives you control of the aperture and shutter speed, so you can stop down the lens and increase the depth of field. This will help you get the whole item in focus, rather than just the part that's closest to the lens. However, small apertures give you slow shutter speeds, so you'll need to mount the camera on a tripod to keep it steady.

Since you're already familiar with SLRs, you might want to consider a digital version such as the Canon EOS 350. Canon has recently launched a 60mm macro lens designed to work with this camera. This option would give you the greatest flexibility.

If you'd rather have a compact, Nikon's Coolpix range offers impressive macro functionality. The Coolpix 5400, for example, has a closest focusing distance of 10mm. Avoid the budget compacts that don't give you control over aperture and shutter speed.