Why would an e-bay seller put up a photo like this?

[beaujolais]

Why would an e-bay seller put up a photo like this? And lots of e-bay opal sellers do this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221109918886&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

Yes, I know people like to shoot their opals on black backgrounds, but how is one supposed to tel the base body color and what the stone really looks like? I've found if I e-mail these sellers about more realistic pictures of base body color, they are pretty unhelpful.

Besides the black background, what else would you guess was done to this photo?

Tx.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

They all do it because opal, specially translucent or transparent stones, look best against a dark background, which brings out the play of light. The same reason why clothing stores show pictures of their clothing on beautiful models and tasteful accessories. Definitely ask the body colour!

 

[chrono]

It is to play up the colourful pattern, I suppose, especially for material that is has both a light coloured base and is translucent.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks Lady Disdain & Chrono.

The few times I've asked body color I've gotten no response. I believe I've seen some vendors who put up more true to life photos on a neutral background. The black background thing annoys me and I find I can't bring myself to buy off just that type of photo.

Lady Disdain, What a cute little & elegant ring in your avitar.

 

[BlackOpalWorld]

The black color background definitely makes the colors appear stronger and brighter in crystal opals.
In my experience the most true to life photos can be achieved by placing the stone on your finger and taking the photos.
The skin seems to be the best background for true to life photos of opals.

 

[minousbijoux]

That is good information - and makes perfect sense.

 

[beaujolais]

The black color background definitely makes the colors appear stronger and brighter in crystal opals.
In my experience the most true to life photos can be achieved by placing the stone on your finger and taking the photos.
The skin seems to be the best background for true to life photos of opals.

Thanks Black Opal. All those vendors that think it's the right thing to put them on a black background are prevent me from purchasing anything, though, as you don't know what you'd really have. So there goes their sale, which is the opposite of what they wanted to accomplish.

Thanks so much !

 

[Starzin]

Anyone looking for opal might try either of these sellers - both in Australia
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/opalgrou...011&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_trksid=p4340.l2562

http://www.flashopal.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=35

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks Star. And thanks to those two vendors for not doing photos on those silly black backgrounds.

 

[Starzin]

You're welcome, Hope it helps

 

[chrono]

Looks like the tried and true hand shots also works best for opals too.

 

[Starzin]

I think you're right Chrono, it always helps somehow.