Stepping Into the Spotlight: How a Mississippi Jeweler Modernized Inventory and Marketing with GemLightbox

The Challenge

For Philip, owner of a jewelry and pawn shop that’s been part of his Mississippi community for 31 years, the goal was simple: keep up with the times while staying true to the trusted reputation he built over decades.

“We wanted to get into more social media, showing our jewelry,” Philip shared. “So we think this GemLightbox Pro and the new camera is going to be the best way to do that.”

But turning that vision into action proved difficult. Over the years, Philip had tried a range of DIY tools to improve his product photography — clip-on lenses, lighting attachments, and phone accessories that promised convenience but rarely delivered. Most were incompatible with newer phones or broke quickly, leading to frustration and repeated purchases.

“There were some little devices we’d bought over the years — you clip onto your phone, they magnify a bit and add some light — but it’s nothing compared to what you guys have shown me today,” he explained. “With phones continually changing... it was just continual repurchasing.”

The process was time-consuming, unreliable, and never quite professional enough to reflect the quality of his pieces.

GemLightbox’s Role

That all changed when Philip decided to invest in GemLightbox.

After following Picup Media for some time, he saw firsthand what the GemLightbox Pro and GemCam could do — and made the leap.

“I decided to go ahead — if I’m going to do this, I’m going to bite the bullet and go with the best system that’s out there,” he said. “Even though it’s a little beyond what I’m used to technology-wise, I think I can learn it pretty quick.”

What stood out to Philip was not just the simplicity of the system, but the sophistication behind it. With Sparkle Lighting and AI-powered focus, he could finally capture every piece the way he saw it in real life — clearly, sharply, and beautifully.

“I think it’s brilliant. Not only the images, but the ability to capture different depths and keep it in focus,” he said. “Normally, when you focus on the top of a ring, the back end is out of focus. But I was shown how with the AI and technology — a watch or anything even 3 or 4 inches long — it keeps everything in focus.”

For a small business owner doing everything himself, the combination of intuitive hardware and smart software made a lasting impression.

“With the software, the galleries, everything you offer — it’s just, to me, a no-brainer. I just gotta move forward and do it.”

The Results

Today, Philip is using GemLightbox to build out his entire inventory with high-quality product photos, ready to upload to his website and share on social media. No more relying on fragile tools or waiting on outside photographers — everything is done in-house.

“We’ve got the box already and we’ve got the camera today. We’re going to start building our inventory into our program that runs our store and upload that to our website,” he said.

The goal? Launch a more robust digital storefront — not with a few scattered listings, but with a full, professional catalog that reflects the scope of his store.

“I didn’t want to put three pieces or a half dozen — I wanted to build quite a bit of volume before we actually dump it over.”

With a streamlined setup, a reliable system, and crystal-clear visuals, Philip is now positioned to scale his online presence and sell more — faster.

“I think it’s going to help me sell more jewelry, which will in turn pay for this,” he said. “And after that, it’s all profit.”

Key Highlights