How to make a jewelry hanger for photography/product shots

Arranging jewelry for photography can be a real challenge, especially with necklaces. I do a lot of shots for a local jewelry designer, and she wasn't always happy with the limitations of laying the jewelry out flat. We wanted to try hanging some of the jewelry so it would present more naturally, but doing so in a lightweight softbox created challenges of its own. I had recently seen a quick DIY using a wire coathanger and invisible thread, but the coathanger was a bit too flimsy for the larger necklaces, wasn't very stable, and the only option I had was to tie the pieces directly to the coathanger. It photographed extremely well, but the setup involved was too time-consuming. So here is my solution: PVC and alligator clips to the rescue!

Step 1 Materials, tools and cost

Cost: Around $5. Less if you have a lot of this stuff lying around.

Materials (can all be found at any hardware store or your garage):
4' length of PVC
Two elbows and two tees (same size as the PVC you are using)
Four alligator clips (I liked the ones in the Electronic's section at Lowe's)
Framing/picture hanging wire (or something similar)
4 small nuts
Invisible thread (for photos later)

Tools I used:
Hacksaw or PVC cutter
Drill and 3/32 bit
Measuring tape or ruler
Needle-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Sharpie or pencil for marking the PVC
Screwdriver
*Visegrip is not necessary but extremely helpful.

I wanted a stand that was about 12"-14" high, and about 10" wide. I used 1/2" PVC because it is small, lightweight and easy to cut (plus, I had it lying around to build a larger softbox). The only things I actually had to go out and buy were the alligator clips and more PVC.

Comments

[DIYDragon]

Very simple, but excellent idea. The shot looks quite nice. : )