[Jay325]

Thanks Bubba, but this is the reply I have been getting right along and that's what I'm talking about. I've gone to websites and read about it and watched "jewelry lighting" techniques on youtube etc but as good as maxwell is it is NOT a camera nor is it a physical scene. So when a scene does not "light" as it would in a real world environment and questions start popping up, the only outlet I have for answers is this forum and half the time looking over other posts I have no idea what these users are talking about they're so advanced.

So you see the problem is I'm a noob! Which is why I was looking for a teacher

[Half Life]

For what you are doing the HDR Light Studio plugin Functionality of Maxwell Studio is really ideal... the speed at which you can adjust the lighting for exactly the effect you want is phenomenal.

It's not for everybody, but it is made for the type of work you are doing... and it can really make a big difference.

If you don't know what I'm talking about then here are some videos:

http://think.maxwellrender.com/tutorial ... ght+Studio

Also this tip may help on the metals a bit:
http://www.maxwellrender.com/forum/view ... 82#p337382

Best,
Jason.