There is something truly magical about holding a cherished memory inside a piece of jewelry. Every day, I see the stories behind the photos you send us—whether it's a memorial portrait for a photo projection necklace or a beloved pet for a bracelet.
But after personally reviewing thousands of images as part of our founder-checked promise, I'll let you in on a secret: the magic only works if you start with the right photo.
Because we micro-engrave your image into a tiny 3mm lens, not every picture translates well. To help you get that perfect, crisp reveal when you hold your pendant up to the light, I've put together a simple visual guide, with side-by-side examples of what works and what to avoid.
1. Choose a Clear Photo
Because the tiny lens magnifies your photo so much when you shine a light through it, it also magnifies every single blur. You want a photo that looks crisp and clear right on your phone.
2. Keep the Main Subject Centered
The stone inside your jewelry is perfectly round, which means we have to crop your rectangular or square photo into a circle. Because of this, whoever is in the photo needs to be right in the middle!
If someone's face is too close to the the edge of the photo without any breathing room, they will be hard to see, and the curved edge of the stone might distort the image when you look inside.
3. Look for Bright, Natural Light
Our jewelry uses light to project your image, so we need a photo that is bright and easy to see. Soft, natural daylight is absolutely beautiful for this.
If your photo was taken at night, make sure the faces are well-lit. Having that bright contrast against a dark background is the secret to making sure the image projects clearly.
4. Closer is Usually Better
Closer is usually better—unless the background tells a story! If the scenery is a huge part of your memory, like the exact spot you got engaged, it is completely fine to show it off.
5. 1 or 2 Faces is Magic
This is the hardest rule because I know you want to include the whole family! But remember, the lens is only 3 millimeters wide.
If you try to fit a family of six into that tiny space, everyone's face becomes so small that you won't be able to recognize them when the image is projected. For the most stunning results, stick to close-up shots of just one or two people (or your sweet pets). Less is truly more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my photo have words, quotes, or a date on it?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to keep it short and place the words over a blank, uncluttered area of the photo. Because of the tiny lens, long quotes will become too tiny to read. A short date, a name, or a quick "I love you" works best.
- Does the picture need to be taken by a professional photographer?
Not at all! Some of the best, most emotional projections come from a quick selfie or a candid picture taken on your phone. As long as the photo is clear, well-lit, and the faces are easy to see, it will work beautifully.
- I want to use an old, printed photograph. How do I do that?
We love creating memorial pieces from older, physical photos! The best way is to simply take a picture of that physical photo using your phone. Just make sure to turn your camera flash off and place the printed photo near a window. This prevents any harsh white glare or reflections from covering your loved one's face.
Final Thoughts
When you're scrolling through your phone trying to decide, just remember: bright, close, and centered.
I know how much these pieces mean to you. They aren't just necklaces or bracelets; they are little pieces of your heart. By following these simple tips, my team and I can make sure your Customodish jewelry preserves your favorite memory perfectly.
Still not sure which photo to choose? Please feel free to reach out to us before you even place your order-we are always happy to help you pick! But please don't stress about making the 'wrong' choice. I personally review every single photo that comes through. If the one you uploaded won't give you a perfect, clear projection, we will always reach out to you directly to find a better one. At Customodish, we care just as much about the beautiful memory hidden inside as we do about the jewelry on the outside.
