The Complete Guide to Jewelry Showcase Lighting
Updated January 2026 · 8 min read
Lighting can make or break a jewelry display. The right lighting setup enhances brilliance, attracts customers, and can increase sales by up to 30%. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and optimizing lighting for your jewelry showcases.
Why Lighting Matters for Jewelry Display
Jewelry is all about visual appeal. Unlike clothing or electronics, the perceived value of jewelry is directly tied to how it looks under light. Poor lighting makes diamonds look dull, gold look flat, and gemstones lose their depth.
Professional jewelry retailers invest in specialized lighting because it:
- Enhances sparkle and brilliance ?proper light angles create maximum fire in diamonds
- Reveals true colors ?high CRI lighting shows gemstones in their natural hues
- Attracts attention ?well-lit displays draw customers from across the store
- Builds perceived value ?professional lighting signals quality and luxury
LED vs Halogen: Which Is Better?
| Feature | LED | Halogen |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Usage | Low (80% less) | High |
| Heat Output | Minimal | Significant |
| Lifespan | 50,000+ hours | 2,000-5,000 hours |
| CRI | 90-98 | 100 (natural) |
| UV Emission | None | Low |
| Cost (upfront) | Higher | Lower |
| Cost (5-year) | Lower | Much higher |
| Verdict | ?Recommended | Legacy option |
Our recommendation: LED is the clear winner for modern jewelry stores. The energy savings alone pay for the higher upfront cost within 6-12 months, and LED produces virtually no heat ?critical for enclosed showcases.
Color Temperature Guide
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines the warmth or coolness of light. Different jewelry types look best under different color temperatures:
Creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere
Best for: Gold, rose gold, warm gemstones
Balanced, natural-looking light
Best for: Mixed jewelry, silver, general display
Maximizes sparkle and brilliance
Best for: Diamonds, platinum, white gold
Understanding CRI (Color Rendering Index)
CRI measures how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects. The scale goes from 0 to 100, with 100 being perfect color accuracy (equivalent to natural sunlight).
- CRI 90+ ?Good for general jewelry display
- CRI 95+ ?Recommended for fine jewelry and gemstones
- CRI 97+ ?Premium choice for high-end stores and diamonds
All of our showcase LED systems feature CRI 95+ as standard, ensuring your jewelry always looks its absolute best.
Installation Tips
- Use multiple light sources ?Combine overhead track lighting with in-case LED strips for even illumination without harsh shadows.
- Angle matters ?Position spotlights at 30-45° angles to maximize diamond sparkle while minimizing glare on glass.
- Avoid direct top-down lighting only ?This creates flat, unflattering light. Side lighting adds depth and dimension.
- Use dimmers ?Adjustable brightness lets you adapt lighting to time of day and different product types.
- Hide the light source ?Customers should see beautifully lit jewelry, not the LED strips themselves. Use recessed channels and frosted diffusers.