Every location has its own unique considerations in terms of lighting applications. When it comes to jewelry store lighting, the needs of general lighting combined with the matter of highlighting the merchandise in an appealing manner must work together perfectly for the best result. Here are a few helpful suggestions for lighting this type of location.
1. Light in layers
The most important aspect to understand about jewelry store lighting is the matter of layering. Any effective lighting plan creates illumination in layers for the best end result. For example, lighting should be placed overhead to act as general lighting, accent lighting for added ambiance and to balance any harsh lines of light from the general light fixtures should be placed throughout the store along the walls, cases should be illuminated properly to entice shoppers, and the entrances and exits should be highlighted by way of lighting to direct the flow of traffic in and out of the location. When you combine all of these layers together correctly, the result is a well-lit location that is easy on the eyes of customers while still providing ample visibility for the customers to enjoy the beauty of the jewelry.
2. Choose the right color temperature
When looking at jewelry store lighting, color temperature is especially important to this type of location. Color temperature can play a role in how the eye perceives an object. Since the jewelry has to look pleasing to the eye and highlight certain aspects of the stones, the lighting in terms of temperature needs to assist in this task rather than detract or hinder. If the color temperature is too warm, it will make it harder for the shopper to clearly differentiate between matters such as colors, quality, or radiance. It can also make it seem like your business has something to hide. The goal is to go for a cooler temperature along the white range of the Kelvin scale. Not only will it make it easier for shoppers, it will also bring out the radiance of the jewelry.
3. Pay attention to CRI
While color temperature is important in terms of highlighting the visual appeal of jewelry, the color rendering index (CRI) is also worth noting. The color rendering index is an indicator of how well a lighting solution renders or distinguishes between similar colors. This matter of contrast is essential for a jewelry store since it helps make differences in stone color easier to perceive for the eye. When choosing the CRI aspect, you want to aim for the higher the better. For instance, a 70+ CRI is a good starting point, but a higher CRI of 80+ or higher may be more ideal for your location.
4. Choose LED
When looking at which type of lamp is best suited to this location, you really only need to consider two options. The two main choices are compact fluorescents and LED. Compact fluorescents are a great choice over other options, such as incandescent or halogen, because CFL lamps offer a better CRI, more options in color temperature, and they produce less heat for a more comfortable light output. They are also an affordable solution for those worried about budgetary concerns. While CFL is good, LED is still the best. LED offers the best in terms of color rendering, temperature diversity, and no heat operation. While LED may cost more upfront, they more than return that investment to your business by way of a longer lifespan of both fixture element and lamps, efficient consumption of energy, and higher lumens per watt.
