I think the bathroom thing is due mostly to lots of little lights that make certain gems really sparkle. I normally try to photograph outside in the shade which has one light source, but it's not direct, which is better for photographing pearls, but makes other gems look flat.
Which "setting" are you referring to? The little h pendant was already made, and I drooled all over it. Same with the opal earrings from Kojima. Already made up before I bought them.