Diamond painting (also called rhinestone painting) combines the relaxation of paint by numbers with the sparkle of jewellery-making. Instead of using a brush and paint, you use a pen-like applicator to place tiny gemstones (called "drills") onto a numbered canvas. The result is a shimmering, three-dimensional artwork that catches the light beautifully.

Pre-made diamond painting kits come with pre-designed images. Custom diamond painting from a photo lets you create a kit featuring your own image, a pet, person, landscape, or meaningful memory.

Why Choose Diamond Painting?

• More sparkle: Gems create dimension and light-catching beauty that flat paint cannot match
• Longer-lasting: Gems do not fade like paint over time
• Meditative process: Many people find gem placement even more calming than painting
• Stunning finished appearance: The glitter factor is remarkable
• Unique gift: A custom diamond painting is deeply personal and one of a kind

Creating a custom diamond painting from photo involves several steps. Here is the complete process from upload to unboxing.

Step 1: Photo Upload and Analysis

When you upload your photo, our system analyses resolution (we recommend 1920 x 1440 pixels minimum), colour palette, detail level, and optimal canvas size for the gem placement.

Step 2: Conversion to Pixel Art

Your photo is converted to "pixel art", a digital representation where each pixel represents a potential gem. This is different from paint by numbers (where sections are shapes). In diamond painting, each gem gets its own designated spot. This conversion determines how many gems will be in your final kit, the final size and level of detail, and how quickly you can complete the painting.

Step 3: Drill Map Creation

The pixel art is converted to a "drill map", the actual canvas layout where each numbered section corresponds to a specific gemstone colour. You will see a preview of this before production. This is your chance to approve the colour palette, composition, and level of detail.

Step 4: Canvas Printing and Gem Preparation

The drill map is printed onto canvas using professional-grade printers. A sticky adhesive base ensures gems stay put once placed. Gemstones are colour-sorted and packaged by number, and everything is assembled into your custom kit.

Step 5: Delivery and Creation

Your kit arrives ready to go. You will receive the diamond painting canvas with numbered sections, sorted gemstones in colour-matched bottles, a special pen applicator for placing gems, a wax plate (for picking up gems), and an instruction guide specific to your design.

Not every photo works equally well for diamond painting. Here is how to choose one that will result in a stunning finished piece.

Photo Quality and Resolution

Minimum resolution is 1920 x 1440 pixels. Diamond painting requires good detail because each gem represents a small area of your image. Low-resolution photos become pixelated and lose important details. We recommend 2400 x 1800 pixels or higher for the best results. For more guidance, read our complete photo selection guide.

Size Recommendations

One of the choices you will make is whether to use round or square gemstones. Both work beautifully for custom designs.

Most people choose round diamonds. They are easier to work with and the sparkle is maximised. But if you love the smooth, complete look of a finished piece with no visible gaps, square diamonds are worth the extra effort.

Understanding what detail translates well to diamond painting is crucial for being happy with your finished piece.

What Translates Beautifully

• Eyes and facial features (gems can capture eyes, nose, mouth with good detail)
• Pet fur texture (different coloured gems create realistic fur appearance)
• Clothing and patterns (stripes, textures, colours all work well)
• Landscapes with clear focal points
• Sunset or sky gradients (gems create beautiful colour transitions)

What Requires Larger Canvases

• Fine wrinkles or skin texture
• Intricate background patterns
• Multiple subjects that should be distinct
• Very small facial features

What Does Not Work as Well

• Extremely dark images (gems lose visibility)
• Very complex, busy backgrounds (becomes muddy)
• Extremely fine detail (hair texture, fine lines) on small canvases
• Images with 100+ distinct colours (we simplify to 30–60 gem colours)

Once your kit arrives, here is how to create a stunning finished piece.

1. Start in one corner. Pick a corner of the canvas (most people start top-left) and work systematically across or down. This prevents you from accidentally bumping completed sections.
2. Use the applicator pen correctly. Dip the pen into the wax plate to get a tiny amount of sticky wax on the tip, touch the gem (the sticky wax picks it up), place it on the corresponding numbered section, and press gently to ensure it sticks.
3. Work section by section. Complete all gems of one colour before moving to the next. This keeps you organised and prevents colour mix-ups.
4. Maintain even pressure. Do not press too hard (gems can crack) or too lightly (gems will not stick). A gentle, consistent pressure is ideal.
5. Refill your wax frequently. If gems stop sticking, dip your pen back into the wax plate. Fresh wax picks up gems better.
6. Work in comfortable sessions. Most people work for one to two hours, then take a break. Diamond painting is meditative, do not rush it.
7. Check your progress regularly. Every few hours, step back and admire your work. You will be amazed at how the image emerges.
8. Final touches. Once you have placed all gems, gently press a roller over the entire canvas to ensure all gems are firmly adhered.

Your sparkling masterpiece deserves a beautiful display. For more detailed ideas, read our full guide on diamond painting display ideas.

Wall Display Options

• Hang in a prominent spot where light hits it and makes gems sparkle
• Create a gallery wall of multiple diamond paintings
• Display in a hallway or entryway for maximum impact
• Hang above a desk or workspace for daily inspiration

Alternative Displays

• Frame beautifully to protect gems from dust
• Mount on stretcher bars for a gallery-wrapped look
• Display on an easel on a shelf
• Lean against a wall on a decorative shelf

Lighting Considerations

Diamond paintings look most stunning when light hits them. Consider hanging near a window where natural light makes gems sparkle, using a picture light above the canvas, or positioning the piece in a well-lit room. The sparkle is part of the magic, give your gems the light they deserve.