Appreciate the comment. Yes I did gloss the gems, never had the confidence to place the upper highlights on my own, but I may give that a try next time around. Since I took the photo I can see a lot of mess left behind, just wish my eyes worked this well to spot these while working. oh well, tabletop standard =p
Some VERY nice blending techniques? Did you varnish the gems? I particularly distaste that technique, and with your blending skills you don't need to do that (sorry if you didnt varnish :P)
I think that cloak could benefit from some subtle mid-ground washes to smooth out the highlights! Then you'd get a 9 from me ^^