Spot Varnishing & finger/toe nails

[richred_uk]

Two questions:

1 - I am trying for a gemstone look on parts of a figure, and normally I cover the gloss varnish with a matte varnish - any thoughts on leaving just the gemstones gloss? Would this help with the look?

2 - Aside from using wild colours and saying it's nail varnish, any ideas on getting finger nails and toenails looking right and not just more skin?

Thanks for advice

[Dave]

bubonic brown over the nail
brown ink wash
mix bubonic brown / bleached bone
bleached bone highlight
white highlight

you got a nail