need help

[SparkMan]

im new in max and im have a problem.
For the render more realistic, what is the most important? the material o the ilumination?.
Im modeling a gold ring and im have some problem to the material, im have 3 diferent way to do metal and no works. The ilumination is to realistic and no have any problem for me, but im only use 1 tipe of light and is the daylight system.
So... im dont know who is more important, if the material or the ilumination.
Im search the most realistic posible the render, like the render of the amazing people.

Sory mi english but im from argentina and no use this lenguage to much

[Need_Help]

In my opinion, I think the render settings and the materials are the factors that affect the rendering result. Can I have a look at your rendering so that I can tell you what changes you should make? Its hard to 'comment' without any 'previews'.

Thanks :)

[SparkMan]

OK, here is the last image of the 11 im have.

All day im using the 3ds max 8 and use the mental ray with render.

[SparkMan]

the ilumination it was wrong and now the render is better.
For this render im use the target area light and skylight, and now looks more realistic.
Before im use only the daylaight system, and change the enviorement control.

This is the las render. Im hope you liked.




This is the another render but ht elight is more intes and the view change