So I finally settled on a Camera. (got it about 3 months ago, so still testing the waters).
I ended up getting the Canon Powershot S2 IS
It's only a 5.2 mp... but pretty good.
Has most of the manual features I wanted & major selling points were...
a swivel LCD Monitor (so that I can take pics of myself) & not only Macro shot... but Super 'Macro' which is really good for jewelry. And has some anti-shake technology... but not sure when & if that matters... can never tell.
It uses regular 4 AA batteries (got Rechargeable ones). Pretty nice lense & some cool arty effects. Most new pics I've taken in my gallery were with my new camera.

It roughly cost $500 in case anyone was curious.... but a worthy investment for jewelry shots... now I just have to get some proper lighting scenarios for jewelry shoots.... & I really want to start shooting some models... or should I say dressed up girly's & get back to some nature shots.

ta,

~phyll~