i use a shelf clamped onto a cymbal stand and put an umbrella one side and a flat reflector the other, and fire flash into the umbrella. that way shiny things aren't reflecting the actual flashgun back into the lens. you could use a window and a sheet in a similar way, you'd just have a little less control.
if you have a macro mode you'll notice when you use it that you get a very shallow depth of field so you probably want to use a pretty small aperture (ie a big number). also, it can be much easier sticking the camera on a tripod and moving the
object rather than the camera to frame and even focus, with very little things.
*edit* also - seven months since your last post?! if you're not careful they'll start discovering new ones quicker than you're collecting them
