I like the dust idea. I've been dipping in and out of an animation handbook, and in that the guy creates a 'star shader' that gives a similar effect to the dust in that picture. I had thought about taking the idea and using it in this. I guess it could be done with particles aswell? Both would be new to me so I'll see what happens..

as an afterthought that might help redraw the focus to the vase, as it has got a little lost the more i've filled up the scene.