Yep, no photo-based texturing as well as no normal maps. You could use normal maps, but I went for more stylized look in my scene. Update: added center focal object, changed scene colors a little, added moon. I need to finish water, particles in the air and make crystals, then I call it done.
Back from my trip, and I managed to get a bit more done on the prop. I think I'm going to do as much detail as I can, spruce it up with soem flat colours in cycles and then leave it there. @UBUSKA Your scene looks absolutely amazing, dude. I think the central crystal thing might be a tad too big, but its not a real problem.