I think you are well on your way. :o)

Good clean render, nicely delineated lines. Nice colouration, complimentary to your jewel. Which, in and of itself ... is done quite well too.

As an f.y.i. ... not sure how you have your Apophysis files set up, however ... for your consideration ... go here.

The link takes you to another forum wherein the administrator has created a 'quick installation' file that places the original version; 2.02 and then the 3D Hack and 2.07 version on your pc. Allll complete with the newest scripts, variations, gradients and so on.

On the site here are a few good resources and overviews of the program.

Here and then here (some 'tips' found here, if you will) to get you a little further along the learning curve.

Compositionally? And this just might rest with me ... think, given the shape of your dominant focal point, the jewel ... perhaps a more circular or spiral influenced background would be a better marriage conceptually of those two elements.

But, seriously ... this is an excellent 'first' effort. You didn't posterize the highlighted portions of the flame ... good gradient choice.

I say ... well done and thanks for sharing your efforts with us. :o)

This is a good first effort. I think I would have applied a bit of a Gaussian blur to the flame for a happier merge between it and your centerpiece.

Thanks for all the tips so far!

Great image, wonderful deep sea colours, well done.