Product-independent attribute images - can this be done?

Hi,

As far as I understand it, attribute images are set per product, not per Option Value.
I'm looking for a way to insert attribute images that do not change between products - I want every product with a certain option name/value to have the same images.

For examples, various pieces of jewelry have different crystal colors available as option values - I want to show just the image of the crystal, which never changes between products.

1. Is there a way to do this per option value?

2. If not - is there a way to do this per option name - e.g., that every product which has the option name "Crystal color" would also show a single image which contains a 'legend' of all the colors?

3. If not - is there a way to insert all the option values AND their associated attribute images to a "template" item, and then copy all option values, and the associated images, to all items which have the same option name as the "template" item?

Thanks in advance.