How to choose an engagment ring ~ Style Guide
Diamond engagement ring - Sant Ffraed House wedding photography
As a wedding photographer based in South Wales I get the honour of seeing many weddings. In every wedding I photograph I see many precious stones set in the most wonderful rings, every ring is special and unique to the wearer. For me I love seeing all these stones and hearing the proposal stay behind them. So when Spencer Morgan diamond specialist asked me to photograph their latest designs, I said yes! Without hesitation.
Take a read, get inspired and see these beautiful stones sparkle in my latest Style Guide ~ How to choose an engagement ring.
Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is one of life’s most meaningful purchases. Whether you're preparing for a surprise proposal or shopping together, understanding the different styles, cuts, and quality factors is key to finding a ring that truly represents your love story.
First, consider style. Classic solitaire settings focus on a single stunning diamond, while halo rings offer extra sparkle by encircling the centre stone with smaller diamonds. Vintage designs evoke timeless romance with intricate details, and modern styles often feature clean lines and unique bands.
Next is the cut—which refers not to the shape, but how well the diamond has been faceted. Popular shapes include round (timeless brilliance), oval (elegant and elongating), princess (modern and angular), emerald, and cushion (romantic and soft-edged).
Understanding the 4 Cs—cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight—is essential when selecting a diamond:
Cut impacts the stone’s brilliance. A well-cut diamond will dazzle with light.
Colour ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). The less colour, the rarer and more valuable.
Clarity refers to internal inclusions or external blemishes; most are microscopic and don’t affect beauty.
Carat is the weight, not size—balance it with the other Cs for the best value.
All rings featured in this post are from a product photo shoot I captured at Spencer Morgan, a Swansea jeweller with nearly 50 years of expertise. Known as a true diamond specialist, every stone is hand-selected and crafted in-house with meticulous attention to detail. These aren’t just rings—they’re heirlooms in the making.
With such exquisite craftsmanship and guidance from Spencer Morgan’s team, finding “the one” has never been more brilliant. After all, diamonds are forever—so make sure yours is unforgettable.
How to choose an engagement ring