Hi! I’m Courtney. A Columbia, SC wedding photographer who’s lucky enough to witness a lot of “yes” moments. If you’re planning to pop the question, you may be wondering how to choose the perfect engagement ring without accidentally giving away the upcoming proposal. So how do you do it? With a little strategy, subtle research, and a lot of heart!
Step 1: Pay Attention to Their Style
The best clues are in the details they already wear.
Do they prefer gold or silver? Modern or vintage? Delicate or bold? Take note of the jewelry they wear most often — or sneak a peek at their Pinterest board or saved IG posts (if they’re the kind of person who drops hints there).
Step 2: Loop In Someone Close to Them
A best friend, sibling, or even a mom can be your inside source, especially if you’re unsure about ring size or specific styles. Just make sure it’s someone who can keep a secret.
Tip: Have them “casually” ask your partner if they like certain styles. They could be scrolling Instagram and show your partner a ring and see their reaction. It’s one of the best ways to gather intel without raising suspicion.
Step 3: Get the Size Without Asking
If they already wear a ring on their ring finger (or even a similar finger), borrow it for a day and take it to a jeweler — or trace it on a piece of paper. You can also ask a friend to size it while shopping together “just for fun.”
Remember: it’s better to size slightly up — it’s easier to resize a ring that’s too big than one that’s too small.
Step 4: Think About Their Lifestyle
Do they work with their hands, travel often, or live an active lifestyle? That might influence the type of setting you choose (a low-profile bezel vs. a tall solitaire, for example). Make sure the ring matches not just their style — but their day-to-day life, too.
Step 5: Personalize It
From hidden engravings to custom settings with meaningful stones, there are so many ways to make the ring feel like them. If you’re working with a local jeweler in Columbia, many offer custom design services and they’d love to help you create something thoughtful and one-of-a-kind.
Bonus: How to Keep the Secret
- Turn off “recently viewed” items in shared browsers.
- Don’t leave receipts or ring boxes lying around.
- Tell only the people who need to know.
- And when in doubt? Stay calm. If they haven’t caught on yet… they probably won’t.
Figuring out how to choose the perfect engagement ring isn’t just about diamonds. It’s about choosing something that reflects the love, care, and thought you’ve poured into this moment. And when the ring reflects them, the proposal becomes even more meaningful.
If you’re planning a proposal in Columbia, SC and want to capture the big “yes”, I’d love to photograph that moment for you. From surprise proposal planning to post-engagement portraits, I’m here to help you preserve the moment.
Courtney did an amazing job and we couldn’t be more thankful for all she did to make this process so easy on us. So many of our guests praised her and her second photographer the day of the wedding.
- Jessica and Tyler
"So many of our guests praised her"
"Courtney makes taking photos so much fun and makes everyone feel comfortable. Absolutely love the results!"
- Stephanie P.
"I can't say enough positive things!"
"The photos are stunning, and we will cherish them forever."
- Emily and Travis
"We couldn't be happier with our photos!"
