I chose option 4) All of the above!!
Each lends a different perspective to the piece - it's all in the order you present the photos. I'd suggest Background, Sparkle, Plain.
My 2c - and well worth what you paid for it
(nothing!)
P.S.: The photographic suggestion I had is to use a plain 18% grey background, and work on manipulating lighting and depth of field to achieve a more vibrant effect (for the 'plain' background shots).
P.P.S: Love the lil blue eye guy!