It may take a lot for men to say goodbye to the single life, but many will find the next challenge - picking an engagement ring - to be an equally taxing endeavour. Despite doing research worthy of a PhD, boyfriends still find themselves 'umming' and 'aahing' over the minefield of dazzlers each time they enter a jewellery shop. Though there is no magic formula to getting right one of life's most important purchases, every aspect of a woman's style can help. 'A woman's personality can certainly have an impact on the design of the engagement ring,' says Tamie Toledano, Far East marketing and communication director at Cartier. For example, a woman who prefers a classic look might prefer a better clarity grade diamond, while a bigger carat might be more appropriate for an extravagant woman. A brilliant cut befits a strong character, while an emerald cut suits a more mature individual, she explains. Some jewellers believe stone shapes can have their own attributes. A round shape, the most popular, represents happiness and contentment, while a square shape symbolises strength and powerful will, according to Victoria Lai, King Fook Jewellery's marketing director. For clues on preferences for colours, shapes and diamonds, Roland Buser, Chopard's managing director for Greater China, suggests men should delve into their partner's life, consuming behaviour, interests and hobbies. Another important feature to consider is how the ring might sit on her finger. 'An elongated diamond, such as a marquise or oval, can make short fingers look sleeker. Wide bands usually make fingers appear even shorter than they are,' says Emily Li, Chow Sang Sang Group's brand general manager. Of the vast selection of rings available, the round diamond has remained a perennial favourite, with Tiffany's best-selling six-prong platinum diamond engagement ring emerging as a worldwide classic. 'The ring is like the 'little black dress'. It looks good and will always be in style regardless of whether your style is classic, contemporary or avant garde. The six prong has been designed to show off the brilliance of the diamond as a single stone and can work across all personalities,' explains Linda Buckley, Tiffany & Co's vice-president for worldwide public relations. A woman's fashion style is also an important consideration, and men should pay particular attention to the way she wears jewellery. For instance, someone with a minimalist style will probably be happier with a classic design which showcases the beauty of a single centre stone. Those who prefer more fanciful pieces might like Tiffany's Legacy. Bulgari recommends its Marryme design for professional career women given that its practicality and versatility can match any outfit, day or night. The brand's Corona and Griffe have also proven popular. Though the engagement ring tradition dates back several centuries, jewellers say little has changed in the way of trends. 'People are still after classic beauty, where the beauty of the diamond is the beauty of the ring, and the setting is able to show that off,' Buckley says. In recent years, collections have expanded to include different stone shapes, with pear and emerald shapes a favourite. Though most buyers continue to go for diamonds set in platinum, some collections also offer rose gold, blue sapphires and yellow diamonds. Given the market's competitiveness, jewellers are offering tailored advice to men.