RAPAPORT... Los Angeles, CA, January 7, 2008 -- A nationwide survey of retail and online jewelers conducted by the Wedding Rings Newswire finds that princess cut engagement rings are expected to be among the most popular styles of wedding bands leading up to Valentine's Day 2008.

Valentine's Day is the most popular day of the year for couples to become engaged. This year, according to a nationwide survey of retail and online jewelers, princess cut engagement rings will be among the most popular styles of wedding bands. The survey was conducted by Wedding Rings Newswire, an independent news and feature service focused exclusively on wedding ring related topics.

Among the many styles of diamond engagement rings, U.S. retailers reported that princess cut engagement rings are popular with all age and demographic groups. Known for their unique rectangle shapes and brilliant appearance, prince cut diamonds originated in Southern California in 1979 and have since radiated around the world.

Valentine's Day is most popular day of the year for couples to become engaged, followed by Christmas and New Year's. Roughly 2.4 million weddings take place each year in the United States.

According to figures compiled by the U.S. census bureau, the nation's nearly 30,000 jewelry stores sell well over $2 billion of merchandise each February, as newly engaged couples seal their promises with a diamond engagement ring.

The popularity of princess cut engagement rings stems not only from their style and brilliance, but also from the fact that in general the rings compete very well with more traditional round brilliant cut rings on price and carat weight.

Those shopping for Valentine's Day engagement rings can find a rich bounty of information on the Internet. One resource recommended by the editors of Weddings Rings Newswire is the "Ring Finding Guide" offered for free by Robbins Bros., a national chain that specializes in engagement rings.

The guide, at www.robbinsbros.com/rings-diamonds-jewelry/ring-finding-guide.asp, helps future brides and grooms sort through metal types, ring styles and diamond shapes.