Happy New Years

Let's Go Sabres!!!!

We went to the HSBS Arena to see the Buffalo Sabres game this evening. The game was exciting. The Ottawa Senators were in town to play the Sabres. Buffalo is a devout hockey town. The fans will stand outside in the cold weather to watch a game each time they are sold out. I would almost say that its a religion for them.

The players skillfully zipped around the rink the puck was sent zinging up and down the ice. The action was fast and furious. The Sabres and the Senators fighting each other for control. Ryan Miller was amazing in the net. I don't know how he saved some of the shots that he did. The crowd was loud and cheering them on.

*growls* Why couldn't they have won the first game I had ever been to??? Even though they lost it was a great game. My fiancé did not take it well at all when they lost.

Niagara Falls, New York

It was really cold and wet the first time that I went to Niagara Falls. It was a beautiful ice crusted winter wonderland. I was really cold but it was a great experience. I can't wait to see the falls during the Summer when the weather becomes warmer.

After our excursion to Niagara Falls we had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. We had a late lunch there to warm up. It was cold outside. LOL (that was an understatement!!!)

Later tonight we are going to the Sabres game. Let's Go Sabres!!!

Merry Christmas

Happy Yule

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessed Samhain

Happy Halloween!

The Ring

History of the Marquise Cut Diamond

Diamonds became popular as ornaments in jewelry in the 1400's and the different techniques and styles of diamond cuts such as the Marquise Cut Diamond were gradually developed over many years. The Marquise cut is also known as the 'Navette cut'. The history and creation of the Marquise cut is credited to King Louis XV of France, who commissioned his court jeweler to create a diamond cut to reflect the beautiful shape of the mouth of his mistress the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour.

The Cut

The Marquise or Navette shape is like a long oval which has been stretched out to a point at each end. A marquise should have an aspect ratio of 2:1 for the classic boat shaped stone. They are most often seen as center diamonds for engagement rings and wedding rings to balance the long, narrow shape. The diamond should be of the highest quality with regard to its color and clarity.

Step Cut Diamonds

Many Square, Oblong or rectangular diamonds are 'step cut' which the cutting style is used for Marquise cut diamonds. The long, oval shape of a Marquise cut is therefore often referred to as 'Step cut' or 'Table cut'. The facets on a 'Step cut' are cut in steps.  The crown, pavilion, and the table are all cut in rectangular facets. These diamonds are bright, clear and shiny in appearance as its facets usually span the length or width of the stone, the facets gradually decreasing as they approach the table.

The Cutting Process

Diamond Facets are the smooth surface areas of a diamond which are cut and polished to control the brilliance and the durability of a diamond. A skillful diamond cutter brings out all the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond by choosing the most appropriate cut, such as the Marquise Diamond cut.

Fancy Cut Diamonds

Fancy cut stones, such as Emerald, Marquise, Heart, Oval, Pear and Princess cuts are all ways of cutting a stone to maximize the carat weight. A rough diamond which might only yield a half carat in a Brilliant Cut might yield another 50% if cut into the marquise shape. Fancy cuts, such as the Marquise cut, allow the cutter to use the best attributes of the rough diamond and eliminate inclusions and blemishes. Popular fancy cuts include the "Baguette" (bread loaf), "Marquise" or "Navette" (little boat), "Princess Cut" aka Square Brilliant Cut, "Heart", "Briolette" (a form of Rose cut), Pear (teardrop), and the Trillion which is triangular in shape.

Symbolism & Meaning of Diamonds

The traditional properties closely associated with diamonds are action, passion, and energy. Jewelry containing diamonds are believed to enhance relationships, increasing inner strength and provide the wearer with balance, clarity and abundance. Wearing jewelry containing a diamond will focus the energies of the precious gemstone through the gem.

Diamond Engagement Rings

The tradition of wearing engagement rings, including those with an Marquise cut diamond, symbolizes the promise of a future together which is sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring dates back to the 13th century. Mary of Burgundy is the first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring, in 1477. Betrothal rings were initially given as a pledge to marry. All wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand because the vein in this finger, called the "vena amoris", was once believed to run directly to the heart which is closely associated with love. This shape is most often seen as center diamonds for engagement rings and wedding rings to balance the long, narrow shape. The circular shape of rings symbolizes unending love.

Marquise Cut Diamond

What constitutes good cuts? Good Marquise Cut Diamonds are affected by several different elements which have a large impact on a diamond's brilliance. These include the Width and Depth of the stone, the Symmetry and the alignment of a diamond's facets and the polish. Diamond Clarity is a measure of a diamond's blemishes and inclusions which also affect the brilliance of diamonds and their sparkle because they interfere with the passage of light travelling through the precious stone. The skill of the jeweler will ensure that Marquise cut diamonds have a suitable cut to give the most beautiful results in respect of their luster, transparency, refraction and dispersion of light. Aspect ratio of the Marquise cut: The ideal ratio of length to width should be about twice the length as the stone is wide. (2:1 aspect ratio)

Definition: A marquise should have an aspect ratio of 2:1 for the classic boat shaped stone. They are most often seen as center diamonds for engagement rings and wedding rings to balance the long, narrow shape. The diamond should be of the highest quality with regard to its color and clarity.

 The Marquise Diamond

More and more couples today prefer the marquise ring because of its practicality, it is more affordable than the round or oval cut diamond. If you want to have a less conventional cut diamond, this is the right choice. The shape of the marquise engagement ring may be deceiving, since it is elongated; it seems larger and heavier than its actual carat size.

Just like the radiant cut diamond ring, the marquise engagement ring is cut in a multifaceted way and appears to have a bow-tie effect when light reflects on it. It produces an effect of dancing lights and radiates in the sun. And this characteristic adds for its popularity for engagement rings.

The proportion of the marquise diamond ring varies, but the gem experts and jewelers say that the perfect proportion for this type of ring is that width should be the same length as its height that achieves a more prominent and radiant bow-tie effect.

For practical and aesthetic reasons, instead of having the marquise engagement ring to be a solitaire diamond, you can add other precious gems or stones or have it in bridal set engagement ring. This way you can have the manifestation of having a larger diamond stone intricately designed that looks expensive.

The marquise diamond ring is perfect for any woman, it actually flatters the fingers because of its cut, making the fingers seem elongated and elegant.

The Proposal

Shawn took me to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse on Saturday, September 29, 2007. We spent 2 days looking at the menu before we went. I thought it was just going to be a really nice dinner out with the love of my life.

We had a spectacular dinner which was followed by a sinfully, wonderful Chocolate Molten Cake when the server brought our dessert. He placed the plates on the table then turned to get another one. He placed the plate in front of me there was something on my plate. When I actually looked at it there was a ring sitting in a little white box. It hit me then what he had planned to do. My eyes teared up as I gazed down at the ring. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so very glad that I had used waterproof mascara. I said yes, of course!!!

Sometimes I can't believe that it’s real. I felt like a Princess when he put the ring on my finger. He is my Prince Charming. I get all teary-eyed when I think about him proposing.

Remembrance

It's My 36th Birthday!