Dazzling asscher-cut diamond for raffle

    Sue. Now we all know that can stand for a girl’s name, the name in the Johnny Cash song “A Boy named Sue”, or a legal action. However, for the foundation’s annual diamond raffle SUE conjures up a whole different definition.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photograph/Karen Donato
DIAMOND RAFFLE — Unique and elegant are the words used to describe this year’s Asscher cut diamond. Tickets are available for $25 and your chance to win this beautiful piece of jewelry or two other prizes of a garnet pendant and a Celtic bracelet. The proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Houlton Regional Hospital foundation’s nuclear medicine campaign. Eyeing the prizes are seated from left, Phyllis Tidd, Yvette Abouleish and Jan Vose. Standing from left, Helen Sherwood, Vicki Hardy and Jana Fitzpatrick.
    SUE is Sophisticated, Unique & Elegant. A stunning 1.02 carat Asscher Cut diamond in a detailed 14kt yellow gold setting, valued at $6,700 is first prize and what this SUE is all about.
    “Friday, Nov. 14 saw a “new and different” official kick-off for this year’s raffle with a “Dessert on Us” event held at Houlton Regional Hospital. It is the mission of the foundation to support “Excellence in Healthcare” to all those we serve and felt what better way to kick-off a fund-raising event for healthcare than in our hospital.
    “We have done so many beautiful diamonds over the years and every year is a real challenge to decide what to do next. We felt this would be a truly stunning offering people would long remember,” said Elizabeth Dulin, foundation executive director.
    This diamond is not often seen, and we know once people do see it they will understand how special it is,” Dulin went on to say.
     In the history of diamonds and diamond cutting, the Asscher cut is one of the greatest cuts of diamonds ever conceived, and invented in the early 20th century by the Asscher brothers of Holland. The Asscher brothers, celebrities in their own right (they cut many of the “named” diamonds for royalty), invented a cut which was square to rectangular with a flat table (top surface), many small step cuts along the top area and larger longer facets underneath the diamond. The beauty of an Asscher cut is how the eye “dives into the center of the diamond” … the eye relishes the “pool” of the diamond. Original Asscher cut diamonds are quite rare and are found mostly on the estate market.
    In 2005 the foundation added second and third prizes to be given away, and this year is no exception with the following wonderful items being offered.
    Second prize: Beautiful 14kt. gold garnet pendant in filigree setting. Meaning of the Garnet: Garnets can be used to make a person popular and have self-esteem when worn as jewelry. It helps protect one on trips, brings constancy to friendships, and is also known for stimulating success in business.
    Third prize: Lovely sterling silver Celtic knot bracelet. The basic symbolism of Celtic knot work is that of the “great cosmic loom of the universe.” Its unbroken, interwoven knots symbolize the continuity of the spirit throughout existence.
    “We are very happy to announce that we have teamed up with the Temple Theatre for a 7 p.m. drawing just before show-time on Saturday (Valentine’s Day) February 14, 2009. There will be over $350 in door prizes being offered that night in addition to everything else, pretty great, right? However, in order to be eligible for the door prizes one adult show ticket must be purchased. We are very excited to be working with the theatre and due to that partnering know a lot more people will get to enjoy seeing the winning tickets drawn,” Dulin said.
    Only 850 tickets available at $25 U.S. funds each, so purchase yours early and don’t be left out when we sell out, remember Christmas is coming and this is a “Great Stocking Stuffer”.
    All jewelry items may be seen and tickets purchased at Goodrich Jewelry, North Road in Houlton. Online purchases may be made for your ease and convenience at www.healthservicesfoundation.org, or call the foundation office at 521-2503 for further information. MasterCard, Visa, AMEX accepted. Must be at least 16 years of age to participate. The winner is responsible for all taxes. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s nuclear medicine campaign for Houlton Regional Hospital.