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Patent Abstract
A decorative jewelry module comprises a base member with a hollow
interior, a decorative insert, and a fastener arrangement. The hollow
base member has a top with an opening therein, a bottom, and an
interior. The decorative insert is sized in relation to the interior
of the base member so as to be placed within the hollow base member
and viewed through the top opening. The fastener arrangement fixes
the decorative insert within the hollow base member below the base
member top. The decorative jewelry article may be manufactured as
a multi-part base and decorative insert combination, or as a monolithic
jewel article having a base portion and a decorative element portion.
The jewelry article may be designed to have the appearance of a
single decorative unit, or to have the appearance of a double (or
greater) decorative unit. Such units have application in many jewelry
articles. A number of such units may be connected in series to form
a tennis bracelet.
Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A decorative jewelry article, comprising: a base member having
an encompassing sidewall defining a hollow base member interior,
a top with an opening therein leading to said hollow base member
interior, a bottom, and a fastener arrangement integrally formed
on said base member interior; and a separate decorative insert,
having a multi-faceted top surface, held in place within said hollow
interior by said fastener arrangement, below said base member top
and above said base member bottom, said multi-faceted top surface
being viewable through said top opening.
2. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said base member has an integral interior rim surrounding said top
opening, said rim having a bottom surface defining a stop against
which said decorative insert abuts.
3. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
said decorative insert is captured between said interior rim and
said fastener arrangement.
4. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said base member comprises a linking arrangement for linking said
decorative jewelry article base member to a like decorative jewelry
article base member.
5. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said base member has a stepped top outside peripheral surface comprising
a vertical wall portion and a horizontal step portion.
6. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 5, wherein:
said horizontal step portion has an irregular exposed surface.
7. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said base member top is annular and planar.
8. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said base member top is annular and conical.
9. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said decorative insert is plate-like with said multi-faceted top
surface exposed through said top opening.
10. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 5, wherein:
said horizontal step portion is formed with a series of indentations;
and said indentations are generally V-shaped as viewed in side elevation.
11. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 9, wherein
said multi-faceted top surface is formed by creating therein a pattern
of V-shaped grooves of changing depths.
12. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 9, wherein:
said multi-faceted surface is circular in plan view.
13. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
said base member is segmented, defining a plurality of base member
segments fixedly connected together side-by-side; said decorative
jewelry article comprises a plurality of said inserts; and each
said base member segment embraces one of said plurality of decorative
inserts below said base member top, each said decorative insert
being fixed within its respective base member segment.
14. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said base member is segmented, defining a plurality of substantially
identical base member segments fixedly connected together side-by-side;
said decorative insert is segmented, defining a like plurality of
substantially identical insert segments fixedly connected together
side-by-side, said segmented decorative insert being fixed within
said segmented base member below said base member top.
15. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 13, wherein:
said base member comprises a linking arrangement for linking said
decorative jewelry article base member to a like decorative jewelry
article base member.
16. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, in combination
with additional ones of said decorative jewelry article as claimed
in claim 1, to define a plurality of decorative jewelry articles
all fixedly connected together side-by-side, said plurality of fixedly
connected decorative jewelry articles being arranged in a generally
rectangular configuration having two long sides and two short sides,
and further comprising a linking arrangement for interlinking said
plurality of fixedly connected decorative jewelry articles to a
like plurality of fixedly connected decorative jewelry articles
along said short sides.
17. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, in combination
with additional ones of said decorative jewelry article as claimed
in claim 1, to define a plurality of decorative jewelry articles
all fixedly connected together side-by-side, said plurality of fixedly
connected decorative jewelry articles being arranged in a generally
rectangular configuration having two long sides and two short sides,
and further comprising a linking arrangement for interlinking said
plurality of fixedly connected decorative jewelry articles to a
like plurality of fixedly connected decorative jewelry articles
along said long sides.
18. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 13, wherein:
each said base member segment has an integral interior rim surrounding
said top opening, each said rim having a bottom surface defining
a stop against which a corresponding decorative insert abuts.
19. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
each decorative insert of said plurality of fixedly connected decorative
jewelry articles is captured between an interior rim and a fastener
arrangement in each base member of each of said plurality of fixedly
connected decorative jewelry articles, fixing each said decorative
insert within each said base member below said top.
20. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 14, wherein:
said base member has an integral interior rim surrounding said top
opening, said rim having a bottom surface defining a stop against
which said decorative insert abuts.
21. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 20, wherein:
said decorative insert is captured between said interior rim and
a fastener arrangement fixing said decorative insert within said
base member below said top.
22. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said decorative insert is fixed within said base member such that
no portion of said decorative insert extends above said base member
top, and no portion of said decorative insert extends below said
base member bottom.
23. A decorative integral jewelry article, comprising: a lower
base portion; an integral upper base portion having a top rim, said
top rim having an opening therein; and an integral interior decorative
portion positioned within said lower base portion and viewable through
said opening in said top rim, all of said decorative portion being
positioned below said top rim.
24. The decorative integral jewelry article as claimed in claim
23, formed integrally with a second decorative integral jewelry
article as claimed in claim 23, in a manner to align said upper
top rims generally in a common plane, thereby defining a dual decorative
integral jewelry article having a dual lower base portion, a dual
upper base portion, and a dual interior decorative portion.
25. The decorative integral jewelry article as claimed in claim
23, wherein one of said lower and upper base portions comprises
a connector element for connecting said decorative integral jewelry
article to a second decorative integral jewelry article as claimed
in claim 23.
26. The decorative integral jewelry article as claimed in claim
24, wherein one of said dual lower and dual upper base portions
comprises a connector element for connecting said dual decorative
integral jewelry article to a second dual decorative integral jewelry
article as claimed in claim 24.
27. The decorative integral jewelry article as claimed in claim
23, wherein: said upper base portion has a stepped top outer peripheral
surface comprising a vertical wall portion and a horizontal step
portion; said horizontal step portion has an irregular exposed surface;
and said upper base portion has an uppermost surface from which
said vertical wall portion depends to terminate at said horizontal
step portion, said uppermost surface defining said top rim.
28. A decorative jewelry article, comprising: a base member having
a hollow interior, a top with an opening therein leading to said
hollow interior, and a bottom; a decorative insert having top and
bottom surfaces placed within said hollow interior; an integral
rim within said base member hollow interior, surrounding said top
opening, said rim defining a stop against which said decorative
insert abuts; and a fastener arrangement, formed on the hollow interior
of said base member, for applying pressure against the bottom surface
of said decorative insert, thereby capturing said decorative insert
between said interior rim and said fastener arrangement.
29. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 28, wherein:
said base member is segmented, defining a plurality of substantially
identical base member segments fixedly connected together side-by-side,
each said segment embracing a decorative insert below said base
member top, each said decorative insert being fixed within its respective
base member segment.
30. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 28, wherein:
said base member is segmented, defining a plurality of substantially
identical segments fixedly connected together side-by-side; said
decorative insert is segmented, defining a like plurality of substantially
identical insert segments fixedly connected together side-by-side,
said segmented decorative insert being fixed within said segmented
base member.
31. A decorative jewelry article, comprising: a base member having
a hollow interior, a top with an opening therein leading to said
hollow interior, and a bottom, said base member having an integral
interior rim surrounding said top opening; a decorative insert,
having top and bottom surfaces, placed within said hollow interior,
said rim having a bottom surface defining a stop against which said
decorative insert abuts; a decorative insert having a multi-faceted
top surface formed by a pattern of reflective V-shaped grooves,
said decorative insert placed within, and fixed within, said base
member, with said multi-faceted top surface positioned below said
base member top and above said base member bottom, and viewable
through said top opening; and a fastener arrangement fixing said
decorative insert within said base member below said top, said decorative
insert being captured between said interior rim and said fastener
arrangement.
32. A method for constructing a decorative jewelry article, comprising:
providing a base member having a hollow interior, a top with an
opening therein leading to said hollow interior, and a bottom; providing
a decorative insert, having a top surface and a bottom surface,
configured and sized in relation to said base member to fit within
said hollow interior and viewed through said top opening; forming,
on said insert top surface, a pattern of reflective V-shaped grooves,
thereby creating a multi-faceted top surface on said decorative
insert; placing said decorative insert in said base member hollow
interior below said base member top; and fixing said decorative
insert to said base member.
33. The method for constructing a decorative jewelry article as
claimed in claim 32, wherein, in said placing step, said decorative
insert is positioned within said base member above said base member
bottom.
34. The method for constructing a decorative jewelry article as
claimed in claim 32, wherein said decorative insert is fixed within
said base member interior by a process selected from the group consisting
of welding including laser welding, soldering, swaging, and scoring.
35. The method for constructing a decorative jewelry article as
claimed in claim 32, wherein said base member has an integral interior
rim surrounding said top opening, said rim defining a stop, and
said placing step comprises moving said decorative insert in a bottom-to-top
direction until said decorative insert abuts against said stop.
36. The method for constructing a decorative jewelry article as
claimed in claim 32, wherein said decorative insert is captured
between said interior rim and a fastener arrangement fixing said
decorative insert within said base member below said top.
37. The method for constructing a decorative jewelry article as
claimed in claim 32, wherein said decorative insert is plate-shaped,
and said fastener arrangement comprises at least one bendable tab
integrally formed on the interior said base member and projecting
downwardly, and said method comprises the step of bending said at
least one tab inwardly of said base member interior, against the
bottom surface of an inserted decorative insert, whereby said decorative
insert is captured between said interior rim and said at least one
tab.
38. A decorative jewelry article, comprising: a base member having
an encompassing sidewall defining a hollow base member interior,
a top with an opening therein leading to said hollow base member
interior, and a bottom, said top defining a bezel for said decorative
jewelry article, said bezel having at least one downwardly extending
top surface discontinuity along the extent thereof; a separate decorative
insert, having a decorative top surface and a bottom surface; and
a fastener arrangement holding said decorative insert in place within
said base member hollow interior to position said decorative insert
top surface at, or below, said bezel top surface, said decorative
top surface being viewable within said top opening.
39. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 38, wherein
said at least one surface discontinuity has a rectangular, rounded,
or V shape.
40. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 38, in combination
with a second decorative jewelry article of like construction, said
articles having their respective base members joined together, and
wherein the bezel of each said base member has at least one said
surface discontinuity arranged according to a prescribed pattern
along the two bezels, the prescribed pattern selected from: a first
pattern having said surface discontinuities only along a line passing
through the centers of the two base members; a second pattern having
said surface discontinuities only along at least one line perpendicular
to a line passing through the centers of the two base members; and
a third pattern having said surface discontinuities along a line
passing through the centers of the two base members and other surface
discontinuities along at least one line perpendicular to a line
passing through the centers of the two base members.
41. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 38, wherein
said at least one surface discontinuity is a surface depression.
42. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 38, wherein
said at least one surface discontinuity is an opening in and through
said bezel.
43. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 42, wherein:
said decorative insert has an outwardly extending bottom flange
bordering a raised decorative portion; and said bezel has a bottom
surface against which said decorative insert flange abuts, said
raised decorative portion projecting into said bezel opening.
44. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 43, wherein
said fastener arrangement comprises a weld joint between said decorative
insert bottom flange and said bezel bottom surface.
45. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 44, wherein
said fastener arrangement comprises: at least one outer peripheral
notch on said decorative insert bottom flange; and at least one
projection adjacent said bezel bottom surface, received in said
at least one notch, said weld joint joining said notch and projection.
46. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 42, wherein:
said decorative insert has an outwardly extending bottom tab; and
said bezel has a bottom surface against which said decorative insert
tab abuts.
47. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 43, wherein
said fastener arrangement comprises a weld joint between said decorative
insert bottom tab and said bezel bottom surface.
48. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 43, wherein
the bottom of said decorative insert, interior to said flange, is
hollowed.
49. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 43, wherein
at least a portion of said decorative insert flange is visible through
said bezel opening.
50. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 49, wherein:
said decorative insert flange has its upper surface treated to be
faceted, serrated, knurled, smooth, reflective, shiny, colored,
textured, rhodium plated, frosted, formed with diffraction gratings,
formed with random markings, formed with organized markings, or
combinations thereof.
51. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 38, wherein
said bezel has a sloped top surface.
52. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 43, wherein
at least a portion of said flange of the decorative insert is exposed
through the opening in the base member bezel.
53. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 38, wherein
said fastener arrangement comprises: a pin, sized and configured
to fit into at least one hole in the sidewall of said base member,
said pin passing under said decorative insert bottom surface, preventing
said decorative insert from being dislodged from its position within
said base member hollow interior.
54. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 53, wherein
the number of holes in said base member is two, positioned to receive
said pin passing through one hole, under said decorative insert
bottom surface, and into the other hole.
55. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 54, wherein
said pin has first and second ends, both sized and configured to
prevent passage into said holes.
56. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 42, wherein:
said base member sidewall has a prescribed wall thickness; said
bezel has a prescribed width, defined as the distance between an
interior periphery and an outer periphery of said bezel, said bezel
being discontinuous along the extent thereof defining bezel segments
having widths larger than said base member sidewall thickness; and
said sidewall is exposed through said surface discontinuity opening
in said bezel.
57. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 56, wherein
said decorative insert flange is discontinuous along said border
of said raised decorative portion, whereby segments of said flange
are positioned beneath said bezel segments.
58. A decorative jewelry article, comprising: a base member having
an encompassing sidewall defining a hollow base member interior,
a top with an opening therein leading to said hollow base member
interior, and a bottom, said top defining a bezel for said decorative
jewelry article; a separate decorative insert, having a raised decorative
portion with a decorative top surface, and an outwardly extending
bottom flange bordering said raised decorative portion, said bezel
having a bottom surface against which said decorative insert flange
abuts, said raised decorative portion projecting into said bezel
opening; and a fastener arrangement holding said decorative insert
in place within said base member hollow interior to position said
decorative insert top surface at, or below, said bezel top surface,
said decorative top surface being viewable within said top opening.
59. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein
said fastener arrangement comprises a weld joint between said decorative
insert bottom flange and said bezel bottom surface.
60. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 59, wherein
said fastener arrangement comprises: at least one outer peripheral
notch on said decorative insert bottom flange; and at least one
projection adjacent said bezel bottom surface, received in said
at least one notch, said weld joint joining said notch and projection.
61. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein
the bottom of said decorative insert, interior to said flange, is
hollowed.
62. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein
said decorative top surface of said insert has adjacent pie-shaped
segments exhibiting a pattern of alternating diamond cut segments
and segments having surfaces exhibiting at least one visual property
selected from the group consisting of different colors, different
surface textures, different reflectivities, different gold karat
weights, different materials.
63. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 62, wherein
all of said pie-shaped segments are diamond cut.
64. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 62, wherein
alternate ones of said pie-segments have openings therethrough.
65. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein
said top of said base member has a shape selected from the group
consisting of flat, rounded-off, toroidal or donut, and conical.
66. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein:
said base member has an overall shape selected from the group consisting
of square shape, pear shape, diamond shape, heart shape, oval shape,
teardrop shape, marquis shape, triangular shape; and said decorative
insert has an overall shape selected from the group consisting of
square shape, pear shape, diamond shape, heart shape, oval shape,
teardrop shape, marquis shape, triangular shape.
67. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein
said bezel has at least one smooth portion and at least one portion
treated to be faceted, serrated, knurled, smooth, reflective, shiny,
colored, textured, rhodium plated, frosted, formed with diffraction
gratings, formed with random markings, formed with organized markings,
or combinations thereof.
68. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein
said base member sidewall has at least one smooth portion and at
least one portion treated to be faceted, serrated, knurled, smooth,
reflective, shiny, colored, textured, rhodium plated, frosted, formed
with diffraction gratings, formed with random markings, formed with
organized markings, or combinations thereof.
69. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 67, wherein
said base member sidewall has at least one smooth portion and at
least one portion treated to be faceted, serrated, knurled, smooth,
reflective, shiny, colored, textured, rhodium plated, frosted, formed
with diffraction gratings, formed with random markings, formed with
organized markings, or combinations thereof.
70. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 67, wherein
said smooth and treated portions are arranged alternately along
the extent of said bezel.
71. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 68, wherein
said smooth and treated portions are arranged alternately along
the extent of said sidewall.
72. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 67, wherein
said smooth and treated portions are arranged such that each portion
extends along the entire extent of said bezel.
73. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 68, wherein
said smooth and treated portions are arranged such that each portion
extends along the entire extent of said sidewall.
74. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein:
said bezel comprises an interior edge and an exterior edge, said
exterior edge being coincident with said base member sidewall; and
said bezel has a series of adjacent notches formed on said interior
edge along the extent thereof.
75. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 67, comprising
decorative protrusions on said treated portions, each said protrusion
being faceted to simulate a set gem.
76. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 67, comprising
decorative protrusions on said treated portion, said protrusions
simulating a string of beads extending along the extent of said
bezel.
77. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 67, wherein
said bezel has multiple treated portions defining recognizable symbols
forming a real or implied message.
78. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 67, in combination
with a second decorative jewelry article of like construction, said
jewelry articles having their respective base members joined together
in a prescribed orientation of each base member, whereby said smooth
and treated portions of said bezels are arranged in a prescribed
pattern.
79. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 68, in combination
with a second decorative jewelry article of like construction, said
jewelry articles having their respective base members joined together
in a prescribed orientation of each base member, whereby said smooth
and treated portions of said base member sidewalls are arranged
in a prescribed pattern.
80. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 58, wherein:
said sidewall has a series of adjacent notches formed along the
extent thereof, extending between said base member top and bottom.
81. A decorative jewelry article, comprising: a base member having
an encompassing sidewall defining a hollow base member interior,
a top with an opening therein leading to said hollow base member
interior, and a bottom, said top defining a bezel for said decorative
jewelry article; a separate decorative insert having the general
shape of a truncated cone, providing a central flat top and an outwardly
sloping surrounding side, said bezel having a bottom surface against
which said sloping side of said decorative insert abuts; and a fastener
arrangement holding said decorative insert in place within said
base member hollow interior to position said decorative insert flat
top surface at, or below, said bezel top surface, said decorative
insert being viewable within said top opening.
82. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 81, wherein
said slopping side is faceted to simulate a cut diamond or other
precious stone.
83. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 82, wherein
said base member and said decorative insert are multi-segmented.
84. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 81, wherein
said slopping side is faceted to exhibit a series of adjacent flat
surfaces along the extent of said slopping side.
85. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 84, wherein
said base member and said decorative insert are multi-segmented.
86. A decorative jewelry article, comprising: a base member having
an encompassing sidewall defining a hollow base member interior,
a top with an opening therein leading to said hollow base member
interior, and a bottom, said top defining a bezel for said decorative
jewelry article; a separate decorative insert, having a raised decorative
portion with a decorative top surface, and at least one outwardly
extending bottom tab on the border of said raised decorative portion,
said bezel having a bottom surface against which said decorative
insert tab abuts, said raised decorative portion projecting into
said bezel opening; and a fastener arrangement holding said decorative
insert in place within said base member hollow interior to position
said decorative insert top surface at, or below, said bezel top
surface, said decorative top surface being viewable within said
top opening.
87. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 86, wherein:
said base member is rectangular in shape; said decorative insert
raised portion is rectangular in shape; and said decorative top
surface of said insert has multiple sections, and each section has
multiple diamond cuts formed therein.
88. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 87, wherein
said base member and said decorative insert are multi-segmented.
89. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 86, wherein:
said base member is cylindrical in shape; said decorative insert
raised portion is shaped to simulate a the petals of a flower; and
each said petal is diamond cut radially of said flower shape.
90. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 89, wherein
said base member and said decorative insert are multi-segmented.
91. A piece of jewelry with a designed structure including at least
one recess for receiving a decorative jewelry article, comprising:
a base member having an encompassing sidewall defining a hollow
base member interior, a top with an opening therein leading to said
hollow base member interior, and a bottom, said top defining a bezel
for said decorative jewelry article; a separate decorative insert,
having a raised decorative portion with a decorative top surface,
and an outwardly extending bottom flange bordering said raised decorative
portion, said bezel having a bottom surface against which said decorative
insert flange abuts, said raised decorative portion projecting into
said bezel opening; and a fastener arrangement holding said decorative
insert in place within said base member hollow interior to position
said decorative insert top surface at, or below, said bezel top
surface, said decorative top surface being viewable within said
top opening.
92. The decorative jewelry article as claimed in claim 91, wherein:
said base member has an overall shape selected from the group consisting
of square shape, pear shape, diamond shape, heart shape, oval shape,
teardrop shape, marquis shape, triangular shape; and said decorative
insert has an overall shape selected from the group consisting of
square shape, pear shape, diamond shape, heart shape, oval shape,
teardrop shape, marquis shape, triangular shape.
Patent Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/953,626, filed Sep. 14, 2001, which is a continuation
of application Ser. No. 09/224,936, filed Dec. 31, 1998, both entitled
"DECORATIVE JEWELRY ARTICLE". A related U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/383,814, was filed Aug. 26, 1999, also entitled "DECORATIVE
JEWELRY ARTICLE". A related PCT Application No. PCT/US99/31126
was published Jul. 6, 2000, as WO 00/38551. Another related PCT
Application No. PCT/US00/18389 was published Mar. 1, 2001, as WO
01/13754. The entire contents of each such application is incorporated
herein by reference.
REFERENCE TO DOCUMENT DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATES
[0002] Reference is made to U.S. Document Disclosure Certificate
No. 459,913 recorded Jul. 30, 1999, entitled "NEW SIMULATED
TENNIS JEWELRY COMPONENT DESIGNS", and U.S. Document Disclosure
Certificate No. 493,310 recorded May 8, 2001, entitled "NEW
METHOD OF SIMULATING TENNIS JEWELRY DESIGNS (Crazy and Wavy Cuts)".
The entire contents of such document disclosures is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to articles of jewelry, and in particular
to a monolithic or modular simulated gem and gem setting arrangement.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Unitary jewelry articles and/or modular links for forming
jewelry bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and rings are well known.
The so-called tennis bracelet, for example, is a bracelet having
a series of connected modular units, each unit comprising an actual
diamond or other gem and a setting therefor.
[0007] Reference is made to the following U.S. patents:
1 Patent No. Inventor(s) Des. 110,568 L. Garfinkel 1,189,497 A.
Schwartzman 1,589,423 H. Payton 1,344,365 H. Wachenheimer 2,538,090
H. Ferragamo 4,781,038 Branca et al. Des. 146,779 M. Slater Des.
117,577 J. Sand Des. 257,017 J. Barr Des. 156,650 W. W. Pearce et
al. 4,763,489 L. Strong Des. 48,950 C. Rosenberger 1,410,366 E.
H. Buchman Des. 131,847 W. W. Hobe 1,153,362 J. C. Wacha Des. 42,643
H. H. Meyers Des. 176,664 Adolph Katz Des. 143,588 O. Green Des.
265,639 Josef J. Barr Des. 84,213 A. E. R. Speidel Des. 56,605 H.
Grasmuk Des. 151,904 A. Katz Des. 145,426 J. Braunstein Des. 144,901
J. Braunstein Des. 160,241 P. Bardach
[0008] Reference is also made to prior U.S. patent applications
of the inventor of the present invention as follows: patent application
Ser. No. 07/572,678, filed Aug. 23, 1990 for "BRACELET DESIGN",
which is a continuation application of Design application Ser. No.
397,094 filed Aug. 22, 1989 entitled "BRACELET OR THE LIKE".
[0009] Non-patent references of interest may include:
[0010] 1. "Charms" catalog, Page 136, Item #136-20, by
Americas GOLD, 650 South Hill St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90014'
[0011] 2. "Liberty Collections" catalog, Pages 4 and
21, by Liberty I. Exchange, 333 Washington St. #203-1, Boston, Mass.
02108;
[0012] 3. "Diamond Flower" jewelry by S&R Designs,
Inc., Marlton, N.J.;
[0013] 4. Items #P10529, #84619, #84622, National Jeweler, May
16, 1997;
[0014] 5. Janet Alix necklace, Jewelers' Circular Keystone, May,
1997;
[0015] 6. Catalog Item #4D, Skalet Gold, 3600 N. Talman Ave., Chicago,
Ill. 60618
[0016] 7. Caroline Ballou Collection, June Las Vegas Show, K25-K27,
and Barnett Robinson, Inc. June Las Vegas Show, Galleria #10;
[0017] 8. Item N362, P.Q.C. Jewelry, National Jeweler, Jun. 1,
1998, Page 142;
[0018] 9. "Love Tears" collection, by Studs, Inc., 42
W. 48 St., New York, N.Y. 10036;
[0019] 10. Slide pendant, by Superior Diamond Cutters Inc., 589
Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017;
[0020] 11. Uni-Creation, Inc., Emby International, Inc. collection,
589 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017;
[0021] 12. A Promotional Supplement To JCK, May 1997, Pages 178,
179;
[0022] 13. Item SS424, Corona Jewellery Company, 16 Ripley Ave.,
Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3N9, Canada;
[0023] 14. "Bezel-set jewelry, California Gold Center, 606
S. Hill St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90014;
[0024] 15. "Partners" fashion jewelry, Cache fashion
watches, Mervyn's California catalog flyer, 1998, Page 11;
[0025] 16. California Precision Products Co. Catalog "Laser
Spot-Welding Systems", One Industrial Court, Riverside, R.I.
02915;
[0026] 17. Maty, Collection Automne--Hiver 97-98, Valeur 30F, No.
76.
[0027] The jewelry articles shown and described in the prior art
noted above take on various aesthetically pleasing forms for displaying
gems, real or simulated, in a variety of visual and structural configurations.
[0028] Channel settings and bezel settings that use real gems increase
the price of a jewelry article dramatically.
[0029] In all such articles of the prior art in which a gem or
simulated gem is mounted in a gem setting, the gem or simulated
gem is positioned above the setting. In assembling the gem and gem
setting combination, typically a series of upwardly directed prongs
project from the setting, also referred to as a "basel, and
the gemstone, or simulated gemstone, is placed within the setting
from above, after which the series of prongs are bent downwardly
to embrace the gem or simulated gem. While this configuration displays
the gem in the foreground relative to the setting, there are many
disadvantages to such construction.
[0030] In particular, with the prongs of the setting exposed, it
is relatively easy to snag clothing or inflict minor injuries to
the skin of a person by an inadvertent scraping action. Moreover,
the prongs of the setting base are unsightly, detracting from the
aesthetic qualities of the article of jewelry.
[0031] If one were to conceive of the idea of avoiding the unsightliness
of extending mounting prongs, the idea would be quickly rejected,
due to the fact that if a precious stone, for example a diamond
or ruby, or the like, is mounted below the upper surface of the
setting base, the pointed bottom of the stone would penetrate the
skin of the user even more so than is commonly done even with stones
mounted from the top of a setting base or bezel. The pointed bottom
of a precious stone is, by design, formed with specific depth and
angles to capture as much light as possible for reflection through
the stone, thereby enhancing the brilliance and spectacle of the
gem.
[0032] Yet another disadvantage of the use of prior art unitary
modules for connection in series to form a tennis bracelet, for
example, is that such bracelet construction is rather labor intensive,
each modular unit having to be connected to an adjacent unit, and
for a bracelet with, typically thirty or more, individual modules,
the cost of the bracelet to the ultimate consumer may be inflated
beyond expectation of the purchaser who values the article of jewelry
on the basis of its precious stone content. Typical prong, channel,
and bezel settings not only use expensive gems that sometimes get
damaged during the setting procedure, but these types of settings
themselves are costly. The purchaser would be greatly benefitted
by a less costly manufacturing process, since, for the same purchase
price, the purchaser would receive more or larger stones, or stones
of a greater quality. There is therefore a need in the art for reducing
the manufacturing costs of multi-modular jewelry articles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The present invention satisfies the needs and desires of
the purchasing public while simultaneously solving the afore-mentioned
problems associated with jewelry articles in which the gem is mounted
above the setting.
[0034] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is
provided a decorative jewelry article comprising a hollow base member,
a decorative insert, and a fastener arrangement. The hollow base
member has a top, a bottom, an interior, and an opening in the top.
The decorative insert is sized in relation to the interior of the
base member so as to be placed within the hollow base member and
viewed through the top opening. The fastener arrangement fixes the
decorative insert within the hollow base member at or below the
base member top.
[0035] As used hereinafter, the term "bezel" is used
to indicate the top portion of a base member. Typically, it is the
part of the upper portion of the base member that encloses the opening
in which, or through which, the decorative insert is visible. The
top surface of a bezel for the described embodiments may be flat,
conical, inverted conical, toroidal, bull nosed, or other geometrical
shape. A base member or bezel may be manufactured or treated to
be textured, colored, diamond cut, faceted, embossed, segmented,
patterned, have cutouts or depressions along the extent thereof,
or any combination of such treatment.
[0036] A color treatment of a surface may be carried out by a colorizing
process, such as rhodium plating, gold plating, applying a blackener,
applying an oxidizer, or enameling.
[0037] Also, as used in this description, when referring to a bezel,
the phrase "along the extent thereof", or similar language,
indicates perimeter length, or extent, from a starting point on
the bezel surface and continuing around, or along, the bezel surface
back to the starting point.
[0038] Similarly, as used in this description, when referring to
the sidewall of a base member, the phrase "along the extent
thereof", or similar language, indicates perimeter length,
or extent, from a starting point on the sidewall surface and continuing
around, or along, the sidewall surface back to the starting point.
[0039] A "visual property", as used herein, is a characteristic
of an object, or surface, which presents a particular visual image
to the eye. Such characteristics include, but are not limited to,
color, texture, attribute, pattern, and combinations thereof.
[0040] "Texture", as used herein, is a characteristic
of an object, or surface, which has physical attributes other than
being smooth, such as surfaces that are sand blasted, serrated,
faceted, knurled, and/or frosted. As such, the term is generic to
specific surface characteristics, such as serration.
[0041] The phrase, "visual appearance", as used herein,
refers to the overall outward or visible aspect or perception of
an object or surface.
[0042] Employing the principles and concepts of the present invention,
it will be appreciated that, since the decorative insert or simulated
decorative insert is positioned within a base member below the top
and above the bottom of the base member, snagging of clothing, and
penetration of the user's skin is avoided. Unlike real gems, the
simulated gem of the present invention does not extend below the
bottom of the base member in which it is contained.
[0043] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
plurality of such hollow base members, or modular links, for example
a pair of such base members may be linked together in the manufacturing
process so that the number of individual modular units to be assembled
to form a tennis bracelet, for example, is halved.
[0044] The present invention also provides for a number of selectable
structural configurations and mounting processes, depending on need,
desired security for a mounted gem or simulated gem, and aesthetic
considerations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0045] These and other aspects of the invention will be better
understood, and additional features of the invention will be described
hereinafter having reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tennis bracelet employing
the concepts of the present invention, as worn on a person's wrist,
the bracelet including a series of hingedly interlinked individual
modules or links;
[0047] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the bracelet of FIG. 1, in
an unlatched and laid out condition;
[0048] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bracelet of FIG. 2;
[0049] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the bracelet of FIG. 2;
[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a jewelry article arrangement
comprising a hollow base member and a decorative insert, made in
accordance with the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a single unitary jewelry
article mounted in a ring setting;
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative design for
the base member from that shown in FIG. 5;
[0053] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an integral base and decorative
element comprising a decorative jewelry article according to the
present invention;
[0054] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the jewelry article shown in FIG.
5;
[0055] FIG. 10 is a right side view of the jewelry article shown
in FIG. 9;
[0056] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the jewelry article shown
in FIG. 9;
[0057] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the jewelry article
shown in FIG. 5, the figure showing both the base member and decorative
insert in cross section;
[0058] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a base member and decorative
insert in a completely assembled condition;
[0059] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an alternate fastener
arrangement for retaining the insert within the hollow base member;
[0060] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a segment an alternate design
for a tennis bracelet in which pairs of decorative jewelry articles
are manufactured as unitary dual-segment jewel items hingedly interlinked
to form a tennis bracelet;
[0061] FIG. 16 is a partial cross sectional view of the tennis
bracelet segment shown in FIG. 15;
[0062] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of one of the dual-segment
jewelry articles shown in FIG. 15, each segment displaying a separate
individual decorative insert;
[0063] FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of an alternative form of
a dual-segment hollow base member in which may be inserted the decorative
insert of FIG. 20;
[0064] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the dual-segment jewelry
article shown in FIG. 23 with additional, optional, mounting prongs
for retaining the decorative insert in place;
[0065] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a dual-segment decorative
insert of the type to be inserted in the dual-segment hollow base
member shown in FIG. 18;
[0066] FIG. 21 is a side cross sectional view of the dual-segment
insert shown in FIG. 20;
[0067] FIG. 22 shows an alternate construction for joining the
two halves of a dual-segment decorative insert, distinguished from
that shown in FIG. 21;
[0068] FIGS. 23A-F show, schematically, six different preferred
prong configurations for fixing a dual-segment decorative insert
into a dual-segment hollow base member;
[0069] FIG. 24 shows a cross sectional view of a unitary, integral,
simulated gem and setting, and also shows a technique for depositing
a coating on the decorative pattern below the top surface;
[0070] FIG. 25 is a magnified view of the portion of FIG. 24 marked
with the circle 25;
[0071] FIG. 26 shows yet a further configuration of a segment of
a tennis bracelet employing the dual-segment base member/decorative
insert technology in accordance with the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 27 is a top plan view of an alternative configuration
for a dual-segment decorative insert, distinguished from that of
FIG. 20;
[0073] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a dual-segment jewelry article
employing the dual-segment decorative insert shown in FIG. 27.
[0074] FIG. 29 is a partial perspective drawing showing connected
ones of the decorative jewelry article in a bracelet form;
[0075] FIG. 30 shows an alternate surface texture treatment of
the base member from that shown in FIGS. 5-10;
[0076] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a decorative jewelry article
having a base similar to that of FIG. 30, but with a smooth outer
side surface and a wider annular top surface;
[0077] FIG. 32 is a schematic representation of a four segment
decorative jewelry article;
[0078] FIG. 33 is a schematic representation of a six segment decorative
jewelry article connectable in series longitudinally of the connected
articles;
[0079] FIG. 34 is a schematic representation of a six segment decorative
jewelry article connectable in series laterally of the connected
articles;
[0080] FIG. 35 is a schematic representation of a three segment
decorative jewelry article connectable in series longitudinally
of the connected articles; and
[0081] FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of a variation of the
stepped embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the former having additional
steps and a variety of surface finishes or textures.
[0082] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another variation of a
jewelry article, as shown in solid lines, in which one or more surface
discontinuities, e.g., cutouts, openings, or depressions, is/are
provided in the bezel portion along the extent thereof, the configuration
of a similarly configured dual-segment jewelry article shown with
additional phantom lining;
[0083] FIG. 38 shows the side views of a variety of jewelry articles,
each having a differently shaped cutout or depression in the bezel,
thereof;
[0084] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of a jewelry article in which a
stepped decorative insert is soldered in place;
[0085] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the stepped decorative
insert seen in FIG. 39;
[0086] FIG. 41 is a partial cross sectional view of the jewelry
article shown in FIG. 39, taken along the lines 41-41;
[0087] FIG. 42 is a partial cross sectional view of a jewelry article,
similar to that shown in FIG. 41, but with a non-hollow decorative
insert;
[0088] FIG. 43 is a partial cross sectional view of a jewelry article,
similar to that shown in FIG. 41, but with a shorter stepped decorative
insert;
[0089] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another variation of a
jewelry article, in which the top of the decorative insert lies
below the top of the bezel, but above the bottom of the bezel cutouts
or depressions;
[0090] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another variation of a
jewelry article, in which the top of the decorative insert is at
the same level as the top of the bezel;
[0091] FIG. 46 is a bottom view of another variation of a jewelry
article base member, in which the surface discontinuities are through
openings in the bezel defining a pair of an annular bezel segments;
[0092] FIG. 47 is a top view of a jewelry article employing the
base member of FIG. 46 and a stepped decorative insert like that
of FIG. 40;
[0093] FIG. 48 is a partial cross sectional view of the jewelry
article shown in FIG. 47, taken along the lines 48-48;
[0094] FIG. 49 is a bottom view of another variation of a jewelry
article base member, similar to that shown in FIG. 46, but with
three through openings in the bezel;
[0095] FIG. 50 is a top view of a jewelry article employing the
base member of FIG. 49 and a stepped decorative insert like that
of FIG. 40;
[0096] FIG. 51 is a partial view of the bottom of an assembled
jewelry article, showing a soldering region different from that
in FIG. 39, in which the decorative insert has notches engaging
projections on the interior of the base member adjacent the bezel;
[0097] FIG. 52 is a partial cross sectional view of a jewelry article
similar to that shown in FIG. 43, but with the flange of the decorative
insert being exposed through the opening in the base member bezel;
[0098] FIG. 53 is a bottom view of the base member of a dual-segment
jewelry article employing a pin-type decorative insert securing
arrangement;
[0099] FIG. 54 is a side view of a pin for securing a decorative
insert in the base member of FIG. 53;
[0100] FIG. 55 is a cross sectional view of a jewelry article employing
the base member of FIG. 53, the decorative insert of FIG. 40, and
the pin shown in FIG. 54;
[0101] FIG. 56 is a side view of the base member shown in FIG.
53; FIG. 57 is a plan view of a variation of the decorative insert
shown in FIG. 40;
[0102] FIG. 58 is a side view of the decorative insert shown in
FIG. 57;
[0103] FIG. 59 is a plan view of another variation of the decorative
insert shown in FIG. 40;
[0104] FIG. 60 is a side view of the decorative insert shown in
FIG. 59;
[0105] FIG. 61 is a cross sectional view of a base member showing
a flat top surface on the bezel;
[0106] FIG. 62 is a cross sectional view of a base member showing
a rounded-off, top surface on the bezel;
[0107] FIG. 63 is a cross sectional view of a base member showing
a toroidal, or donut, shaped top surface on the bezel;
[0108] FIG. 64 is a cross sectional view of a base member showing
a conical shaped top surface on the bezel;
[0109] FIG. 65 is a graphical representation of a diamond cutting
wheel forming a diamond cut in a decorative insert, wherein the
deepest part of the cut is at the center of the decorative insert,
the shallowest part being at the side edges;
[0110] FIG. 66 is a graphical representation of a diamond cutting
wheel forming a diamond cut in a decorative insert, wherein the
shallowest parts of the cut are at the center and side edge of the
decorative insert, the deepest part being in between the center
and side edge;
[0111] FIG. 67 is a graphical representation of a diamond cutting
wheel forming a diamond cut in a decorative insert, similar to that
shown in FIG. 66, but with the side, or sides, of the decorative
insert being sloped;
[0112] FIG. 68 is a top view of another variation of jewelry article
employing a segmented bezel, a base member with a stepped side surface,
and a decorative insert with a segmented flange;
[0113] FIG. 69 is a bottom view of the base member of the jewelry
article shown in FIG. 68;
[0114] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the decorative insert employed
in FIG. 68;
[0115] FIG. 71 is a partial cross sectional view of the jewelry
article shown in FIG. 68, taken along the lines 71-71;
[0116] FIG. 72 is partial a cross sectional view of the jewelry
article shown in FIG. 68, taken along the lines 72-72;
[0117] FIG. 73 is a partial cross sectional view of a jewelry article,
similar to that shown in FIG. 68, but with the top part of the decorative
insert projecting through the bezel opening;
[0118] FIG. 74 shows a piece of jewelry, such as a pendant, or
brooch, having a structural portion with cylindrical pockets which
can receive decorative jewelry articles made in accordance with
the present invention;
[0119] FIG. 75 shows another piece of jewelry, such as a pendant,
or brooch, having a structural portion with a non-circular shaped
pocket which can receive a similarly shaped decorative jewelry article
made in accordance with the present invention;
[0120] FIG. 76 shows a length of a piece of jewelry, such as a
bracelet or necklace, having a structural portion with a number
of cylindrical pockets which can receive decorative jewelry articles
made in accordance with the present invention;
[0121] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a base member for a jewelry
article, having a patterned bezel and a patterned sidewall;
[0122] FIGS. 78-80 are perspective views of different base members
for jewelry articles, each having a patterned bezel and a non-patterned
sidewall;
[0123] FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a base member for a jewelry
article, having a patterned bezel and a patterned sidewall;
[0124] FIGS. 82-87 are perspective views of different base members
for jewelry articles, each having a patterned bezel and a non-patterned
sidewall;
[0125] FIG. 88 is a perspective view of a base member for a jewelry
article, having a bezel with a patterned interior edge and a non-patterned
sidewall;
[0126] FIGS. 89-95 are perspective views of different base members
for jewelry articles, each having a patterned bezel and a non-patterned
sidewall;
[0127] FIGS. 96 and 97 are perspective views of different dual-segment
base members for jewelry articles, each having a patterned dual
bezel and an optionally patterned or non-patterned sidewall;
[0128] FIGS. 98 and 99 are perspective views of different base
members for jewelry articles, each having a non-patterned bezel
and a patterned sidewall;
[0129] FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a base member for a jewelry
article, having a patterned bezel and sidewall;
[0130] FIGS. 101-103 are perspective views of different base members
for jewelry articles, each having a patterned bezel and a non-patterned
sidewall;
[0131] FIG. 104 is a top view of a decorative insert having facets
simulating those of a cut diamond or other gem;
[0132] FIG. 105 is a side view of the decorative insert shown in
FIG. 104;
[0133] FIG. 106 is a top view of a decorative insert having a flat
top and a plurality of surrounding adjacent side facets;
[0134] FIG. 107 is a side view of the decorative insert shown in
FIG. 106;
[0135] FIG. 108 is a perspective view of a decorative insert having
a flat top and a smooth, sloped exterior edge;
[0136] FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a square shaped jewelry
article, the bezel and sidewall of the base member being smooth,
and a square shaped decorative insert projecting into an opening
in the bezel;
[0137] FIG. 110 is an enlarged plan view of the decorative insert
shown in FIG. 109 as would be seen when removed from the base member;
[0138] FIG. 111 is a top plan view of a faceted decorative insert
formed in the shape of a flower or rosette; and
[0139] FIG. 112 is a bottom view of a jewelry article in which
a decorative insert is attached to the base member by means of soldered
tabs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0140] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that jewelry articles
may take on a myriad of different shapes and sizes, and certain
jewelry designs will be appropriate for any number of different
jewelry articles, such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, brooches,
pendants, studs, and the like. Accordingly, it will be understood
that, although the present invention will be described in terms
of primarily a jewelry article having a cylindrical shape in horizontal
cross section or a generally figure-8 geometrical configuration,
the concepts of the invention are equally applicable to other geometric
designs and shapes, for example articles having a heart-shape, a
triangular shape, a square or rectangular shape, an oval shape,
a diamond shape, or a multi-sided polygon shape, a pear shape, a
teardrop shape, a marquise shape, or an elliptical shape, to name
a few.
[0141] It will also be understood that the present invention is
not particularly involved with the specific type of connecting means
or latch means for a multi-modular bracelet. For those functions,
a person of ordinary skill in the art will be presumed to follow
traditional structures and processes. Additionally, the application
of the present invention to the jewelry industry is not limited
to bracelets, necklaces, rings, brooches, or other jewelry articles
shown and described herein. It will also be understood that the
concepts of the present invention may be implemented in a piece
of jewelry independent of whether or not the jewelry article is
comprised of a singular integral material or of a multi-part construction
such as a base support member with a decorative insert confined
therein.
[0142] In a tennis bracelet 1, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4,
each module 3 of the tennis bracelet is made with a number of hingedly
interlinked individual unitary modules 3 linked with like modules
to form the bracelet. An appropriate latch means 5, 7 connected
to opposite ends of the bracelet 1, may be of ordinary design and
function, such as a conventional tongue and groove fastener.
[0143] A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5,
6, and 9-13. In this embodiment, each jewelry article or item, hereinafter
also referred to as a module or modular link 3 is provided with
a base support member 13 embracing within its interior a decorative
insert 17 which is preferably plate-shaped. Base support member
13 has a top portion shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9-13 as being planar.
The top surface 15 has an opening 16 through which may be viewed
the decorative insert 17 which lies at or below the top surface
15 (in all embodiments of the invention).
[0144] The lower portion of the base member 13 may be provided
with optional cut-outs or "windows" 19 to reduce weight,
and, in a bracelet application, base member 13 has a linking means
11 with a bendable end portion 12 for connection to a like jewelry
module 3.
[0145] The module 3 of FIG. 6 does not possess a linking means,
as it will be mounted on the base of, or be an integral part of,
a ring, earring, charm, pendant, brooch, cufflink, or the like.
[0146] In the FIG. 5 embodiment, it will be observed that the base
member 13 is of a hollow cylindrical configuration having a continuous
sidewall and planar top 15, except for the cut-outs, or "windows"
19.
[0147] FIG. 7 differs from FIG. 5, in that the upper peripheral
edge of the base member 13A has a stepped configuration defined
by a vertical wall portion 16 and a horizontal step portion 23,
the horizontal step portion 23 having an irregular exposed surface.
Although the horizontal step portion 23 may take on a variety of
visual characteristics, the preferred embodiment of FIG. 7 shows
the horizontal step portion 23 as a series of generally V-shaped
or sawtooth serrations or indentations as viewed in side elevation.
[0148] It will also be observed by reference to FIG. 7 that the
top surface 15A of module 3A is conical. It is contemplated that,
if decided, the conical surface 15A may be convex or concave at
the discretion of the jewelry designer. However, even in a concave
configuration, the lowest part of the top surface 15A will always
be above the uppermost surface of the decorative insert 17 in order
to be consistent with one of the major features of the present invention.
[0149] The embodiment of FIG. 8 differs from that of FIGS. 5 and
7, in that it is manufactured in monolithic, or integral fashion,
i.e. the module 3B of FIG. 8 comprises a base member 13B and integral
decorative element 17B. For example, the module 3B may be cast in
solid gold with the surface of the decorative portion 17B highly
polished for simulating a gem or other type of attractive insert,
when in fact the decorative portion 17B is not a separate physical
element. Due to the lack of any need for a fastener arrangement
in module 3B, the windows 19B may be made quite large (significantly
larger than that schematically shown in FIG. 8) relative to the
size of the base member 13B to present a rather delicate appearing
bracelet link.
[0150] FIGS. 9-11 show a top, side, and bottom view of the module
3 of FIG. 5. With particular reference to FIG. 11, and the cross
sectional views of FIGS. 12 and 13, the interior of the hollow base
member 13 is thickened at its upper portion defining an integral
interior annular band 27, best seen in FIG. 12. Projecting downwardly
from annular band 27 at a selected number of positions distributed
angularly thereon are a number of projecting tabs or prongs 29.
In FIG. 11, four such tabs or prongs 29 are shown. However, any
number of tabs may be provided, as desired.
[0151] These tabs or prongs 29 are formed during manufacture as
a number of downwardly projecting elements as best seen in FIG.
12. After a plate-like decorative insert 17 is inserted from the
bottom of the hollow base member 13 past the tips of the projecting
tabs or prongs 29, the projecting tabs or prongs 29 are bent upwardly
(FIG. 13) against the rear surface 25 of the decorative insert 17
to retain the insert 17 in place within the hollow base member 13.
[0152] In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the decorative
inserts, such as insert 17, are plate-like elements having been
scored radially from the center to present numerous facets 39, or
are formed with a pattern of v-shaped grooves radiating from the
center of the plates. Variations of such patterning will be seen
in the dual-segmented decorative inserts 63 and 107 of FIGS. 20
and 27, respectively.
[0153] To insure stability and facilitate the mounting of decorative
insert 17 within hollow base member 13, the circular band 27 in
the upper portion of base member 13 leads to an integral inwardly
directed annular rim 41 surrounding the top opening 16. Annular
rim 41 is shown in FIG. 12 to be inwardly directed from the top
of the annular band 27, and thus defines a horizontally oriented
annular surface 33 facing downwardly.
[0154] In this connection, the upper peripheral edge 33 of decorative
insert 17 is designed to have predetermined, reasonably precise,
outer peripheral dimensions, in the circular embodiment shown in
the drawing, for example, a specific outer diameter. Peripheral
edge 35 fits precisely with the inwardly facing annular surface
34 and smoothly against the downwardly facing annular surface 33.
This insures proper positioning and a proper centering of insert
17, and prevents insert 17 from moving laterally within base member
13.
[0155] In a variation of this embodiment of the invention, the
outer peripheral surface of insert 17 and the inwardly facing inner
surface 34 of the base member 13 may define complementary sloping
walls (if circular-conical walls) to further ensure a solid mounting
and centering of insert 17 within base member 13.
[0156] In FIGS. 12 and 13, it is illustrated that the insert 17
is moved into contact with downwardly facing annular surface 33,
and then the fastener arrangement, i.e. projecting tabs or prongs
29 are bent against rear surface 25 to capture the insert 17 between
the annular rim 41 and the bent tabs or prongs 29. In FIG. 14, a
more simplified assembly of the insert 17 into a hollow base member
13C is suggested, whereby the base member 13C is manufactured with
one or more inwardly directed short ledges 43. To assemble the module
3C, one end of insert 17 is placed on the ledge or ledges 43 and
swung up past one or more projecting tabs or prongs 29, after which
the one or more tabs or prongs 29 will be bent against the rear
surface 25 of insert 17 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG.
13.
[0157] FIGS. 15-17 depict an embodiment of the invention in which
the decorative jewelry article is formed of an assembled series
of modules; however, in this embodiment of the invention, the individual
modules are dual-segmented. That is, they are comprised of a pair
of base members 55,57 and a corresponding pair of decorative inserts
63. The module 53 of FIG. 17, for example, has the appearance of
a pair of modules 3 permanently attached at 59. The dual-segmented
configuration results in an equally attractive jewelry article,
but has advantages in lowering labor costs in the manufacturing
process.
[0158] It should be noted that, in manufacturing the module 53,
the two separate base portions 55, 57 may be connected by means
of welding, or the double base portion configuration shown in FIG.
17 may be cast as a single dual-base piece. In either case, the
assembly of a bracelet 51 is made simpler by the fact that half
as many modules 53 need connecting together to form a tennis bracelet
than if the module 53 was divided into separate individual modules
such as that shown in FIG. 5.
[0159] It will be understood that more than two segments 3, 3A,
3B, 3C, for example, may be fixedly attached to form a multi-segment
jewelry module. Only single-segment and dual-segment modules are
described herein in detail for ease of presentation. Also, multiple-segment
modules may be designed with all segments in a planar alignment,
or with the segments connected so as to form a slightly arcuate
module for more closely conforming to the curvature of a persons
wrist.
[0160] As with the FIG. 11 embodiment, each base portion, i.e.
a first base portion 55 and a second base portion 57, is provided
with originally downwardly directed tabs or prongs 69, and after
a pair of decorative inserts 63 are installed, the tabs or prongs
69 are bent to apply pressure against the rear surfaces 64 of inserts
63.
[0161] FIG. 15 shows a segment of a completed tennis bracelet 51
having the first and second base portion 55, 57, respectively, welded
as shown at 59, and each base portion 55, 57 securely houses a separate
decorative insert 63 employing the function and procedure described
in connection with FIGS. 12 and 13. Connecting the dual-segment
base module 53 with the linking means 61 is evident by reference
FIG. 16.
[0162] FIGS. 18-23 illustrate a dual-segment module 73 differing
in construction from that of FIGS. 15-17. In FIGS. 18-23, the hollow
base member 74 has a figure-8 shape with a first base portion 76
and a second base portion 78. About the inner periphery of each
base portion 76, 78, there is provided an annular rim 75, 77, respectively.
Annular rims 75, 77 serve the same purpose as the annular rim 41
described in connection with FIG. 12. That is, annular rims 75,
77 provide a stop for an insert 63 (FIG. 20) moving in the bottom-to-top
direction.
[0163] As observed in FIGS. 20 and 21, the dual-segment insert
63 is likewise figure-8 shaped, with a pair of nearly circular faceted
decorative surfaces 63A and 63B.
[0164] FIG. 19 is a side view of the two-portion module 73 showing
the position of the linking means 81 and a number of open windows
87. It will be recalled that, in the single and double base configurations
of FIGS. 12 and 17, a thickened upper portion, denoted as annular
band 27 is formed with the downwardly depending projecting tabs
or prongs 29, 69. In the embodiment of FIGS. 18-23, there is no
need for an annular band, since the downwardly projecting tabs or
prongs 85 are formed depending from the upper frame of one or more
of the windows 87. When the prongs 85 are bent inwardly against
the rear surface 68 (see FIG. 21) of the decorative insert 63, the
tabs or prongs 85 are virtually not visible and thus do not detract
from the beauty of the jewelry article.
[0165] In addition to a number of tabs or prongs 85 around the
periphery of each base portion 76, 78, the module 73 may be cast
with a projecting central prong 79 which may extend downwardly from
the center of the module 73, and/or one or two prongs may be formed
at one or two locations 79A and 79B, depending on the number of
prongs required, necessary, or desired for retaining the insert
63 in position.
[0166] In this respect, FIGS. 23A-23F show the tab or prong positions
for a number of possible configurations for the tabs or prongs employed
to retain the insert 63 in place. That is, FIG. 23A-23F show, in
order, the configuration for retaining insert 63 by means of a single
prong, two prongs, three prongs, four prongs, five prongs, and eight
prongs. These configurations, and others which are possible with
the construction and description of the embodiment of FIGS. 18-23,
are possible and at the discretion of the jewelry article designer.
[0167] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the insert 63 shown
in FIG. 20, FIG. 21 showing the two faceted regions 63A and 63B
which are viewable through openings 80 and 82 in the first and second
base portions 76, 78, respectively. Central hole 63F is positioned
and sized to receive prong 79 of the dual-segment base member 74
(FIG. 18).
[0168] The dashed lines in FIG. 21 show an offset in insert 63,
defining a depression 63D for bridging across connection 74A (FIG.
18) when such connection 74A is at a position in base member 74
lower than the annular rims 75,77.
[0169] FIG. 22 illustrates the possibility of connecting individual
circular inserts 63C and 63D by a bridge strap 66, a plan view of
such configuration being substantially the same as that shown in
FIG. 20. The advantage of the FIG. 22 arrangement is that the same
inserts can be used in the dual-segment base configuration as used
in the single-segment base configuration.
[0170] Not shown in the drawings is another possible embodiment
for the dual-segment, figure-8, base configuration. Such an alternative
configuration would have both base portions 76 and 78 constructed
similar to the single base portion embodiment of FIG. 8. That is,
the entire module 73 may be formed by an integral, monolithic, casting,
in which case there would be no need for any tabs or prongs 79,
79A, 79B, or 85.
[0171] FIG. 24 is relevant in this respect, as it shows, in cross
section, the integral, monolithic, module 3B in which the faceted
design 95, formed by the casting process, is enhanced in reflectivity
and luster by coating the surface 95 with rhodium or other material
93 from a nozzle 91. The process forms a layer 97 which additionally
protects the decorative portion against corrosion.
[0172] FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative shape for the individual
base portions of a bracelet segment 99. Here, the dual-segment modules
105 are comprised of a pair of heart-shaped base members 101, 103.
FIG. 26 is thus suggestive that the choice for a geometrical configuration
of the base portion, or base portions, is virtually unlimited. For
example, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct
a decorative jewelry article having a round or square base with
a heart-shaped cutout in the upper surface thereof, and with a round
or square decorative insert mounted underneath, and exposed through,
the heart-shaped cutout.
[0173] FIGS. 27 and 28 show the construction of another variation
of the dual-segmented decorative insert similar to that of FIG.
18, except that the front of the dual-segmented base 109 has an
open and continuous channel 111 leading to both end openings 113
and 115, while the view from above for the configuration of FIGS.
18-23 which reveal two separate, and isolated, faceted surfaces
63A and 63B. In FIG. 28, a connecting part of the faceted insert
107 is visible in the open channel 111 creating an unusual visual
effect for the module.
[0174] FIG. 29 is a partial perspective drawing showing connected
ones of the decorative jewelry article 117 forming a bracelet 116.
The individual articles 117 may be welded or soldered, preferably
laser soldered, together in any desired pattern, FIG. 29 being an
example only. In FIG. 29, each connected module has a knurled annular
top surface and a smooth cylindrical side surface.
[0175] FIG. 30 shows a decorative jewelry article 120 having alternate
surface texture treatments of the base member exposed surfaces 121,
123 from that shown in FIGS. 5-10.
[0176] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a decorative jewelry article
having a base member similar to that of FIG. 30, but with a smooth
outer side surface 118 and a wider knurled annular top surface 119.
[0177] FIG. 32 is a schematic representation of a four segment
decorative jewelry article 124 having modules 123 of any style hereinbefore
described, and with linking means 125 extending from two parallel
modules along one side of the article 124.
[0178] FIG. 33 is a schematic representation of a six segment decorative
jewelry article 127, having modules 129 and linking means 131, a
number of such articles 127 being connectable in series longitudinally
of the connected articles.
[0179] FIG. 34 is a schematic representation also of a six segment
decorative jewelry article 133, but with three linking means 137
extending from three aligned modules 135, a number of such articles
133 being connectable in series laterally of the connected articles.
[0180] FIG. 35 is a schematic representation of a decorative jewelry
article 139 having three segments 141 and a single linking means
143, a number of such articles 139 being connectable in series longitudinally
of the connected articles.
[0181] It is to be understood that the number of connected modules
to form a multiple-segment decorative jewelry article, and the geometrical
arrangement of such connected modules, is virtually limitless. The
specific arrangements shown and described herein are exemplary only.
[0182] FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of a module 151 which
is a variation of the stepped embodiment of the module shown in
FIG. 7, the former shown to have additional horizontal annular surfaces
(steps) 153,155,157,159 and to have vertical cylindrical surfaces
161,163,165,167 of different surface finishes or textures.
[0183] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another variation of a
jewelry article 171, having a base member 173, the top portion of
which defines a bezel portion 177, as shown in solid lines, a decorative
insert 181 being viewable through the bezel 177. One or more cutouts,
or depressions, 179a, 179b is/are provided in the bezel portion
along the extent thereof. Optional sidewall windows 183 may be provided,
as shown in phantom lining, to enhance the beauty of the jewelry
article and to reduce the amount of precious metal needed in the
manufacture of the jewelry article. It will be understood that such
optional windows may be provided in the base member of any jewelry
article shown and described herein.
[0184] In the embodiment shown, the decorative insert 181 is below
the bottom 180 of the surface discontinuities 179a, 179b. The configuration
of a similarly configured second jewelry article 175, shown in phantom
lining, may be affixed to the first jewelry article 171 in a known
manner to form a dual-segment jewelry article, their respective
base members 173, 175 joined together.
[0185] Separately, or in combination, the bezel 177, 178 of each
base member 173, 176 has at least one surface discontinuity 179a-179h
arranged according to a prescribed pattern. A single jewelry article
177 may have one or more surface discontinuities 179a-179d along
the extent of its bezel 177.
[0186] In combination, one or more surface discontinuities are
arranged along the two bezels 177, 178. The prescribed pattern may
be, at the discretion of the designer: a first pattern having one
or more surface discontinuities 179c, 179d, 179g, and 179h only
along a line passing through the centers of the two base members
173,176; a second pattern having the one or more surface discontinuities
179a, 179b, 179e, 179f only along at least one line perpendicular
to a line passing through the centers of the two base members 173,176;
or a third pattern having one or more surface discontinuities 179c,
179d, 179g, and 179h along a line passing through the centers of
the two base members 173,176 and other surface discontinuities 179a,
179b, 179e, 179f along at least one line perpendicular to a line
passing through the centers of the two base members 173,176.
[0187] As seen in FIG. 38, showing the side views of a variety
of jewelry articles 187, 193, 197, the surface discontinuities 189,
195, 199 may have different shapes, such as a rectangular shape,
a V shape, rounded, or any desired geometrical or random shape.
Additionally, the depth 191 of any surface discontinuity, in the
different embodiments shown and described herein, may be selected
at the discretion of the designer.
[0188] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of a jewelry article 201, in which
a stepped decorative insert 209 is soldered in place within a base
member 202. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the stepped decorative
insert 209 seen in FIG. 39.
[0189] The decorative insert 209 has a flange 211 bordering a central
raised portion 213 having a decorative top surface 214, in this
embodiment, shown in phantom lining, a faceted top surface 214.
[0190] Returning to FIG. 39, the base member 202 has a bezel, the
bottom 216 of the bezel being seen in this bottom view. When assembled,
the decorative insert 209 is placed in base member 202 and positioned
to have its flange 211 abut against the bottom 216 of the bezel.
Thereafter, at one or more locations, a solder joint 206 is made
joining the outer edge of the flange 211 to the bottom 216 of the
bezel, such as shown at 204. Alternatively, a solder joint may be
made to join the outer edge of the flange 211 to the interior wall
203 of the base member 202.
[0191] Optionally, the base member 202 may have one or more small
projections 205 adjacent the bezel bottom 216, or on the bezel bottom
216 itself, and a solder joint 206 is made between the flange 211
and the projection(s) 205.
[0192] As a further option, the flange 211 may have one or more
notches 215 along its outer edge, a solder joint is made between
the notch(s) 215 and the projection(s) 205, as best seen in FIG.
51 to be described hereinafter.
[0193] In FIG. 39, a pair of projections 205 are shown soldered
to the outer edge of the flange 211. For added security, if desired,
additional projections can be provided, and additional solder joints
can be made. For example, rather than providing the opposing pair
of projections 205, three projections 207, spaced 120.degree. apart,
can be provided.
[0194] FIG. 41 is a partial cross sectional view of the jewelry
article 201 shown in FIG. 39, taken along the lines 41-41. In this
view, and in FIGS. 42 and 43, the decorative top surface 214 of
the decorative inserts 209a-209c are shown schematically, indicating
any type of decorative top surface treatment, such as faceted, diamond
cut, beaded, textured, colored, etc. In FIG. 41 it will be observed
that the decorative insert 209a has a flange 211a abutting the bottom
216a of the bezel 212a. The central raised portion 213a of the decorative
insert 209a projects into the opening 210a in bezel 212a and is
flush with the top surface of the bezel 212a. In this embodiment,
in order to reduce the amount of precious metal in the manufacturing
of the jewelry article, without detracting in any way with the aesthetic
qualities of the jewelry article, the raised portion 213a is made
hollow as indicated at 215a. In this description, a decorative insert
having a raised portion and a bordering bottom flange is referred
to as a stepped decorative insert.
[0195] The solder joint 206, joining the flange 211a to a projection
205 is also shown in FIG. 41, as well as in FIGS. 42 and 43.
[0196] FIG. 42 is a partial cross sectional view of a jewelry article
similar to that shown in FIGS. 39 and 41, but with a non-hollow
decorative insert 209b having its flange 211b affixed to the bottom
216b of bezel 212b, the bottom 217 of the decorative insert 209b
being flush with the bottom of the flange 211b.
[0197] FIG. 43 is a partial cross sectional view of a jewelry article
similar to that shown in FIGS. 39 and 41, but with a shorter stepped
decorative insert 209c, placing the decorative top surface 214 below
the top of the bezel 212c.
[0198] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another variation of a
jewelry article 217, in which the top surface 229 of the decorative
insert lies below the top 221 of the bezel portion 219, but above
the bottom 225 of the bezel surface discontinuities, in this example
cutouts, or depressions, 223, thus exposing the side 227 of the
raised portion of the decorative insert.
[0199] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another variation of a
jewelry article 231, in which the top surface 237 of the decorative
insert is at the same level as the top 235 of the bezel portion
233.
[0200] FIGS. 46-48 illustrate another variation of a jewelry article
240, in which the surface discontinuities are two through openings
249 in the base member bezel 242, as best seen in FIG. 46 showing
the bottom view of the associated base member 241. In this embodiment,
the openings 249 are located along the interior of the bezel 242,
leaving a thin outer exterior portion 243 of the bezel 242, and
preferably making the entire base member sidewall 244 relatively
thin along the extent of the base member 241. In this manner, a
portion of the flange 211d of the decorative insert 209d is visible
through the bezel openings 249. The decorative insert 209d is seen
to have diamond cut facets 214a formed on the top of the raised
center portion 213d. As illustrated in the cross sectional view
of FIG. 48, taken along the lines 48-48 in FIG. 47, the flange 211d
butts against the underside 216d of the conical shaped bezel portion
242 of base member 241.
[0201] Preferably, the exposed portions 211d of the flange are
treated to have a pleasing visual property, such as high reflectivity,
texture, color, or other visible properties as described herein.
[0202] FIG. 47 is a top view of the jewelry article 240 employing
the base member 241 of FIG. 46 and a stepped decorative insert 209d
similar to that of FIG. 40.
[0203] FIGS. 49 and 50 illustrate another variation of a jewelry
article base member 251, similar to that shown in FIG. 46, but with
three through openings 259 in the bezel 252, leaving a thin outer
exterior portion 253 of the bezel 252, and preferably making the
entire sidewall 254 relatively thin along the extent of the base
member 251. A bottom view of the base member 251 is shown in FIG.
49 and a top view of a fully assembled jewelry article 250 is shown
in FIG. 50. The jewelry article 250 has a stepped decorative insert
209e, like that of FIG. 40, with facets 214e formed on the raised
portion 213e thereof, and portions of the flange 211e being exposed
through the openings 259.
[0204] As noted, supra, FIG. 51 is a partial view of the bottom
of an assembled jewelry article, such as that shown in FIGS. 49
and 50, depicting a soldering region 206a different from that in
FIG. 39. In this arrangement for fastening a decorative insert 209e
to the bottom of the bezel 252 (FIG. 51), the decorative insert
209e has at least one notch 213 in its flange 211, the notch 213
engaging an associated projection 257 on the interior 203a of the
base member 202a adjacent the bezel (FIG. 51). Preferably, the soldering
technique is a laser soldering method.
[0205] FIG. 52 is a partial cross sectional view of a jewelry article
similar to that shown in FIG. 43, but with a portion of the flange
211e outside of the decorative raised portion 213e of the decorative
insert 209e being exposed through the opening 242e in the bezel
252e of base member 202e.
[0206] FIGS. 53-55 illustrate a jewelry article 261 employing a
pin-type decorative insert securing arrangement 269,271.
[0207] FIG. 53 is a bottom view of a dual-segment base member 202f
adapted for holding either a single dual-segment decorative insert,
such as that shown in FIG. 27, or two separate decorative inserts
made in the manner of any of the decorative inserts shown and described
herein. In either case, a dual-segment jewelry article 260, such
as that shown in FIG. 55, may be produced.
[0208] A latch 267 is shown at one end of the base member 202f
for connecting the base member 202f to another jewelry article (also
see FIGS. 15 and 16 and the associated descriptive text for additional
details). It will be understood that the securing arrangement method
to be described can apply equally well to a single, non-segmented
jewelry article embodiment.
[0209] In FIGS. 53-56, holes 269 are shown to be formed through
the sidewall segments 265 of the base member 202f, through which
a long pin 271 is passed after the decorative insert 209f is inserted
with its flange 211f abutting the bezel bottom 216f. The pin 271
has an enlarged end, or head, 273 preventing it from passing through
the holes 269. After passing under the decorative insert 209f, the
pin 271 is passed through the opposite hole 269 and has its end
275 bent or enlarged, as by heating, swaging, compressing, and the
like to prevent pin 271 from being pulled back through the second
hole. If necessary, the shaft of the pin is bent in the direction
of arrow 279 (see cross sectional view of FIG. 55) to apply pressure
against the bottom of the decorative insert 209f.
[0210] FIG. 57 is a plan view of a variation of the decorative
insert shown in FIG. 40. The decorative insert 281 of FIG. 57 has
a decorative raised portion 282 with a top surface having adjacent
pie-shaped segments 287,289 exhibiting a pattern of alternating
diamond cut, faceted, segments 287 and segments 289 having surfaces
exhibiting at least one visual property selected from the group
consisting of different colors, different surface textures, different
reflectivities, different gold karat weights, different materials.
Preferably, the number of pie-shaped segments 287,289, or only the
number of diamond cut segments 287, is greater than that shown.
[0211] FIG. 58 is a side view of the decorative insert 281 shown
in FIG. 57, showing the outer edge of each diamond cut being deepest
at the outer edge and most shallow, or not cut at all, at the center
of the decorative insert 281. Such a formation of the diamond cut
is created employing, for example, the method suggested by the graphical
representation of FIGS. 66 or 67, to be described hereinafter. If
desired, the diamond cut may be made deepest at the center and most
shallow, or not cut at all, at the outer edge of the decorative
insert 281. This alternate formation of the diamond cut may be created
employing, for example, the method suggested by the graphical representation
of FIG. 65, to be described hereinafter.
[0212] If desired, all of the pie-shaped segments 287,289 may be
diamond cut as seen in the embodiment variation shown in FIG. 59
in which all segments 297 and 299 are diamond cut. In such case,
also if desired, alternate ones 299 of the pie-shaped segments may
have openings 301 therethrough.
[0213] FIG. 60 is a side view of the decorative insert 291 shown
in FIG. 59, showing the outer edge of each diamond cut being deepest
at the outer edge and most shallow, or not cut at all, at the center
of the decorative insert 291. Such a formation of the diamond cut
is created employing, for example, the method suggested by the graphical
representation of FIGS. 66 or 67, to be described hereinafter. If
desired, the diamond cut may be made deepest at the center and most
shallow, or not cut at all, at the outer edge of the decorative
insert 291. This alternate formation of the diamond cut may be created
employing, for example, the method suggested by the graphical representation
of FIG. 65, to be described hereinafter.
[0214] FIG. 61 is a cross sectional view of a base member 301 showing
a flat top surface on the bezel 303.
[0215] FIG. 62 is a cross sectional view of a base member 305 showing
a rounded-off, top surface on the bezel 307.
[0216] FIG. 63 is a cross sectional view of a base member 309 showing
a toroidal, or donut, shaped top surface on the bezel 311.
[0217] FIG. 64 is a cross sectional view of a base member 313 showing
a conical shaped top surface on the bezel 315.
[0218] The top and/or side surfaces of any of the base members
shown in FIGS. 61-64 may be smooth, faceted, textured, colored,
or serrated.
[0219] FIG. 65 is a graphical representation of a diamond cutting
wheel 319, having a cutting diamond 321, forming a diamond cut 323
in a decorative insert 317, shown in cross section, wherein the
deepest part of the cut is at the center of the decorative insert
317, the shallowest part being at the side edges of the decorative
insert 317.
[0220] FIG. 66 is a graphical representation of a diamond cutting
wheel 329, having a cutting diamond 331, forming a diamond cut 333
in a decorative insert 327, shown in cross section, wherein the
shallowest parts of the cut are at the center and side edge of the
decorative insert 327, the deepest part being in between the center
and side edge of the decorative insert 327.
[0221] FIG. 67 is a graphical representation of a diamond cutting
wheel 343, having a cutting diamond 345, forming a diamond cut 347
in a decorative insert 341, shown in cross section, similar to that
shown in FIG. 66, but with the side, or sides, 342 of the decorative
insert 341 being sloped.
[0222] FIGS. 68-72 illustrate another variation of a jewelry article
351 constructed of a segmented bezel 355, a base member 350 with
a stepped sidewall 353, 353a, 353b, and a decorative insert 352
having a segmented flange 359. As seen in the bottom view of the
base member 350 in FIG. 69, the base member sidewall is comprised
of eight segments, two inner sidewall segments 353, two outer sidewall
segments 353a, and four radial connecting sidewall segments 353b.
[0223] The base member sidewall 353, 353a, 353b has a prescribed
wall thickness, and the bezel segments 355 have a prescribed width,
defined as the distance between an interior periphery and an outer
periphery of the bezel segments 355, larger than the thickness of
the base member sidewall 353, 353a, 353b, such that a portion of
the inner sidewall 353 is exposed through the surface discontinuity
opening between the two bezel segments 355. With this arrangement,
the outer side 361 of the decorative insert raised portion 357 is
bounded by the inside of the inner sidewall 353.
[0224] The decorative insert flange 359, shown in phantom lining
in FIG. 68, is discontinuous along the border of the raised decorative
portion 357, whereby segments of the flange 359 are positioned beneath
the bezel segments 355 and hidden from view.
[0225] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the decorative insert 352
employed in the jewelry article 351 of FIG. 68, showing notches
365 which engage projections 363 (FIGS. 68 and 69) prior to being
soldered together, fixing the decorative insert 352 firmly against
the bottom of the bezel 355.
[0226] By providing an interior ledge 364 where the sidewall segments
355a meet the underside of the bezel segments 355, two significantly
different visual appearances of the jewelry article 351 can be realized
simply by varying the height of the raised portion 357 and the radial
extent of the flange 359 of the decorative insert 352. In the cross
sectional views of FIGS. 71 and 72, taken along the lines 71-71
and 72-72, respectively, in FIG. 68, the height of the raised portion
357 and radial extent of the flange 359 are sufficiently short that
the top surface 367 of the raised portion 357 is positioned underneath
the bezel segments 355. In the cross sectional view of FIG. 73,
the height of the raised portion 357a and radial extent of the flange
359a are sufficiently large that the top surface 367a of the raised
portion 357a is positioned to protrude through the open space between
the inner edges of the bezel segments 355, with the top surface
367a at or below the top of the bezel segments 355.
[0227] FIG. 74 shows a pendant, or brooch, 371 of arbitrary design
having a number of cylindrical pockets 372 formed therein to accept,
in each pocket, a single non-segmented decorative jewelry article
375, 377, in this example the two jewelry articles being of different
sizes. Alternatively, base members for the decorative jewelry articles
375, 377 can be integrally formed when the pendant or brooch 371
is formed, such that only a decorative insert need be inserted.
The pendant, or brooch, 371 has a loop 373 at its top for attachment
to a chain or other jewelry article.
[0228] FIG. 75 shows a pendant, or brooch, 381 functionally similar
to that of FIG. 74, except that it has a different design and has
only a single, heart shaped, pocket 382 for receiving a heart shaped
jewelry article 385. Again, the base member for the decorative jewelry
article 385 can be integrally formed when the pendant or brooch
381 is formed, such that only a heart shaped decorative insert need
be inserted. The pendant, or brooch, 381 has a loop 383 at its top
for attachment to a chain or other jewelry article.
[0229] FIG. 76 shows a length of bracelet 391 of arbitrary design
having a number of cylindrical pockets 393 formed therein. The pockets
393 are sized to accept any of the single cylindrical non-segmented
decorative jewelry articles described herein, for example the decorative
jewelry article 250 of FIG. 50. An appropriate attaching process
is employed to fix the decorative jewelry articles 250 in place,
such as by soldering, welding, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, instead
of forming the bracelet 391 with pockets 393 for insertion of the
base member 251 of a complete decorative jewelry article 250, the
bracelet 391 itself may be provided with an integral base portion,
also numbered 393 in FIG. 76, formed, for example, by casting.
[0230] It will be understood that techniques to manufacture specific
articles of jewelry such as described in connection with FIGS. 74-76
are not limited to the examples shown and described. For example
the decorative jewelry articles according to this specification
can be inserted into a finger ring, into earrings, and any of a
virtually limitless number of other jewelry articles.
[0231] FIGS. 77-103 depict empty base members exhibiting a variety
of surface appearances for the sidewalls of the base members and/or
for the top surfaces of the bezel portions of the base members.
[0232] It will be understood that, in describing the various embodiments
for FIGS. 77-103, a "patterned surface" is intended to
mean a surface that exhibits at least two different visual properties
along the extent thereof, including, where applicable: serrated
surfaces, textured surfaces, colored surfaces, smooth surfaces,
faceted surfaces, planar surfaces, conical surfaces, straight peripheral
sides, stepped peripheral sides, -and/or surface shapes as described
herein. Moreover, such visual properties may be combined in a virtually
limitless number of arrangements and presentations. For purposes
of illustration, in FIGS. 77-103, the different visual properties
are distinguished by portions of a bezel and/or base member sidewall
exhibiting diagrammatically different markings.
[0233] As further explanation of the visual property aspects of
FIGS. 77-103, the two different visual properties may alternate
along the extent of the bezel and/or base member sidewall, such
as seen in FIGS. 77, 78, 80, 81, 83-87, 89, and 92-97. In other
of FIGS. 77-103, the two different visual properties are consistent
and continuous, or repeated, along the extent of the bezel and/or
base member sidewall, such as seen in FIGS. 79, 82, 88, 90, 91,
and 98-103.
[0234] Finally, in FIGS. 77-87, 89-99 and 101, the proportions
of alternate visual property portions on a bezel surface or on a
base member sidewall surface may be varied from the specific proportions
shown. For example, FIG. 77 shows equal surface portions having
different visual properties. However, the surface areas having different
visual properties may be in any proportion.
[0235] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a base member 401 for a
jewelry article, in which the bezel portion has a patterned surface
403, 407, and the base member sidewall has a patterned surface 405,409.
Although shown to have similar visual properties on the same side
of the bezel and base member sidewall, the bezel and base member
sidewall may have similar visual properties on opposite sides of
the base member.
[0236] FIG. 78 shows a base member 411, in which the bezel portion
has a patterned surface 413, 417, the base member 411 having a non-patterned
sidewall 415.
[0237] FIG. 79 shows a base member 421, in which the bezel portion
has a patterned surface 423, 425, the base member 421 having a non-patterned
sidewall 427. The embodiment of FIG. 79 is exemplary of a bezel
having a consistent and continuous visual property pattern extending
along the length thereof.
[0238] FIG. 80 shows a base member 431, in which the bezel portion
has a patterned surface 433, 435, the base member 431 having a non-patterned
sidewall 437. This embodiment differs from that of FIG. 78, in that
the patterned surface is rotated, producing a significantly different
visual appearance in a bracelet, for example, in which a number
of jewelry articles are connected together in serial fashion.
[0239] FIG. 81 shows a base member 441 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 443,445, and the
base member sidewall has a patterned surface 447,449. Although shown
to have similar visual properties along the bezel and base member
sidewall, the bezel and sidewall may have similar, but offset, visual
properties alternating as between the bezel and sidewall, producing
an apparent checkerboard design for the jewelry article.
[0240] FIG. 82 shows a base member 451, in which the bezel portion
has a patterned surface 453, 455, the base member 451 having a non-patterned
sidewall 457. The embodiment of FIG. 79 is similar to that of FIG.
79, but differs in the proportional widths of the two portions exhibiting
different visual properties.
[0241] FIG. 83 shows a base member 461 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 463,465, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 467.
[0242] FIG. 84 shows a base member 471 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 473,475, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 477. This figure
illustrates the visual appearance of a base member 471 in which
one portion of the bezel exhibits radial serrations as one of the
visual properties.
[0243] FIG. 85 shows a base member 481 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 483,485, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 487. This figure
illustrates the visual appearance of a base member 481 in which
one portion of the bezel exhibits concentric serrations as one of
the visual properties.
[0244] FIG. 86 shows a base member 491 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 493,495, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 497. This figure
illustrates the visual appearance of a base member 491 in which
one portion of the bezel exhibits a knurled surface as one of the
visual properties.
[0245] FIG. 87 shows a base member 501 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 503, 505, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 507. This embodiment
differs from that of FIG. 83, in that the regions of the bezel having
different visual properties are larger and smaller in number, giving
a different visual appearance to a jewelry article.
[0246] FIG. 88 shows a base member 511, in which the bezel portion
has a patterned surface 513, the base member 511 having a non-patterned
sidewall 517. In this embodiment, the bezel comprises an interior
edge 515 and an exterior edge 516, the exterior edge being smooth
and coincident with the base member sidewall, and the bezel has
a series of adjacent notches 516 formed on the interior edge 515
along the extent thereof.
[0247] FIG. 89 shows a base member 521 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 523, 525, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 528. In this embodiment,
the bezel comprises a decorative protrusion 530 on each of the patterned
surface portions 525, each of the protrusions 525 being faceted,
as by diamond cutting, to simulate a set gem 529, such as a diamond.
To further simulate a set gem, a pair of posts or tabs 527 are provided
on each side of the simulated gem 529, simulating the means for
setting a real gem.
[0248] FIG. 90 shows a base member 531, in which the bezel portion
has a patterned surface 533, 535, the base member 531 having a non-patterned
sidewall 537. The embodiment of FIG. 90 is similar to that of FIG.
82, but differs in the provision of a zigzag border between the
inner bezel surface portion 533 and the outer bezel surface portion
535.
[0249] FIG. 91 shows a base member 541, in which the bezel portion
has a patterned surface 543, 545, the base member 531 having a non-patterned
sidewall 547. The embodiment of FIG. 91 is similar to that of FIG.
90, but differs in the design of the zigzag edge of bezel surface
portion 533, the zigzag extending from the inner edge 542 to the
outer edge 544 of the bezel.
[0250] FIG. 92 shows a base member 551 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 553,555, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 557. In this embodiment,
the patterned surface 555 exhibits recognizable symbols forming
a real or implied message, in this example, the word "MOM"
with heart shaped symbols inserted for the letter "O"
and as additional decorations.
[0251] FIG. 93 shows a base member 561 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 563,565, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 567. In this embodiment,
the patterned surfaces 563 and 565 are inverted in contrast as compared
to those of FIG. 92. Also the patterned surface 565 exhibits recognizable
symbols forming a real or implied message, in this example, the
phrase "I LOVE YOU" with heart shaped symbols inserted
for the letter "O" in "LOVE", and as additional
decorations.
[0252] FIG. 94 shows a base member 571 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 573,575, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 577. In this embodiment,
the alternate patterned surface portions 573,575 have wavy sides.
[0253] FIG. 95 shows a base member 581 for a jewelry article, in
which the bezel portion has a patterned surface 583,585, and the
base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 587. Although not
to be so limited, the patterned surface 585 exhibits recognizable
symbols, in this example, heart shaped symbols.
[0254] FIG. 96 is a perspective view of a dual-segment base member
591 for jewelry articles, having base member segments 591a and 591b.
Segment 591a has a patterned bezel 592, 593, and segment 591b has
a patterned bezel 596,597. Optionally, the sidewalls of the base
member segments 591a and 591b may be non-patterned, or they may
have respective patterned surfaces 594, 595 and/or 598,599. The
bezel patterned surfaces 592,593 (or 596, 597) can be in registration
with, or may alternate with, the sidewall patterned surfaces 594,
595 (or 598,599).
[0255] FIG. 97 is a perspective view of a dual-segment base member
601 for jewelry articles, having base member segments 601a and 601b.
Segment 601a has a patterned bezel 602, 603, and segment 601b has
a patterned bezel 605,607. Optionally, the sidewalls of the base
member segments 601a and 601b may be non-patterned, or they may
have respective patterned surfaces 604, 606 and/or 608,609. The
bezel patterned surfaces 602,603 (or 605, 607) can be in registration
with, or may alternate with, the sidewall patterned surfaces 604,
606 (or 608,609). Significantly, the orientation of the bezel and
base member sidewall patterned surfaces, as between FIGS. 96 and
97, result in quite different visual appearances when assembled
to form a bracelet, for example. Employing the dual-segmented base
member 591 of FIG. 96 produces a bracelet having the appearance
of closely alternating visual properties along the length of the
bracelet, while employing the dual-segmented base member 601 of
FIG. 97 produces a bracelet having the appearance of an undulating
visual property along the length of the bracelet.
[0256] FIG. 98 shows a base member 611, in which the bezel portion
has a non-patterned surface 613, and the base member 611 has a patterned
sidewall 615, 617. The embodiment of FIG. 98 is exemplary of a base
member sidewall having a consistent and continuous visual property
pattern extending along the circumference thereof.
[0257] FIG. 99 shows a base member 621, in which the bezel portion
has a non-patterned surface 623, and the base member 621 has a patterned
sidewall 625, 627. The embodiment of FIG. 99 is exemplary of a base
member sidewall having a consistent and repeated visual property
pattern extending along the circumference thereof, in this example
a zigzag pattern having points of the zigzag pattern extended, alternately,
to the top and bottom of the base member sidewall.
[0258] FIG. 100 shows a base member 631, in which the sidewall
635 has a series of adjacent vertically oriented notches 635 formed
thereon, thereby creating a notched pattern along the exterior edge
of the bezel portion 633. The top surface of the bezel is otherwise
non-patterned.
[0259] FIG. 101 shows a base member 632, in which the bezel portion
has a consistent and repeated patterned surface 634, 636, 638 along
the extent thereof, the base member 632 having a non-patterned sidewall
640. The bezel portion is preferably conical shaped with the patterned
surface comprising: an inner portion having a smooth and continuous
visual property along the extent thereof; a central portion having
a repeated pattern, simulating a string of beads, along the extent
thereof; and an outer portion also having a smooth and continuous
visual property along the extent thereof.
[0260] FIGS. 102 is a perspective view a base member 641 for a
jewelry article, in which the bezel portion has a patterned surface
643, and the base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface 645.
In this example the patterned surface 643 simulates a continuous
length of twisted rope strands arranged along the extent of the
bezel.
[0261] FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a base member 651 for
a jewelry article, in which the bezel portion has a patterned surface
653, 655, and the base member sidewall has a non-patterned surface
657. In this example the patterned bezel surface simulates a continuous
length of twisted rope strands arranged along the extent of the
bezel, with adjacent simulated strands of the simulated rope exhibiting
different visual properties.
[0262] FIGS. 104 and 105 are, respectively, a top view and a side
perspective view of a decorative insert 661 having a flat top 663
and side facets 665 simulating a cut diamond or other cut gem. For
fastening the decorative insert 661 in a base member, such as any
of those shown and described herein, a pair of tabs 662 are provided,
the tabs 662 being soldered to the underside of the bezel of a chosen
base member. Alternatively, notches 664 can be provided so as to
embrace a corresponding projection on the interior of the base member,
as herein shown and described (e.g., see FIG. 51).
[0263] FIGS. 106 and 107 are, respectively, a top perspective view
and a side perspective view of a decorative insert 671 having a
flat top 673 and a series of adjacent flat side facets 675. A pair
of tabs 672, or a pair of notches 674, may be provided for fastening
the decorative insert 671 in a base member, in the manner described
in connection with FIGS. 104 and 105.
[0264] FIG. 108 is a perspective view of a decorative insert 681
having a flat top 683 and a smooth, sloping, sidewall 685. A pair
of tabs 682, or a pair of notches 684, may be provided for fastening
the decorative insert 681 in a base member, in the manner described
in connection with FIGS. 104 and 105.
[0265] FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a square shaped jewelry
article 691, the bezel 693 and sidewall 695 of the base member 694
being smooth, and a square shaped decorative insert 697 projecting
through an opening 697 in the bezel 693.
[0266] FIG. 110 is a plan view of the decorative insert 697 shown
in FIG. 109 as would be seen when removed from the base member 694.
The decorative insert 697 is unique in the sense that it comprises
multiple, e.g. four, separate faceted areas, a first such area formed
by crossed diamond cuts 701 and 702, preferably formed by using
the diamond cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 66. Similarly, three
other faceted areas are created, respectively, by crossed diamond
cuts 703 and 704, 705 and 706, and 707 and 708. By selecting a precise
depth for the diamond cuts 701-708, the crossed diamond cuts form
raised side peaks in the material being diamond cut, exemplified
by those shown at 709-712. The separate diamond cut areas depicted
in FIG. 110 are partitioned by crossed dividing strips 699 having
a series of raised protrusions thereon, e.g. simulating a string
of beads along each of the strips 699.
[0267] For fastening the decorative insert 692 in a base member,
such as any of those shown and described herein, manufactured in
a rectangular or square configuration, a plurality of tabs 700 are
provided, the tabs 700 being soldered to the underside of the bezel
or to the interior of a base member sidewall of a chosen base member.
[0268] FIG. 111 is a top plan view of a faceted decorative insert
721 formed in the shape of a flower or rosette with a plurality
of simulated petals 723. Preferably, each petal 723 is diamond cut
lengthwise, i.e., radially along lines indicated, for example, by
lines 725 and 726, thereby forming inwardly converging facets for
each petal 723 exemplified by converging diamond cut sides 727 and
729. If desired, every other petal 723 may be diamond cut, the intervening
ones remaining flat and treated to have a different visual property,
or not, at the discretion of the designer.
[0269] A delicate and fanciful design can be realized by forming
openings 731 in each, or every other, petal 723.
[0270] FIG. 112 is a bottom view of a jewelry article 735 in which
a generalized decorative insert 741 is attached to the base member
737 by means of soldered tabs 743, similar to tabs 700 shown in
FIG. 110, the solder joints shown at 745. The tabs 743 can be soldered,
preferably laser soldered, to the bottom of the bezel 739, or to
the sidewall 736 of the base member 737. This method of fastening
a decorative insert into the interior of a base member is the preferred
method for the decorative insert embodiments shown in FIGS. 104-111.
[0271] It will be understood that, just as with the radially faceted
tops of the dual-segmented decorative inserts shown in FIGS. 20-22,
27, and 28, other decorative insert designs and diamond cut patterns,
such as those shown in FIGS. 104-111 can be made to be dual-segmented,
or even multi-segmented. Such dual-segmented or multi-segmented
decorative inserts may thus be fitted into dual-segmented or multi-segmented
base members, such as those shown in FIGS. 18, 19, 23, 28, 32-35,
37, 53, 55, 56, 96, and 97. The manufacture and assembly of such
embodiment variations can be readily accomplished by a person of
ordinary skill in the art having the present disclosure before him
or her. Thus, the multiple-faceted decorative inserts shown in FIGS.
104-107, the slope-sided decorative inserts shown in FIG. 108, and
the compound-faceted decorative inserts shown in FIGS. 109-111,
may, at the discretion of the designer, be configured as single
individual inserts, dual-segment inserts, or multi-segment inserts.
[0272] While only certain embodiments of the invention have been
set forth above, alternative embodiments and various modifications
will be apparent from the above description and the accompanying
drawing to those skilled in the art. For example, in the preferred
embodiment of a circular base member 13, the faceted insert 17 and
the inner annular surfaces 33,34 may be square shaped, pear shaped,
diamond shaped, heart shaped, oval shaped, teardrop shaped, marquis
shaped, triangular shaped, and the like, while the outer appearance
of the base member 13 may remain circular. Similarly, base member
13 may be square shaped, pear shaped, diamond shaped, heart shaped,
oval shaped, teardrop shaped, marquis shaped, triangular shaped,
and the like, while the faceted insert 17 may be circular. Any combination
of these and other geometric shapes are intended to be within the
scope of the invention, including base members with the outer surfaces
and the inner surfaces of the bezels having the same or similar
shapes.
[0273] Likewise, it is contemplated that features such as serrated
surfaces, textured surfaces, colored surfaces, smooth surfaces,
faceted surfaces, planar surfaces, conical surfaces, straight peripheral
sides, stepped peripheral sides, as well as shapes of base members
and inserts as described herein, may be combined in a virtually
limitless number of arrangements and presentations.
[0274] Additionally, although single and dual-segmented decorative
jewelry articles are shown and described in detail herein, any desired
number of segments may be selected, the construction of which would
be well within the skill of a person working in the jewelry art
following the teaching in this description.
[0275] As described, the decorative insert(s) and exposed surfaces
of the stepped portion of the base units have preferred surface
textures as shown and described. However, at the discretion of the
designer, any or selected ones of such surfaces may be serrated,
faceted, knurled, smooth, shiny, colored, textured, rhodium plated,
frosted, or formed with diffraction gratings or filigree patterns,
or may have thereon random markings, organized markings, and/or
may be textured to simulate real gems.
[0276] If desired, rather than manufacturing the decorative jewelry
article as a modular multi-piece decorative article, the invention
may be implemented as a unitary arrangement of component parts with
an internal simulated decorative insert.
[0277] In some preferred embodiments shown and described herein,
the fastening means for fixing the decorative insert in the base
unit uses bendable fingers pressing against the back side of the
insert after it is in place within the interior of the base member.
Alternatively, the insert(s) may be fixed in place by other methods,
such as soldering, swaging, scoring, pressure elements (e.g., pinning),
and welding including laser welding. Soldering, swaging, scoring,
pressure elements, and laser welding are techniques that work well
with the decorative insert arrangement of the present invention,
but are not suitable for fixing real gems in place due in large
part to the configuration, shape, and weight of real gems. As to
laser welding, reference is made to the apparatus and methods of
laser welding techniques disclosed in California Precision Products
Co. Catalog "Laser Spot-Welding Systems", One Industrial
Court, Riverside, R.I. 02915, such document incorporated herein
by reference.
[0278] In order to provide for flexibility of design, and to reduce
the amount of precious metal without degrading from the visual beauty
of a jewelry article, an important aspect of the present invention
is to manufacture the decorative inserts in a stepped configuration,
i.e., the main, central, portion of the decorative insert is raised
above an encompassing peripheral flange, permitting the raised portion
to be hollow and the flange to be made thinner than the height of
the raised portion.
[0279] Included in the meaning of "textured" or "texturing",
as used herein, is the coating of any surface of a jewelry article
with enamel or other durable paint or colored paste substance, as
well as clear coatings such as polyurethane, oil and resin varnishes,
and urethane varnishes, to name a few. Such texture coatings enhances
the shinyness, reflectivity, or brilliance of the coated surface.
[0280] Any surface of a jewelry article may be polished and/or
diamond cut in any desired pattern.
[0281] Where serration texturing is mentioned herein, it is to
be understood that the serration can be oriented in any direction
on the surface of a jewelry article.
[0282] The decorative protrusion 530 on each of the patterned surface
portions 525 shown in FIG. 89 may be of any desired shape, such
as diamond shape, marquis shape, heart shape, and the like.
[0283] The textured patterns on the bezels shown in FIGS. 77-103
my be duplicated or extended down the outside surface of the respective
base members, adapted to fit the different contours involved.
[0284] These and other alternatives and variations are considered
equivalents and within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
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