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Patent Abstract
A jewelry piece includes a gemstone mount assembly and a gemstone.
The gemstone mount assembly includes a base member defining a base
cavity and having first and second opposed ends. The base member
tapers from the first end to the second end and defines a base opening
in the first end. A bezel member is mounted on the first end of
the base member and defines a bezel opening. The bezel member is
bonded to the first end of the base member. The gemstone is mounted
in the gemstone mount assembly and captured between the base member
and the bezel member. The gemstone is received in the base cavity
and extends through the base opening and the bezel opening.
Patent Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A jewelry piece comprising: a) a gemstone mount assembly including:
1) a base member defining a base cavity and having first and second
opposed ends, the base member tapering from the first end to the
second end and defining a base opening in the first end; and 2)
a bezel member mounted on the first end of the base member and defining
a bezel opening; 3) wherein the bezel member is bonded to the first
end of the base member; and b) a gemstone mounted in the gemstone
mount assembly and captured between the base member and the bezel
member, wherein the gemstone is received in the base cavity and
extends through the base opening and the bezel opening.
2. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the bezel member is welded
to the first end of the base member.
3. The jewelry piece of claim 2 wherein the bezel member is laser
welded to the first end of the base member.
4. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the bezel member is soldered
to the first end of the base member.
5. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the bezel member is adhered
to the first end of the base member.
6. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the bezel member is further
secured to the first end of the base member by a friction fit engagement.
7. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the base member has an
outer shape that is substantially conical or frusto-conical.
8. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the base member has an
outer shape that is substantially pyramidal or frusto-pyramidal.
9. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the base opening is substantially
oval.
10. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the base member includes
a plurality of separately formed, coupled segments.
11. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the base member is unitarily
formed.
12. The jewelry piece of claim 1 including a decorative embossment
defined in an outer surface of the base member.
13. The jewelry piece of claim 1 including a decorative cutout
defined in an outer surface of the base member and communicating
with the base cavity.
14. The jewelry piece of claim 1 including a recess formed in a
rear surface of the bezel member, wherein a portion of the first
end of the base member is received in the recess.
15. The jewelry piece of claim 1 including an earring post secured
to the second end of the base member.
16. The jewelry piece of claim 1 wherein the gemstone includes
a base portion disposed in the base cavity, a crown extending through
and beyond the bezel member opposite the base member, and a girdle
disposed between the bezel member and the base member.
17. A gemstone mount assembly for use with a gemstone, the gemstone
mount assembly comprising: a) a base member defining a base cavity
and having first and second opposed ends, the base member tapering
from the first end to the second end and defining a base opening
in the first end; and b) a bezel member mounted on the first end
of the base member and defining a bezel opening; c) wherein the
bezel member is bonded to the first end of the base member; and
d) wherein the base member and the bezel member are adapted to capture
the gemstone therebetween such that the gemstone is received in
the base cavity and extends through the base opening and the bezel
opening.
18. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the bezel member
is welded to the first end of the base member.
19. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 18 wherein the bezel member
is laser welded to the first end of the base member.
20. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the bezel member
is soldered to the first end of the base member.
21. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the bezel member
is adhered to the first end of the base member.
22. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the bezel member
is further secured to the first end of the base member by a friction
fit engagement.
23. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the base member
has an outer shape that is substantially conical or frusto-conical.
24. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the base member
has an outer shape that is substantially pyramidal or frusto-pyramidal.
25. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the base opening
is substantially oval.
26. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the base member
includes a plurality of separately formed, coupled segments.
27. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the base member
is unitarily formed.
28. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 including a decorative
embossment defined in an outer surface of the base member.
29. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 including a decorative
cutout defined in an outer surface of the base member and communicating
with the base cavity.
30. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 including a recess
formed in a rear surface of the bezel member, wherein a portion
of the first end of the base member is received in the recess.
31. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 including an earring
post secured to the second end of the base member.
32. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 17 wherein the base member
and the bezel member are adapted to receive the gemstone such that
a base portion of the gemstone is disposed in the base cavity, a
crown extending through and beyond the bezel member opposite the
base member, and a girdle disposed between the bezel member and
the base member.
33. A jewelry piece comprising: a) a gemstone mount assembly including:
1) a base member defining a base cavity and having first and second
opposed ends, the base member tapering from the first end to the
second end and defining a base opening in the first end; and 2)
a bezel member mounted on the first end of the base member and defining
a bezel opening; 3) wherein at least one of a decorative embossment
and a decorative cutout is defined in an outer surface of the base
member; and b) a gemstone mounted in the gemstone mount assembly
and captured between the base member and the bezel member, wherein
the gemstone is received in the base cavity and extends through
the base opening and the bezel opening.
34. The jewelry piece of claim 33 wherein a decorative embossment
is defined in the outer surface of the base member.
35. The jewelry piece of claim 33 wherein a decorative cutout is
defined in the outer surface of the base member and communicates
with the base cavity.
36. A gemstone mount assembly for use with a gemstone, the gemstone
mount assembly comprising: a) a base member defining a base cavity
and having first and second opposed ends, the base member tapering
from the first end to the second end and defining a base opening
in the first end; and b) a bezel member mounted on the first end
of the base member and defining a bezel opening; c) wherein at least
one of a decorative embossment and a decorative cutout is defined
in an outer surface of the base member; and d) wherein the base
member and the bezel member are adapted to capture the gemstone
therebetween such that the gemstone is received in the base cavity
and extends through the base opening and the bezel opening.
37. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 36 wherein a decorative
embossment is defined in the outer surface of the base member.
38. The gemstone mount assembly of claim 36 wherein a decorative
cutout is defined in the outer surface of the base member and communicates
with the base cavity.
39. A method for forming a jewelry piece, the method comprising
the steps of: a) positioning a gemstone between a base member and
a bezel member, the base member defining a base cavity and having
first and second opposed ends, the base member tapering from the
first end to the second end and defining a base opening in the first
end, the bezel member defining a bezel opening; b) mounting the
bezel member on the first end of the base member such that the gemstone
is received in the base cavity and extends through the base opening
and the bezel opening; and c) bonding the bezel member to the first
end of the base member.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein the step of bonding the bezel
member to the first end of the base member includes welding the
bezel member to the base member.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein the step of bonding the bezel
member to the first end of the base member includes laser welding
the bezel member to the base member.
42. The method of claim 39 wherein the step of bonding the bezel
member to the first end of the base member includes soldering the
bezel member to the base member.
43. The method of claim 39 wherein the step of bonding the bezel
member to the first end of the base member includes adhering the
bezel member to the base member.
44. The method of claim 39 including securing the bezel member
to the first end of the base member by a friction fit engagement.
45. The method of claim 39 including forming a decorative embossment
in an outer surface of the base member.
46. The method of claim 39 including forming a decorative cutout
in an outer surface of the base member such that the cutout communicates
with the base cavity.
47. The method of claim 39 wherein the step of mounting the bezel
member on the base member includes inserting a portion of the first
end of the base member in a recess formed in a rear surface of the
bezel member.
48. The method of claim 39 including securing an earring post to
the second end of the base member.
49. The method of claim 39 including positioning the gemstone in
the base member and the bezel member such that a pavilion portion
of the gemstone is disposed in the base cavity, a crown of the gemstone
extends through and beyond the bezel member opposite the base member,
and a girdle of the gemstone is disposed between the bezel member
and the base member.
Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to jewelry and, more particularly,
to gemstone mounts, jewelry pieces, and methods for forming the
same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gemstones are commonly used in various types of jewelry
pieces such as earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants and the like.
Such gemstones must be mounted in a secure and attractive manner.
It is also desirable to reduce the amount of labor, and particularly
skilled and/or delicate craftsmanship, required to assembly such
jewelry pieces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to embodiments of the present invention, a jewelry
piece includes a gemstone mount assembly and a gemstone. The gemstone
mount assembly includes a base member defining a base cavity and
having first and second opposed ends. The base member tapers from
the first end to the second end and defines a base opening in the
first end. A bezel member is mounted on the first end of the base
member and defines a bezel opening. The bezel member is bonded to
the first end of the base member. The gemstone is mounted in the
gemstone mount assembly and captured between the base member and
the bezel member. The gemstone is received in the base cavity and
extends through the base opening and the bezel opening.
[0004] According to further embodiments of the present invention,
a gemstone mount assembly for use with a gemstone includes a base
member defining a base cavity and having first and second opposed
ends. The base member tapers from the first end to the second end
and defines a base opening in the first end. A bezel member is mounted
on the first end of the base member and defines a bezel opening.
The bezel member is bonded to the first end of the base member.
The base member and the bezel member are adapted to capture the
gemstone therebetween such that the gemstone is received in the
base cavity and extends through the base opening and the bezel opening.
[0005] According to further embodiments of the present invention,
a jewelry piece includes a gemstone mount assembly and a gemstone.
The gemstone mount assembly includes a base member defining a base
cavity and having first and second opposed ends. The base member
tapers from the first end to the second end and defines a base opening
in the first end. A bezel member is mounted on the first end of
the base member and defines a bezel opening. At least one of a decorative
embossment and a decorative cutout is defined in an outer surface
of the base member. The gemstone is mounted in the gemstone mount
assembly and is captured between the base member and the bezel member.
The gemstone is received in the base cavity and extends through
the base opening and the bezel opening.
[0006] According to further embodiments of the present invention,
a gemstone mount assembly for use with a gemstone includes a base
member defining a base cavity and having first and second opposed
ends. The base member tapers from the first end to the second end
and defines a base opening in the first end. A bezel member is mounted
on the first end of the base member and defines a bezel opening.
At least one of a decorative embossment and a decorative cutout
is defined in an outer surface of the base member. The base member
and the bezel member are adapted to capture the gemstone therebetween
such that the gemstone is received in the base cavity and extends
through the base opening and the bezel opening.
[0007] According to method embodiments of the present invention,
a method for forming a jewelry piece includes positioning a gemstone
between a base member and a bezel member. The base member defines
a base cavity and has first and second opposed ends. The base member
tapers from the first end to the second end and defines a base opening
in the first end. The bezel member defines a bezel opening. The
bezel member is mounted on the first end of the base member such
that the gemstone is received in the base cavity and extends through
the base opening and the bezel opening. The bezel member is bonded
to the first end of the base member.
[0008] Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures
and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which
follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side, exploded view of a jewelry piece according
to embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the jewelry piece of
FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view
of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1 taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.
3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the jewelry piece of
FIG. 1 mounted in an ear lobe;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view
of a jewelry piece according to further embodiments of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view
of a jewelry piece according to further embodiments of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a jewelry piece according
to further embodiments of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece according
to further embodiments of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a jewelry piece according
to further embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however,
be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed
as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments
are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete,
and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled
in the art. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions may be
exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when an element
such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "on"
another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening
elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred
to as being "directly on" another element, there are no
intervening elements present. Terms such as "upper", "top",
"front", "lower", "bottom", and "rear"
are intended only to indicate relative positions of components and
not a particular orientation.
[0020] As used herein, "bonded" includes, but is not
limited to, welding, soldering and adhering.
[0021] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a jewelry piece 100 according
to embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. The jewelry
piece 100 includes a gemstone mount assembly 101 according to embodiments
of the present invention. The gemstone mount assembly 101 includes
a base member 110 and a bezel member 140 bonded to the base member.
The jewelry piece 100 is an earring and further includes an earring
post 105 and a gemstone 130. As will be appreciated from the description
herein, gemstone mount assemblies according to the present invention
may be employed in other types of jewelry pieces such as rings,
bracelets, pendants, brooches and body jewelry, and the like. However,
as discussed in further detail below, certain embodiments of the
present invention may be particularly advantageous when used in
and as earrings.
[0022] The gemstone 130 may be any suitable or desired gemstone.
Suitable gemstones include, for example, diamonds, emeralds, rubies,
sapphires, or cubic zirconia. According to certain preferred embodiments,
the gemstone 130 is cut so as to include a tapered pavilion or base
portion 132 (for example, having a generally inverted conical shape
as shown), a tapered crown or top portion 134 extending upwardly
from the base portion 132, and a crest or girdle 136 located at
the interface between the base portion 132 and the crown 134. Suitable
stone shapes or cuts may include those commonly referred to as round,
princess cut, pear shape, oval, marquise, radiant, heart shape,
emerald cut or triangular cut.
[0023] The base member 110 may be formed of any suitable material.
For example, the base member 110 may be formed of gold, silver,
platinum, or any other metal suitable for manufacturing jewelry.
The base member 110 has an upper end 110A and a lower end 110B.
The base member 110 includes an upper ring 112 at the upper end
110A. A plurality of legs 114 are distributed (for example, equidistantly)
about the ring 112 and each has an upper end secured to the ring
112 (for example, by welding or soldering), and a lower end joined
(for example, by welding or soldering) to the lower ends of the
other legs 114 at a point or apex 116 at the lower end 110B. The
legs 114 are arranged such that the base member 110 tapers from
the upper end 110A to the lower end 110B and has a conical outer
shape or profile. According to some preferred embodiments, the base
member 110 is tapered to form an included angle B (FIG. 2) of between
about 70 and 130 degrees. According to some other embodiments, the
angle B is between about 130 and 170 degrees. The base member 110
may be truncated (not shown) at its lower end to provide a frusto-conical
shape. The ring 112 defines an opening 120 and the base member 110
defines an interior cavity 121 communicating with the opening 120.
[0024] The post 105 is secured to the point 116, for example, by
welding or soldering. The gemstone mount assembly 101 may be used
in other types of jewelry pieces by likewise or similarly securing
the base member 110 to a ring band, pendant ring or the like. According
to some other embodiments, a ring band, pendant ring, earring post
or the like is secured, for example, by welding or soldering to
the bezel member 140.
[0025] According to some preferred embodiments and as shown, the
bezel member 140 is a continuous, endless ring. The bezel member
140 may be formed of any suitable material. Suitable materials may
include those discussed above for the base member 110. The bezel
member 140 may have a rounded or otherwise attractive outer contour
as shown. According to some preferred embodiments, the width W1
(FIG. 3) of the bezel member 140 is between about 1 and 5 mm. The
bezel member 140 defines an opening 142. The opening 142 is defined
by a first annular, interior wall 144 and a second annular, interior
wall 146. The walls 144, 146 together define a downwardly opening,
annular recess 148. A shoulder 147 overlies the recess 148. The
bezel member 140 defines an entrance inner diameter D2 and an exit
inner diameter D3.
[0026] The securement and cooperative engagement between the base
member 110, the gemstone 130 and the bezel member 140 will be better
appreciated from the discussion of methods for assembling the jewelry
piece 100 as set forth below. The gemstone 130 is positioned between
the base member 110 and the bezel member 140. For example, the gemstone
130 may be placed in the base member 110 such that the base portion
132 is received in the cavity 121. According to some preferred embodiments,
the outer diameter D1 of the ring 112 is less than the outer diameter
of the girdle 136 so that the upper part of the base portion 132
rests on the ring 112 and the girdle 136 is disposed above the ring
112. According to certain preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the outer diameter D1 is between about 0 and 1 mm less than the
outer diameter of the girdle 136. According to certain preferred
embodiments-of the present invention, the cavity 121 is sized and
shaped to fully receive the gemstone 130 to the point of engagement
with the ring 112 without interference between the base portion
132 and the legs 114. For this purpose, the base member 110 may
taper at a lesser angle than the base portion 132. According to
some embodiments of the present invention, the angle A (FIG. 4)
between the gemstone base portions 132 and the legs 114 is between
about 1 and 30 degrees.
[0027] The bezel member 140 is then placed over the base member
110 such that the crown 134 is received through the opening 148.
The diameter D2 of the opening 142 is greater than the diameter
of the girdle 136 while the diameter D3 of the opening 142 is less
than the outer diameter of the girdle 136. Accordingly, the shoulder
147 surrounds and overlaps an annular portion of the crown 134 to
thereby capture the gemstone 130 between the base member 110 and
the bezel member 140. More particularly, in accordance with certain
preferred embodiments and as shown, the girdle 136 is captured between
the shoulder 147 and the ring 112. According to certain preferred
embodiments, the diameter D2 is between about 0.001 mm and 1 mm
greater than the diameter of the girdle 136. According to certain
preferred embodiments, the diameter D3 is at least about 0.25 mm
less than the outer diameter of the girdle 136.
[0028] While the above-described method includes mounting the gemstone
in the base member 110 and thereafter mounting the bezel member
140 on the base member 110, the gemstone may alternatively be mounted
on the bezel member 140 first and the base member 110 then mounted
on the bezel member 140. Alternatively, the gemstone may be mounted
between and in the base member 110 and the bezel member 140 simultaneously
with the mounting of the base member 110 and the bezel member 140
to one another.
[0029] According to some embodiments, the diameter D2 of the lower
wall 144 is less than the outer diameter D1 of the ring 112. The
bezel member 140 is forced or press-fitted onto the ring 112 so
that the ring 112 and the wall 144 form an interference or friction
fit therebetween. This friction fit may serve to hold the components
110, 130, 140 together for ease in executing subsequent assembly
steps. Additionally, the friction fit may serve to assist in the
permanent securement of the bezel member 140 to the base member
110. According to certain preferred embodiments, the diameter D2
is between about 0.001 and 0.1 mm less than the diameter D1.
[0030] After the base member 110, the gemstone 130 and the bezel
member 140 have been assembled as described above, the base member
110 and the bezel member 140 are welded together. More particularly,
the wall 144 is welded to the ring 112 such that the bezel member
140 and the base member 110 are immovably fixed or coupled to one
another. This welding step is facilitated by the overlap between
the components to be welded, providing for secure weld locations.
The welds may be continuous or spot welds. According to certain
preferred embodiments, the bezel member 140 is laser welded to the
base member 110.
[0031] The methods according to the present invention may provide
certain further advantages. Because it is not necessary to bend
prongs or the like to secure the gemstone 130 within the gemstone
mount assembly 101, the associated high heat (e.g., using a torch)
and metal work are not required and heat-sensitive and pressure-sensitive
stones can be used without elevated risk of damage or special care.
The gemstone mount assembly 101 can be quickly assembled without
requiring significant skill. This is particularly facilitated by
the friction fit or interlock between the ring 112 and the bezel
member 140.
[0032] The gemstone mount assembly 101 may be particularly advantageous
in that the gemstone mount assembly 101 may be formed so as to be
relatively light in weight. The gemstone mount assembly 101 and
the jewelry piece 100 provide an overall aesthetically pleasing
appearance. The bezel member 140 is unobtrusive and may serve as
a decorative element. According to some preferred embodiments, the
bezel member 140 forms a peripheral edge or flange surrounding the
gemstone mount assembly 101. The shape of the base member 110 can
be formed so as to complement the gemstone 130.
[0033] As noted below, the gemstone mount assembly 101 including
the tapered base member 110 is particularly well suited for use
in an earring. With reference to FIG. 5, a rear portion 111 of the
base member 110 can be easily and comfortably embedded in a wearer's
earlobe E. As a result, the jewelry piece 100 may give the appearance
of a gemstone directly embedded in the wearer's ear E, without the
presence of a gemstone mount assembly. Even when the jewelry piece
100 is retained only with a conventional earring retainer or back
107, the embedded earring 100 may tend to stand up as shown, rather
than droop as is common with stud-type earrings. This resistance
to drooping is particularly facilitated by earrings in accordance
with the present invention in that the gemstone mounting assembly
101 may be relatively light and is mechanically supported by the
embedded portion 111.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 6, a jewelry piece 200 according
to further embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The jewelry piece 200 includes a gemstone mount assembly 201 and
corresponds to the jewelry piece 100 except as follows. The jewelry
piece 200 includes a strip or spots of solder 250 immovably securing
the bezel member 240 to the ring 212 and/or the legs 214 of the
base member 210. The method for forming the jewelry piece 200 differs
from the method for forming the jewelry piece 100 only in that the
step of welding is replaced with a soldering step. Any solder suitable
for the type of metal employed may be used.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 7, a jewelry piece 300 according
to further embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The jewelry piece 300 includes a gemstone mount assembly 301 and
corresponds to the jewelry piece 100 except as follows. The jewelry
piece 300 includes a strip or spots of adhesive 350 immovably securing
the bezel member 340 to the ring 312 and/or the legs 314 of the
base member 310. The method for forming the jewelry piece 300 differs
from the method for forming the jewelry piece 100 only in that the
step of welding is replaced with a step of applying a strip or spots
of adhesive. Any adhesive suitable for the metals employed may be
used.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 8, a jewelry piece 400 according
to further embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The jewelry piece 400 includes a gemstone mount assembly 401 and
corresponds to the jewelry piece 100 except as follows. The gemstone
mount assembly 401 includes a base member 410 corresponding to the
base member 110, except that the base member 410 includes a substantially
solid cup 415 defining an opening and an interior cavity corresponding
to the opening 120 and the interior cavity 121 of the base member
110. The cup 415 is generally conical and a post 405 is secured
to the lower apex of the cup 415. The bezel member 440 is secured
in the manner described above to the upper rim of the cup 415 or
to a ring corresponding to the ring 112, which may be welded or
otherwise secured to the upper rim of the cup 415. An optional decorative
pattern or indicia 418 may be embossed in the cup 415. The embossment
418 may include, for example, a brand designation.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 9, a jewelry piece 500 according
to further embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The jewelry piece 500 includes a gemstone mount assembly 501 and
corresponds to the jewelry piece 400 except as follows. The base
member 510 includes a hollow cup 515 corresponding to the cup 415,
except that the cup 515 is pyramid-shaped. According to certain
preferred embodiments, the cup 515 is substantially fully pyramid-shaped,
but alternatively may be frusto-pyramidally shaped. The ring 540
is square to accommodate the square upper rim of the base member
510. The gemstone mount assembly 501 is adapted to accommodate a
gemstone 530 having a square crown 534. The gemstone mount assembly
501 includes a cut out 518 in the cup 515. The cutout 518 communicates
with the interior cavity of the base member 510 so that the base
portion 532 of the gemstone 530 is exposed therethrough. The cutout
518 may be in the shape of any suitable pattern or indicia, for
example, as described above with regard to the embossment 418.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 10, a jewelry piece 600 according
to further embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The jewelry piece 600 includes a gemstone mount assembly 601 and
corresponds to the jewelry piece 100 except as follows. The jewelry
piece 600 includes a gemstone 630 having an oval crown 634. The
bezel member 640 and the base member (not shown) are likewise suitably
oval to accommodate the oval gemstone 630.
[0039] Various of the features and aspects described above may
be combined. For example, the gemstone mount assembly 101 may be
modified to include a pyramidal base member and a square bezel ring
as in the gemstone mount assembly 501. The embossments and cutouts
may be formed in base member cups of various shapes (e.g., pyramidal,
conical, oval, etc.). The bezel members and base members of the
various gemstone mounting assemblies of the present invention can
be bonded by any suitable means such as welding, soldering and adhering.
However, according to certain embodiments, welding is preferred
because it eliminates the presence of solder or adhesive that may
adversely affect the appearance of the mount and/or the gemstone.
[0040] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary
embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible
in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the
novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all
such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of this invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing
is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed
as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications
to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are
intended to be included within the scope of the invention. |