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Patent Abstract
A method for selling jewelry is provided where a rough stone is
selected and cut to yield a number of stones that are mounted onto
a set of jewelry including at least two pieces of jewelry, one for
a female and the other for a male with the female usually getting
a larger portion of the rough stone.
Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for selling jewelry comprising the steps of: providing
a rough stone; determining a cutting configuration for the rough
stone, the cutting configuration including a first stone and a second
stone; cutting the rough stone to provide the first stone and the
second stone; presenting the first stone to a first person; presenting
the second stone to a second person, the first and second person
having a specific relationship.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of mounting
the first stone in a first piece of jewelry and the second stone
in a second piece of jewelry, the first piece for the first person
and the second piece for the second person.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the specific relationship is husband
and wife.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the specific relationship is a
life partner.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein the specific relationship is parent
and sibling.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein the specific relationship is siblings.
7. The method of claim 2 wherein the specific relationship is engaged
to be married.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: presenting
information to a customer outlining the process of cutting a rough
stone and, options included in purchasing a rough stone including
cuts and sizes.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the information is presented over
the Internet.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the rough stone is a diamond.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the rough stone is a ruby.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the rough stone is an emerald.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the rough stone is a sapphire.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the first stone is larger than
the second stone.
15. A method for selling stones comprising the steps of: providing
a first stone and a second stone, the first and second stones from
a single source; presenting the first stone to a first person and
the second stone to a second person, the first and second persons
having a specific relationship.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the specific relationship is
husband and wife.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the specific relationship is
a life partner.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the specific relationship is
parent and sibling.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the specific relationship is
siblings.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein the specific relationship is
engaged to be married.
Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention deals with a method of selling jewelry
and more specifically, selling jewelry with stones from a single
source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The virtually universal interpretation of the engagement
ring is a symbol of ever lasting purity, love, devotion and commitment
between two people. Because diamond is the hardest and strongest
mineral on earth, it was seen to resist fire and steel and thus
symbolize the unbending union of a man and woman in wedlock.
[0003] Typically, jewelers stock a fairly large collection of engagement
ring setting designs. These are rings without any stones set, also
known simply as a setting. A prospective buyer, usually a male with
the intention of proposing, selects a setting design. Often, his
female partner helps, or more likely, supervises the selection process.
Once the setting is chosen, an appropriate stone is selected. Settings
are usually designed to accept specific stone cuttings and designs.
For example, a setting may only be able to accept a princess cut
diamond between 1 and 1.5 carats.
[0004] Alternatively, the specific stone may be chosen first, determining
the cut and size before choosing an acceptable setting. These steps
in the selection process are reversible, the stone, or setting may
be selected first. Once a stone is selected, it is mounted into
the selected setting.
[0005] Oftentimes, however, jewelry is given as a symbol of commitment
and love without the presence of a formal engagement. For example,
jewelry is commonly given to children from their parents to commemorate
special occasions such as sweet sixteens and graduations. Boyfriends
often give jewelry to girlfriends well before a formal engagement.
Sometimes, the jewelry is given with the intention, or promise to
eventually get engaged. Such rings given with that type of promise
are known as "promise rings".
[0006] At the time of this writing, there are no known alternatives
to the traditional method of selecting engagement and promise rings
outlined above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
a method for selling jewelry is provided. A retailer stores an inventory
of rough diamonds with each one's yield (how many finished stones
the rough stone can produce). A giver selects a rough stone which
may be presented in rough form to an intended recipient or cut and
polished first to provide at least two finished stones, a major
stone and a remainder. The major stone should be a major portion
of the rough stone and the remainder may be one or several stones,
each smaller than the major stone. The finished stones may either
be presented to the recipient in loose form or set into jewelry.
The major stone is set into a piece of jewelry for the recipient
and the remainder set into a piece of jewelry for the giver.
[0008] In more detail, the method comprises the steps of providing
a rough stone, determining a cutting configuration for the rough
stone, the cutting configuration including a first stone and a second
stone, cutting the rough stone to provide the first stone and the
second stone, the first stone going to a first person and the second
stone going to a second person, the first person and second person
having a specific relationship.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a flowchart outlining a method for selling jewelry
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a rough stone being cut and divided among jewelry
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] From its inception, the diamond engagement ring has not
changed other than the shape of the diamond itself with different
cut designs. The present invention provides a new method for selling
engagement and promise rings with corresponding jewelry, which may
be a ring, bracelet, necklace or any other form of jewelry.
[0012] A rough precious stone is selected. The stone may be a diamond,
ruby, emerald, sapphire, or any other precious or semi-precious
stone typically mounted in jewelry. Its yield (the type and number
of finished stones provided by the rough stone) is determined. For
example, one rough stone may provide three finished stones.
[0013] A giver selects the rough stone. The rough stone may be
presented to the intended recipient as is, in rough form or cut
first. The rough stone is cut and finished to provide, say, two
finished stones, a major stone and a remainder. The major stone
is a majority of the mass of the rough stone and the remainder a
minority. The major stone may be presented to a recipient looses
and unmounted or set into a piece of jewelry.
[0014] In the case where the major stone is presented loose, or
without jewelry, the recipient is given the chance to choose a setting
for the major stone. The remainder stone is set onto another piece
of jewelry for the giver. The present invention finds particular
application when selling engagement rings and wedding bands because
it creates an even stronger emphasis on the romance and the sentimentality
of choosing an engagement ring and wedding band since the same rough
diamond is used to provide the stones in the male and female rings.
[0015] To further understand the yield of a rough stone, for the
purposes of illustration and to provide an example, diamonds will
be used primarily throughout the rest of this disclosure. It should
be noted, however, that the principles of the present invention
may apply to any precious or semi-precious stone or jewel.
[0016] Diamonds are classified by four characteristics, known as
"the four C's," cut, color, clarity and cart weight. The
standards for quantifying each characteristic is set and maintained
by several standards labs.
[0017] Cut refers to the angles of a diamond surface and determine
its ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance. When a diamond
is well-cut, light enters the top of the diamond and reflects from
one side to the other before reflecting back out of the diamond
and to the observer's eye. This light is the brilliance and creates
the flashing, fiery effect that makes diamonds so mesmerizing.
[0018] Color refers to the presence or absence of color in white
diamonds. Color is a result of the composition of the diamond, and
never changes over time. Diamonds are found in nature in a wide
range of colors, from completely colorless (the most desirable trait)
to slightly yellow, to brown, and then to "fancy" colors,
such as blues, greens, bright yellows, pinks, and even reds. Most
diamonds selected for wedding bands are white (clear) or nearly
white. Acting as a prism, a diamond divides light into the colors
of the spectrum and reflects this light as colorful flashes called
fire. Like light passing through a clear glass window, a colorless
diamond allows more light to pass through it than a colored diamond,
emitting more sparkle and fire. The formation process of a diamond
ensures that only a few, rare diamonds are truly colorless, giving
off more fire and sparkle. Thus the whiter a diamond's color, the
greater its value.
[0019] Clarity refers to the presence of identifying characteristics
on and within the stone. This refers to the number, position and
size of the inclusions that occur naturally inside diamonds. Diamond
grading is usually done under ten-power (10.times.) magnification.
The less obvious and fewer inclusions, the more valuable the diamond.
While most characteristics are inherent qualities of the rough diamond
(uncut) and have been present since the earliest stages of the crystal's
growth below ground, a few are actually a result of the harsh stress
that a diamond undergoes during the cutting process itself. Diamonds
with no or few inclusions and blemishes are more highly valued than
those with less clarity, not just because they are more pleasing
to the eye, but also because they are rarer.
[0020] A carat is the unit of measurement used to refer to the
weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2
grams.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart outlining the general steps of
a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
A jewelry retailer obtains a rough, uncut stone (step 10), a diamond
in this case. Rough diamonds are crystals or fragments of crystals
that have not been polished, the processing of which enhances the
beauty of diamonds for use in jewelry. This step may be done repeatedly
so that the retailer has an inventory of rough diamonds to provide
a selection to potential customers.
[0022] A yield is determined for each rough diamond (step 12) by
an experienced cutter, preferably with the aid of computerized rough
diamond mapping and analysis systems to determine the cutting configuration
that will achieve the maximum possible yield. The yield quantifies
the number of stones that can be taken from the large rough and
what cuts are available. For example, a 6 carat stone may yield
one 2.0 carat marquis cut (major stone) and three 0.5 carat round
brilliant cut diamonds (remainder stones). In addition, more than
one cutting configuration is possible with each rough stone. The
same 6 carat stone may also yield one 1.5 carat emerald cut and
two 0.75 carat round brilliant cut stones. Because exact grading
certificates are not available, an approximation can be obtained
from the computer analysis.
[0023] Normally, with the current state of technology, rough stones
have about a 50% yield. In other words, a rough stone provides half
its weight in finished stones. As technology changes, however, the
yield may increase and it is possible that cutting configurations
may include any combination of stone cuts and sizes, for example:
[0024] One 2.15 carat princess cut stone and three 0.25 carat baguettes
[0025] Three 1.25 carat round brilliant cut stones
[0026] One 1.25 carat marquis cut stone and one 1.0 carat emerald
cut stone depending on the yield of the rough stone.
[0027] Preferably, a presentation is done for the customer (step
14) to educate them on rough stones, the cutting process, the overall
inventive method, and to present the rough diamond inventory for
selecting a rough stone. The presentation (step 14) is optional
and not necessary to practicing the inventive method.
[0028] The presentation (step 14) should outline the process of
cutting a rough stone and the options included in the purchase,
allowing the customers to see the available options in diamond cuts
and sizes and demystify the process of cutting and polishing rough
stones. Preferably, the presentation is adaptable to the Internet
and accessible through a web page. While consumers are generally
well educated about diamonds in general, there is not much awareness
of rough diamonds and their place in the jewelry chain because most
diamond education emphasizes the four C's.
[0029] After the presentation (step 14), a rough diamond is selected
(step 16). Using an engagement to wed as an example, in traditional
roles, the ring giver is a male and the significant other, a female.
It should be noted that the roles may be reversed and the woman
could very well be the giver of the uncut diamond. It is even possible
that the giver and significant other are the same sex. For the sake
of simplicity and ease of illustration, this example assumes the
giver is a man and the significant other, a woman.
[0030] Assume the case where a man and woman pick out an engagement
ring together The female knows that she wants a 2.0 carat round
brilliant cut center stone with the remainder to be set into a bracelet
for the man so he can wear a piece of jewelry showing their engagement
as well. After the presentation (step 14), all the rough diamonds
that can yield a 2.0 carat round brilliant cut major stone are shown
to the couple. The remainder for each rough diamond may differ and
a single rough diamond may yield a number of different remainder
stone configurations after the major is cut. The couple decides
on a rough diamond with a yield of one 2.0 carat brilliant cut major
stone and five small remainder diamond baguettes with the major
stone destined for an engagement ring setting for the woman and
the remainder to be set into a bracelet for the man.
[0031] Reversing the steps, assume as another example that the
female has a setting picked out but is not sure what kind of stone
she would like. Further assume the selected setting can only accommodate
marquis or emerald cut stones between 1.0 and 1.5 carats. All rough
diamonds that can yield a marquis and emerald cut stone between
1.0 and 1.5 carats are presented to the couple. Each rough diamond
has a different yield, which is explained to the couple. There may
be rough diamond with a yield of one 1.5 carat marquis cut major
stone and two 0.5 carat brilliant cut secondary stones. Another
rough diamond may yield one 1.5 carat marquis cut major and three
0.5 carat brilliant cut secondary stones. The female chooses the
latter, one 1.5 carat marquis cut major and three 0.5 carat brilliant
cut secondary stones, to have the major stone and two of the secondary
stones set in her engagement ring and one of the secondary stones
set into the wedding band for the man.
[0032] Alternatively, the male may select the rough stone on his
own (step 16), without his significant other. In this case, he has
a choice. He may have the rough stone cut (step 18) and then present
the loose, finished stone to his partner (step 17) who would then
select the setting (step 19) after it is cut. Or, he may go through
the process on his own and present the finished piece of jewelry
to the recipient.
[0033] In any case, a ring giver, alone or in conjunction with
the recipient, selects the rough diamond (step 16). The rough diamond
may be presented to the recipient in rough form (step 17), before
being cut into finished stones, and then returned to the retailer
for cutting (step 18), or cut (step 18) and then given to the recipient
(step 17).
[0034] After the rough diamond is selected (step 16), it is cut
(step 18). The first step in the cutting process is known as marking,
which is done after examining each rough diamond to decide how it
should be cut to yield the greatest value. As previously mentioned,
each rough diamond is marked (step 12) before they are presented
to the customer (step 14).
[0035] Once the rough stone is cut (step 18), a major stone, which
is a majority of the rough stone, and a remainder stone or stones
are produced (step 18). The major and remainder stones are presented
to the customer (step 17). At this point, the customer may include
the man alone (ring giver), or both the man and woman (giver and
recipient) together. Settings are chosen for the stones (step 19),
one for the major stone and one for the remainder. The set of jewelry
to receive the finished stones may include, among others:
[0036] an engagement ring for the woman and a bracelet for the
man
[0037] a male engagement ring and a female engagement ring
[0038] two necklaces, one for a brother, the other for a sister
as a gift from parents
[0039] an engagement ring for the woman and a wedding band for
the man
[0040] a male and female wedding band
[0041] three identical rings with identical stones for three related
family members
[0042] his and hers promise rings
[0043] After choosing the settings (step 19), the major stone is
set into a piece of jewelry for the female and the remainder into
a piece of jewelry for the male (step 20).
[0044] It is clear that the possible combinations of stone types,
yield and jewelry sets within the scope of the invention are virtually
limitless. The only factor limiting a consumer's options is cost.
It is conceivable that with a large enough rough stone, four diamonds
may be produced for four pieces of jewelry. A father may want to
create four pieces of jewelry with stones from single source for
his four children. A grandparent may want ten pieces for his or
her grandchildren.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a rough diamond 10 going through the process
of FIG. 1. Assume the rough diamond 10 has been analyzed and a yield
of a 2.15 marquis cut stone and three 0.50 carat round brilliant
cut stones is found. The rough diamond 10 is cut down to provide
an octahedron 12 that is cleaved. The remaining parts are faceted
into the marquis cut stone 14 and the round brilliant cut stones
16. The marquis stone 14 is mounted onto an engagement ring setting
18 and the three brilliant cut stones 16 set into a wedding band
19.
[0046] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
the customer does not have to select a rough stone, but rather,
skips the rough stone selection process and selects the finished
stones. In this case, the retailer will already have the stones
cut and displays the finished stones from a single source. The customer
can then choose the finished stones and the jewelry in which to
set it.
[0047] In the preceding specification, the invention has been described
with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will
however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be
made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope
of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification
and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner
rather than a restrictive sense. |