Abstract: An article of jewelery (10; 110) for generating an attractive composite optical effect, is described. The article (10; 110) comprises a compound jewel (12; 112), such as a “Precious Jewel set within a Silver Sea”, having a first and a second portion (14, 16; 114, 116) with different optical properties and a light source, such as a coloured LEDs package (30; 122), incorporated in the article of jewellery (10; 110) for at least illuminating the first portion (14; 114) of the compound jewel (12; 112). The compound jewel (12; 112) and the light source (30; 122) are arranged to generate the composite optical effect from the artificially illuminated first portion (14; 114) and from the second portion (16; 116) when the same is naturally or artificially illuminated. Artificial illumination of the second portion (16; 116) can be provided by a further coloured LEDs package (32) incorporated in the article of jewellery (10; 110).

Abstract: An article of jewelry arranged to simulate natural optical effects, such as sparkle and scintillation, is described. The article comprises a jewel, such as a brilliant cut diamond and one or more light sources, such as colored LEDs, incorporated in the article of jewelry for emitting light so as to illuminate the jewel. The article also comprises a microcontroller for driving the one or more LEDs to cause them to emit light pulses of varying intensity thereby simulating said natural optical effects of the jewel. The duration of the light pulses and the location of each light pulse can be varied to enhance the artificial illumination. The article preferably has a cordless rechargeable power supply which avoids the need for unsightly electrical contacts by using an inductive loop charging circuit.