JEWELRY ARTICLES HAVING A SOLITAIRE CUT APPEARANCE AND A METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

Abstract

An article of jewelry according to one embodiment includes a base structure that has a hollow channel formed therein and has a plurality of prongs that extend outwardly therefrom. The jewelry article has a gemstone arrangement securely attached to and held in place relative to the base structure. The gemstone arrangement includes a first gemstone that is supported from below by walls of the hollow channel and concurrently supported from the top by a plurality of second gemstones such that a portion of each second gemstone at least partially overlaps the first gemstone. Each of the overlying second gemstones directly engages and is held in place by the prongs.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to jewelry articles and in particular, to a jewelry article that has an arrangement of gemstones that has a solitaire cut appearance despite being formed of a plurality of gemstones.

BACKGROUND

Jewelry is a form of personal adornment that has existed in different forms throughout time and typically, manifests itself as necklaces, rings, brooches, earrings, bracelets, etc. Unlike other fashion accessories, such as handbags, scarves, etc., jewelry typically has no other purpose than to look appealing and be admired by the wearer and by others.

Jewelry can be made from a wide array of different materials, including certain metals (e.g., precious metals); gemstones (e.g., rubies, sapphires, diamonds, etc.) and other natural materials, such as pearls, shells, etc. Factors affecting the choice of materials include cultural differences and the availability of the materials. Jewelry can be appreciated because of its material properties, as in the case of brilliant diamonds or other gemstones, its patterns or for meaningful artwork, symbols, etc. that are part of the jewelry.

Jewelry articles can include one or more gemstones and it will be appreciated that in one jewelry article, there can be two or more different types of gemstones. For example, a ring can contain a diamond and a sapphire stone. The price of the gemstones in the ring depends on the type and quality of the gem. Diamonds have a standardized description that values them according to their carat weight, color, clarity and cut. Other gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, have different systems. Synthetic stones and diamond substitutes, such as cubic zirconium, are also popular choices that reduce cost while maintaining the desired appearance.

Some of the most common and valuable pieces of jewelry are engagement rings and wedding bands. In the United States and other countries, it is customary that the engagement ring includes a diamond. Traditionally, engagement rings were solitaire rings that contained only a single diamond; however, over the years, new cuts have been developed and nowadays, gemstones, including diamonds, can come in a number of different cuts (shapes) including but not limited to the following: (1) emerald: the emerald shape features a rectangular diamond with trimmed corners; (2) pear: this shape is also referred to as a teardrop diamond; (3) heart: the heart-shaped diamond is considered more of a novelty and isn't commonly used for engagement rings; (4) marquise: elegant and traditional, the marquise is a slim oval shape with tapered, pointed ends; (5) radiant: this square-shaped diamond has barely trimmed corners to enhance its brilliance, making it essentially a square version of an emerald shape but with a blend of facets usually found in round stones; (6) princess: the princess diamond is also square, but the corners are not trimmed; (7) round: traditional solitaire engagement rings have remained the most popular choice for many couples over the decades, and most involve round diamonds; (8) oval: the oval shape is frequently used with other stones in a detailed setting where it may be flanked by smaller diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, etc.; (9) trilliant: this triangular-shaped diamond provides a unique choice for couples looking for that special diamond; (10) asscher: this pristine cut is a square with deeply trimmed edges; and (11) cushion: gently rounded like a pillow or cushion, this smooth shape is reminiscent of vintage or antique designs.

Similarly, there are a number of different types of ring settings with the following being some of the more popular: (1) Prong Setting—in this setting, the diamond is set in a metal basket, secured with three or more prongs or claws, making it look as if it is hanging; (2) Bar Setting—a variation on the prong setting is the bar setting. Instead of individual claws, prongs on each side of the setting are fused into elongated bars to hold the stone in place; (3) Bezel Setting—in a bezel setting, a metal band encircles a circular diamond, to hold it in place; (4) Flush Setting—in a flush setting, a tapered hole is created, setting the diamond in, with the surrounding metal pressed around its rim; (5) Tension Setting—tension settings are used with ultra-strong metal, where the band of the ring is the only thing that holds the stone in place; (6) Channel Settings—the stones are lined in a channel inset into the ring's band, with a narrow strip of metal along the sides to hold them in place without prongs or bars between them; (7) Invisible Setting—here the stone is attached to the ring without any direct visible means. The setting involves a stable position for the stone to rest in, which is attached to the band in a bypass or split design; (8) Pave Settings—this design covers the entire surface of the ring with gems, which are either set into a minute depression or secured with thin, unobtrusive prongs.

It is desirable to use different conventional stones in combination to provide an attractive appearance that is different than the appearance of any one of the stones.

SUMMARY

An article of jewelry according to one embodiment includes a base structure that has a hollow channel formed therein and has a plurality of prongs that extend outwardly therefrom. The jewelry article has a gemstone arrangement securely attached to and held in place relative to the base structure. The gemstone arrangement includes a first gemstone that is supported from below by walls of the hollow channel and concurrently supported from the top by a plurality of second gemstones such that a portion of each second gemstone at least partially overlaps the first gemstone. Each of the overlying second gemstones directly engages and is held in place by the prongs.

In another embodiment, an article of jewelry that has a solitaire cut look and is formed of a base structure that has a hollow channel formed therein and has four prongs that extend outwardly therefrom. The jewelry article includes a gemstone arrangement that is securely attached to and held in place relative to the base structure. The gemstone arrangement includes a princess cut gemstone that is disposed at least partially within the hollow channel. The gemstone arrangement has four marquise cut gemstones such that a portion of each marquise gemstone at least partially overlaps the princess cut gemstone so as to create a solitaire look when the princess cut gemstone and four marquise gemstones are viewed together. Each of the overlying marquise gemstones directly engages and is held in place by a pair of the prongs.

These and other aspects, features and advantages shall be apparent from the accompanying Drawings and description of certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a ring having a plurality of gemstones arranged in accordance with the present invention to yield a solitaire look design;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a pendent having a plurality of gemstones arranged in accordance with the present invention to yield a solitaire look design;

FIG. 3 illustrates a first step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a second step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a third step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a seventh step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an eighth step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a ninth step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a tenth step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates an eleventh step in forming the solitaire look design of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a ring having a plurality of gemstone arrangements in accordance with the present invention to yield a solitaire look design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a jewelry article 100 having a gemstone arrangement 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The jewelry article 100 has a substrate or base structure in the form of a ring that has a band 110. The band 110 has attributes that are attributable to several different ring settings and in particular, it includes attributes that are commonly associated with a prong setting and a channel setting. More particularly, the band 110 has a channel 120 (FIG. 3) formed therein similar to the channel that is present in a conventional channel set band. The channel 120 is inset in the ring's band 110 and permits light to travel through band into the gemstone setting for creating a more brilliant appearance due light contacting the gemstones. The band 110 further includes a metal basket 130 that is fixedly attached to the band 110 about the channel 120. As with a conventional prong setting, a plurality of prongs 140 are provided and as illustrated, the prongs 140 can be formed as part of the metal basket 130. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four prongs 140 that are formed so as to generally define corners of a square.

The metal basket 130 and prongs 140 are fixed and do not move relative to the channel 120 after the gemstone 200 is placed therein as described herein. In other words, the channel 120 is formed in the same band to which the metal basket 130 is fixedly attached. As shown, the channel 120 is located within a hollow interior of the metal basket 130 and therefore, as described below, a space can be formed between the channel structure and the metal basket 130.

The channel 120 is defined by four walls 122 and the channel can have different shapes; however, the channel 120 is typically rectangular or square shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 122 are formed such that the channel 120 generally has a square shape. Between the walls 122, a first space 125 is formed that is designed to receive a complementarily shaped gemstone. The first space 125 can thus be a square shaped space. As mentioned above, between the channel structure and the metal basket 130, a space is formed and more specifically, second spaces 127 are formed between each channel wall 122 and the metal basket 130. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the wall 122 has a curved shape (e.g., concave) and the walls of the metal basket 130 have curved shapes (e.g., the inner surface of the wall can have a concave shape). This results in the space 127 being generally defined by two facing concave walls that meet at their ends.

FIG. 2 illustrates a jewelry article 300 having the gemstone setting 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The jewelry article 300 is in the form of a ring that has a pendent that can form a part of a necklace.

FIGS. 3-13 illustrate the method for forming the gemstone setting 200 according to the present invention. The gemstone setting 200 is constructed of a number of different gemstones that are purposely arranged relative to one another such that the arrangement thereof gives the appearance of a solitaire ring setting that is found when only a single stone is used in the setting. In other words, the gemstone setting 200 emulates the traditional appearance of a solitaire setting. FIG. 3 shows the ring setting as described above prior to insertion of any gemstones. FIG. 4 shows a center (first) gemstone 400 being disposed and fitted within the ring 100 by being inserted into the first space 125 that is formed by the channel walls 122. The center gemstone 400 is securely held within the channel 120 using conventional techniques and in particular, the center gemstone 400 can be studded in the channel 120 of the ring 100.

The center gemstone 400 has a traditional princess cut. The princess cut gemstone 400 represents the culet of the entire gemstone arrangement 200. The culet is a flat face on the bottom of a gemstone. Since the princess cut gemstone 400 is centrally located within the channel 120 with the metal basket 130 surrounding the princess cut gemstone 400, this stone 400 is the center of attraction and the culet is defined as shown in FIG. 5.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, a first gemstone 500 is placed in an overlapping position with respect to the center gemstone 400. More specifically, the first gemstone 500 is disposed over one of the second spaces 127 and is secured at its ends by two prongs 140. It will be appreciated that the formation of the channel 120 and the metal basket 130 and the location of the prongs 140 are such that when the first gemstone 500 is held in place by two prongs 140, a portion of the first gemstone 500 overlaps the princess cut gemstone 400.

In accordance with the present invention, the first gemstone 500 has a marquise type cut (slim oval shape with tapered, pointed ends). Since the first gemstone 500 is of a marquise cut, it has a shape that is similar and complementary to the shape of the second space 127. In addition, by overlapping the square-shaped princess cut gemstone 400, the marquise shaped first gemstone 500 provides a rounded outer edge to one of the otherwise flat edges of the princess cut gemstone 400. In this manner, the first gemstone 500 represents a first side gemstone with respect to the overall gemstone arrangement 200.

Similarly and referring to FIGS. 8-9, a second gemstone 510 is placed in an overlapping position with respect to the center gemstone 400. More specifically, the second gemstone 510 is disposed over another of the second spaces 127 and is secured at its ends by two prongs 140. It will be appreciated that the formation of the channel 120 and the metal basket 130 and the location of the prongs 140 are such that when the second gemstone 510 is held in place by two prongs 140, a portion of the second gemstone 500 overlaps another portion of the princess cut gemstone 400.

In accordance with the present invention, the second gemstone 500 also has a marquise type cut and thus is similar and complementary to the shape of the second space 127. In addition, by overlapping the square-shaped princess cut gemstone 400, the marquise shaped second gemstone 510 provides a second rounded outer edge to one of the otherwise flat edges of the princess cut gemstone 400. In this manner, the second gemstone 510 represents a second side gemstone with respect to the overall gemstone arrangement 200.

Similarly and referring to FIGS. 10-11, a third gemstone 520 is placed in an overlapping position with respect to the center gemstone 400. More specifically, the third gemstone 520 is disposed over another of the second spaces 127 and is secured at its ends by two prongs 140. It will be appreciated that the formation of the channel 120 and the metal basket 130 and the location of the prongs 140 are such that when the third gemstone 520 is held in place by two prongs 140, a portion of the third gemstone 520 overlaps another portion of the princess cut gemstone 400.

In accordance with the present invention, the third gemstone 520 also has a marquise type cut and thus is similar and complementary to the shape of the second space 127. In addition, by overlapping the square-shaped princess cut gemstone 400, the marquise shaped third gemstone 510 provides a third rounded outer edge to one of the otherwise flat edges of the princess cut gemstone 400. In this manner, the third gemstone 520 represents a third side gemstone with respect to the overall gemstone arrangement 200.

Similarly and referring to FIGS. 12-13, a fourth gemstone 530 is placed in an overlapping position with respect to the center gemstone 400. More specifically, the fourth gemstone 530 is disposed over another of the second spaces 127 (the last open second space) and is secured at its ends by two prongs 140. It will be appreciated that the formation of the channel 120 and the metal basket 130 and the location of the prongs 140 are such that when the fourth gemstone 530 is held in place by two prongs 140, a portion of the fourth gemstone 530 overlaps another portion of the princess cut gemstone 400.

In accordance with the present invention, the fourth gemstone 530 also has a marquise type cut and thus is similar and complementary to the shape of the second space 127. In addition, by overlapping the square-shaped princess cut gemstone 400, the marquise shaped fourth gemstone 530 provides a second rounded outer edge to one of the otherwise flat edges of the princess cut gemstone 400. In this manner, the fourth gemstone 530 represents a fourth side gemstone with respect to the overall gemstone arrangement 200.

The result is that the overall appearance of the gemstone arrangement 200 is of solitaire type despite the fact that five total gemstones are used in its formation as opposed to a single gemstone that is typically used in a conventional solitaire cut. The center princess cut gemstone 400 is held in place within the channel 120, while the four marquise cut gemstones 500, 510, 520, 530 are held in place by prongs 140. In other words, the invention can be thought of as a princess cut center gemstone 400 (square shaped stone) supported from below by walls of the hollow channel 120 on a structure (band 110) and concurrently supported from the top by at least two and preferably four other stones. The other stones being directly engaged by prongs 140 on the same structure (band 110) as the hollow channel 120 (i.e., prongs 140 and channel 120 are not movable relative to each other).

It will be understood and appreciated that any number of gemstones can be used for the center gemstone 400 and the four marquise cut gemstones 500, 510, 520, 530. For example, the gemstones can be any of the following: a stone belonging to the corundum species, including ruby and sapphire; a stone belonging to the beryl species, including emerald, aquamarine, red beryl, morganite, etc., diamond, tanzanite, cubic zirconium, etc. Since the gemstone arrangement 200 is designed to give the appearance of a classic solitaire cut look, typically, all of the gemstones used in the arrangement 200 will be of the same species. In the illustrated embodiment, the five gemstones that form the arrangement 200 are diamonds. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that the arrangement 200 can be formed of two or more different gemstones. For example, the center gemstone 400 can be a diamond, while the other four marquise cut stones that form the sides can be a gemstone other than diamond, e.g., sapphires. This would result in the outer periphery (rounded sides) of the arrangement 200 having a different appearance than the center.

The gemstone arrangement 200 not only provides a unique way of emulating the appearance of a solitaire cut with the use of a plurality of stones but also provides an attractive arrangement that can be used in any number of applications, including as a gemstone arrangement for a ring, bracelet, brooch, pendent, necklace, earring, etc.

FIG. 14 shows a ring 100 that has multiple gemstone arrangements 200 formed along the band 110 to yield the appearance of plural solitaire cut stones arranged about the band (e.g., side-by-side relationship).

While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments thereof, the invention is capable of being practiced in other forms and using other materials and structures. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the recitations in the claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An article of jewelry comprising:

a base structure that has a hollow channel formed therein and has prongs that extend outwardly therefrom;

a gemstone arrangement securely attached to and held in place relative to the base structure, the gemstone arrangement including a first gemstone that is supported from below by walls of the hollow channel and concurrently supported from the top by a plurality of second gemstones such that a portion of each second gemstone at least partially overlaps the first gemstone, wherein each of the overlying second gemstones directly engages and is held in place by a pair of the prongs.

2. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein an appearance of the first gemstone and the overlying second gemstones emulates an appearance of a solitaire cut gemstone.

3. The article of jewelry of claim 2, wherein the first gemstone has a princess cut and the second gemstones comprise four marquise cut gemstones.

4. The article of jewelry of claim 1, further including a metal basket that includes the prongs, the hollow channel being located within an interior of the metal basket, the metal basket being integrally formed with the base structure.

5. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the base structure is selected from the group consisting of: a ring band, a pendent body, a brooch body, a bracelet body, a necklace body and an earring body.

6. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein there are four second gemstones and four prongs that arranged so that define corners of a square, wherein each prong engages and holds in place a pair of second gemstones.

7. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the first gemstone and the second gemstones are the same type of gemstone.

8. The article of jewelry of claim 7, wherein the first gemstone comprises a princess cut diamond and the second gemstones comprise four marquise cut diamonds.

9. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the first gemstone comprises a center and culet of the gemstone arrangement.

10. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein each prong engages ends of two second gemstones.

11. The article of jewelry of claim 1, further including a metal basket that includes the prongs, the hollow channel being located within an interior of the metal basket, the metal basket being integrally formed with the base structure, the metal basket having curved walls and outer surfaces of the channel are curved and face the curved walls of the metal basket to define hollow spaces that are complementary to shapes of marquise cut gemstones, the hollow channel having a square shape.

12. An article of jewelry that has a solitaire cut look comprising:

a base structure that has a hollow channel formed therein and has four prongs that extend outwardly therefrom;

a gemstone arrangement securely attached to and held in place relative to the base structure, the gemstone arrangement including a princess cut gemstone that is disposed at least partially within the hollow channel, the gemstone arrangement having four marquise cut gemstones such that a portion of each marquise gemstone at least partially overlaps the princess cut gemstone so as to create a solitaire look when the princess cut gemstone and four marquise gemstones are viewed together, wherein each of the overlying marquise gemstones directly engages and is held in place by a pair of the prongs.

13. The article of jewelry of claim 12, further including a metal basket that includes the prongs, the hollow channel being located within an interior of the metal basket, the metal basket being integrally formed with the base structure.

14. The article of jewelry of claim 12, wherein the base structure is selected from the group consisting of: a ring band, a pendent body, a brooch body, a bracelet body, a necklace body and an earring body.

15. The article of jewelry of claim 12, wherein the four prongs arranged so that they define corners of a square, wherein each prong engages and holds in place a pair of second gemstones.

16. The article of jewelry of claim 12, wherein the first gemstone and the second gemstones are the same type of gemstone.