JEWELRY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

A system and method for making jewelry comprising one or more than ornament with a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter; a flexible stringing material comprising a first end and a second opposing end. A first clasp element on the first end, where the first clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. A mounting post attached to the second end, where the mounting post has a diameter, and the diameter of the mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting hole. A second clasp element attachable to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. The second clasp element can engage the first clasp element and thereafter be disengaged.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/688,654, titled “Jewelry System,” filed May 18, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated in this disclosure by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of expression, usually worn on the body around the neck, wrists, ankles or ears of the wearer to convey a certain message or for personal appearance. Various types of materials are frequently used to hold the desired ornamentation or decoration on the wearer. The ornamentation can be precious stones, semi-precious stones, metals, charms, or religious symbols. Generally, the jewelry's closing mechanism keeps the ornamentation from falling off the piece of jewelry and securely attaches the piece of jewelry to the wearer.

A wearer can purchase their jewelry from a store, designer or jewelry manufacturer. Usually jewelry purchased from one of these sources has a permanent configuration in that the ornamentation is permanently attached to the item which holds the ornamentation on the body, for example, a pair of diamond earrings, or a necklace with stones in a predetermined pattern, or a pearl bracelet. All of these pieces cannot be disassembled without destroying the integrity of the piece of jewelry. Other times the ornamentation cannot be removed from a chain because the clasps are larger in size than the diameter of the hole of the ornament. For these types of jewelry, no variations in design or appearance can be made.

Homemade jewelry has become popular as consumers want flexibility in their jewelry collections or further have a desire to design and create their own jewelry pieces. This has led to the practice of people making their own jewelry where a wearer can purchase individual jewelry components to make their own unique piece of jewelry. There are also “complete” kits which consist of a chain and beads or some other type of ornamentation that is specifically manufactured for that chain. Often times these jewelry kits are intentionally made so that they cannot accommodate jewelry pieces manufactured by other companies. In order to keep the wearer's business, the size of the chain will match the size of the opening of the ornamentation, such as the beads. This is limiting because if the wearer would like to reconfigure a piece of jewelry, the wearer has to purchase all the components from the same manufacturer. If certain ornamentation is not offered by that particular manufacturer, the wearer will not be able to make the desired piece of jewelry.

In still other cases, jewelry components are readily available at craft stores. For example, jewelry clasps, chains, wire or string are commonly offered right alongside a plethora of ornamentation options. However, this option is limiting as well because once a wearer makes a piece of jewelry the components cannot easily be reused. During the process of making the jewelry the wearer has to permanently attach the clasps to the chain. After this point, the jewelry piece can only be disassembled by cutting off the clasps. The ornamentation and clasps can be recycled, but the wearer would have to reattach the clasps to a new chain basically starting from scratch. Further the materials that are commonly used for homemade jewelry are often inexpensive and not of good quality. Under these circumstances the components often break and the wearer can lose a meaningful piece of jewelry.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a high quality jewelry system that is not subjected to these disadvantages.

SUMMARY

A jewelry system having features of the present invention can satisfy this need. The present invention allows a wearer to create and reuse the components of a jewelry system in order to configure or reconfigure a desired piece of jewelry.

Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for a system for making jewelry. The system comprises one or more than one ornament comprising a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter; a flexible stringing material comprising a first end and a second opposing end; a first clasp element on the first end, where the first clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole; a mounting post at the second opposing end, where the mounting post has a diameter, and the diameter of the mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting hole; and a second clasp element attachable to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole, and where the second clasp element can be removably attached to the first clasp element.

The first clasp element can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently attached to the first end of the stringing material. Likewise, the mounting post can be reversibly attached to the second end of the stringing material or, in a preferred embodiment, the mounting post is permanently attached to the second end of the stringing material. In a preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long and in a particularly preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.4 inches long and can receive ornaments have a mounting hole diameter of 0.034 inches. The one or more than one ornament can be selected from a group consisting of beads, stones, pearls, shells, charms, gems, stones and combinations thereof. The flexible stringing material can be selected from a group consisting of metal, leather, string, wire, chain, twine, leather, cable, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment the flexible stringing material is a metal chain, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the flexible stringing material is a copper chain. Optionally, the copper can be dyed, plated, or colored with silver or gold. In one embodiment, the stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long. The first clasp element and the second clasp element can be selected from a group consisting of toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, twister, and combinations thereof.

In still another embodiment, the present invention provides for a piece of jewelry made from the system described above. The piece of jewelry can be an earring, bracelet, anklet, necklace or even a belt. Advantageously, the present invention can be used to manufacture temporary or permanent pieces of jewelry.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an article of jewelry. The article of jewelry comprises a flexible stringing material having a first end and a second opposing end and a mounting post affixed to either the first end or the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material, where the mounting post has a diameter. The mounting post can be reversibly affixed to the flexible stringing material or in a preferred embodiment permanently affixed to the flexible stringing material. In another embodiment, the jewelry article further comprises one or more than one ornament having a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter. The diameter of the mounting hole is greater than the diameter of the mounting post. In still another embodiment, the jewelry article further comprises a first clasp element, where the first clasp has a diameter and can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently affixed to the first end of the flexible stringing material. The diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. In another embodiment, the jewelry article further comprises a second clasp element, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. In a most preferred embodiment, the second clasp element is attachable to the mounting post and can removably engage the first clasp element. When the second clasp element is not attached to the mounting post, the wearer can add or remove ornaments to or from the flexible stringing material. When the wearer is satisfied with the design pattern of the ornaments, the second clasp element is attached to the mounting post. The reusable characteristic of the jewelry article allows the wearer to quickly and easily reconfigure the article of jewelry with all the other components remaining intact.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides for a method of making a piece of jewelry. The method comprises grasping a flexible stringing material, the flexible stringing material comprising a first end and a second opposing end with a mounting post comprising a diameter attached to the second opposing end; inserting one or more than one ornament on to the mounting post, the one or more than one ornament comprises a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter, where the diameter of mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting hole; advancing the one or more than one ornament through the mounting post toward the first end of the flexible stringing material; fastening a first clasp element on the first end of the flexible stringing material, where the first clasp has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole; and attaching a second clasp element to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole.

The mounting post can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently attached to the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mounting post is 0.4 inches long and can accept an ornament having a diameter of 0.034 inches.

The one or more than one ornament can be selected from a group consisting of beads, stones, pearls, shells, charms, gems, stones and combinations thereof. The flexible stringing material can be selected from a group consisting of metal, leather, string, wire, chain, twine, leather, cable, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible stringing material is a metal chain, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the flexible stinging material is a copper chain. Optionally, the copper can be dyed, plated, or colored with silver or gold. In another embodiment the stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long.

The first clasp element and the second clasp elements can be selected from the group consisting of toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, twister and combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment, a piece of jewelry is made according to the method described above.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a kit for making a piece of jewelry, the kit comprises one or more than one ornament having a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter; a flexible stringing material having a first end and a second opposing end; a first clasp element on the first end of the stinging material, the first clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole; a mounting post on the second opposing end, the mounting post has a diameter less than the diameter of the mounting hole; and a second clasp element attachable to the mounting post, the second clasp element has a diameter, the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole, where the second clasp element can be removably attached to the first clasp element.

The first clasp element can be reversibly attached or, in a preferred embodiment, permanently attached to the first end of the stringing material. Likewise, the mounting post can be reversibly attached to the second opposing end of the stringing material or in a preferred embodiment the mounting post is permanently attached to the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material. In a preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long and in a particularly preferred embodiment the mounting post is 0.4 inches long and can receive ornaments have a mounting hole diameter of 0.034 inches.

The one or more than one ornament can be selected from the group consisting of beads, stones, pearls, shells, charms, gems, stones and combinations thereof. The flexible stringing material can be selected from the group consisting of metal, leather, string, wire, chain, twine, leather, cable, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible stringing material is a metal chain and in a particularly preferred embodiment the flexible stringing material is copper. Optionally, the copper can be dyed, plated, or colored with silver or gold. In another embodiment, the stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long.

The first clasp element and the second clasp element can be selected from a group consisting of toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, twister, and combinations thereof.

The kits can vary in many ways. The kits can be item specific such as an earring kit, comprising all earring parts necessary to construct a pair of earrings. Alternatively, the kit can contain components required to make several pieces of jewelry, such as a necklace, a bracelet and an earring which can all be included in a single kit. The kits can have a minimal number of components so that the wearer can make a single piece of jewelry or the kits can contain numerous pieces. There can also be kits containing replacement components.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the components of the jewelry system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a piece of jewelry in a closed position constructed with the components of the system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3D are illustrations of a mounting post in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention where the flexible stringing material has two mounting posts;

FIGS. 5A-5D are illustrations of a second clasp element that is attachable to the mounting post;

FIGS. 5E-5H are illustrations of a connector that can be used in connection with the embodiment in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an earring in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7D are illustrations of an earring on a wearer;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of another embodiment of an earring;

FIGS. 9A-9C are illustrations of first clasp elements for an earring;

FIGS. 10A-10C are illustrations of second clasp elements for an earring;

FIGS. 10D-10F are illustrations of a second clasp element that can be used with the earring in FIG. 7D; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a kit in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. Thus, for example, reference to “a compound” includes two or more different compounds. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or other items that can be added to the listed items.

Definitions

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising,” “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Thus, throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprising” and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the method steps disclosed are not intended to be limiting nor are they intended to indicate that each step is essential to the method or that each step must occur in the order disclosed.

As used in this disclosure diameter means the size and dimension of an object or space (in connection with a mounting hole).

As used in this disclosure, mounting post means an elongated member capable of receiving a decorative item having a mounting hole therethrough or attached that can be used in connection with jewelry.

The features of the present invention allow a wearer to design and make their own jewelry. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 10 comprises one or more than one ornament 12 which has a mounting hole 14 therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter. The ornaments 12 can be mounted on a flexible stringing material 16 which has a first end 18 and a second opposing end 20. A first clasp element 22 is attached to the first end 18 of the flexible stringing material 16, where the first clasp element has a diameter, the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting holes 14 to keep the ornaments 12 on the flexible stringing material 16 from falling off of the first end 18. The flexible stringing material 16 has a mounting post 24 attached to the second opposing end 20, where the mounting post has a diameter, the diameter of the mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting holes 14 so that the ornaments 12 can be placed over the mounting post 24 and on to the flexible stringing material 16. A second clasp element 26 is attachable to the mounting post 24. The second clasp 26 has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting holes 14 to keep ornaments 12 on the flexible stringing material 16 from falling off the second opposing end 20 of the flexible stringing material 16. The second clasp element 26 can securely engage the first clasp element 22 and thereafter be disengaged from the first clasp element 22. FIG. 2 is an illustration of a piece of jewelry made from the system 10 where the first clasp element 22 is engaged to the second clasp element 26 thereby illustrating the jewelry in a closed position.

There will now be described five different components comprising the present invention. Any of these components can be used alone, or the components can be used in various combinations.

The first component of the present invention is one or more than one ornament 12 with a mounting hole 14 therethrough. As used herein, the term “ornament” 12 means any type of decorative item capable of being mounted as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. For example, beads in various sizes, small or large, having a variety of characteristics such as gold, silver, seeds, metal, crystal, stone, colored, glass, and any combination of the like can be used. Any type of stone can be used as an ornament, including precious and semi-precious stones. Pearls, shells, and coral can be considered ornaments. Charms or pendants generally have a mounting hole 14 or are configured with a mounting hole 14 so that they can be used for jewelry pieces.

As used herein, the term “mounting hole” 14 refers to an opening in the ornament whereby a stringing material 16 can be inserted or passed through. The diameter of the mounting hole 14 will vary among the various types of ornaments 12 used, and sometimes depends on the size of the ornament 12. For example, smaller ornaments 12 generally have a small mounting hole 14 diameter. Over ninety-five percent of beads have a mounting hole 14 diameter of 0.038 inches or smaller. A 5 mm bead has a 0.034 inch mounting hole 14. The 5 mm bead is considered one of the smallest beads available. Advantageously, the components of present invention can accommodate ornaments 12 having a mounting hole 14 with a 0.034 diameter. In the event ornaments 12 are manufactured with a smaller mounting hole 14 diameter, it is contemplated the components of this invention can be modified to accommodate mounting holes 14 with any diameter.

The second component of the present invention is the flexible stringing material 16. The flexible stringing material 16 is any material able to support an ornament 12, such as, chain, twine, string, leather, cables, metal, elastic, lace, cord, ribbon, thread and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible stringing material 16 is a metal chain. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a copper chain is used that is plated, colored or dyed with a gold or silver exterior. Chains can also be protected with a varnish. Metal chains are of a higher quality and provide stability and strength when the wearer reuses the chain multiple times. Copper is desirable because it is less expensive to manufacture as opposed to using pure gold or silver. In addition to the strength, by using a chain that has an external gold or silver color, the wearer can interchange existing jewelry pieces they own which will match the chain, such as, for example, a gold cross.

There is no set length for the stringing material 16. The length will depend on the personal preference of the wearer. If the length is shorter, the necklace will look more like a choker. If the length is longer, the necklace will hang lower around the neck closer to the wearer's abdomen. For example, common necklace lengths are 16, 18, 24 and 30 inches long. Bracelets are shorter in length and therefore the flexible stringing material for a bracelet will be shorter than a necklace. Common bracelet lengths are 7 to 8 inches long. For an anklet, a preferred length is 10 to 12 inches long. A wearer can also make a belt by using a longer flexible stringing material that can wrapped around the wearer's abdomen.

It is contemplated that the diameter or thickness of the stringing material 16 can be a range of sizes. The smaller the diameter of the stringing material 16, the more ornaments 12 with smaller mounting holes 14 the flexible stringing material can accommodate. As an example, a flexible stringing material 16 having a diameter that does not exceed 0.034 inches will allow ornaments 12 with even the smallest mounting hole 14 to be added to the stringing material 16. A stringing material 16 with a larger diameter cannot accommodate ornaments 12 that have a small mounting hole 14. However, a wearer that is using ornaments 12 with a larger mounting hole 14 can use a stringing material 16 with a greater diameter.

Closing mechanisms used for jewelry usually comprise some variation of male and female parts, on either end, that mechanically fit together to fasten the piece. Closing mechanisms are known in the art with reference to this disclosure and can generally be purchased off the shelf. Common clasps used for jewelry and known in the art can be used, such as a clasp, a toggle, a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi-strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, tube, and twister. For an earring, the post that is inserted in the pierced part of the ear serves as the male part and the earring backing serves as the female part. Closing mechanisms have been designed so that they become a part of the jewelry by adding something of value to the appearance or they are designed to be discretely disguised so as not to take away from the appearance of the jewelry piece. Closing mechanisms not only keep the jewelry securely fastened to the wearer but also function to keep the ornamentation from falling off the piece of jewelry.

Therefore, a first clasp element 22 is the third component of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a lobster claw as the first clasp element. The first clasp element 22 is attached to the first end 18 of the stringing material 16. Any type of clasp can be used so long as the clasp is larger in diameter than the mounting hole 14 of the ornaments 12. This will serve the purpose of keeping the ornaments 12 securely on the flexible stringing material 16. In a preferred embodiment, the first clasp 22 is permanently attached to the stringing material 16. This will allow the wearer to reuse the flexible stringing material 16 without having to reattach a first clasp element to the first end 18 of the stringing material 16. Alternatively, the first clasp element 22 can be reversibly attached to the stringing material 16. If a gold or silver plated chain is used as the flexible stinging material 16, then the first clasp element 22 can be stainless steel colored or plated in silver or gold to match the chain.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, the fourth feature of the present invention is the mounting post 24. An elongated mounting post 24 is attached to the second opposing end 20 of the flexible stringing material 16. In a preferred embodiment, the post 24 is permanently attached to the stringing material 16. Optionally, the mounting post 24 can be reversibly attached to the stringing material 16. The mounting post 24 has a diameter, and the diameter of the mounting post 24 is less than than the mounting hole 14 of the ornaments 12. In this configuration, the post 24 can accept ornaments 12 to be added to the stringing material 16. The mounting post 24 can also be the same diameter as the stringing material 16. The purpose of the post 24 is to aid the wearer when they are adding an ornament 12 to the stringing material 16. It is easier to add ornaments 12 to a sturdy object as opposed to a wobbly stringing material 16. The mounting post 24 can be any length. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mounting post is 0.4 inches long. The elongated post 24 provides distance so that the wearer can add multiple ornaments 12, for example, the post 24 can be able to accept two or more ornaments 12 at a time.

The mounting post 24 has a proximal end 30 and distal end 32. The proximal end 30 can be used to attach the mounting post 24 to the stringing material 16. The distal end 32 of the mounting post 24 is used to removably attach the second clasp element 26 to the mounting post 24. As illustrated, the distal end 32 of the mounting post has a threaded “screw-like” surface which can engage a second clasp element 26.

FIG. 4, illustrates another configuration of the present invention. The flexible stringing material 16 can also have two mounting posts 24. The mounting posts 24 can be attached to both the first end 18 and the second opposing end 20 of the flexible stringing material 16. The mounting posts 24 can be permanently attached or reversibly attached to the flexible stringing material 16. A second clasp element 26 is used in connection with the mounting post 24 to keep the ornaments 12 on the flexible stringing material 16 and secure the jewelry to the wearer.

Therefore, the second clasp element 26 is the fifth component of the present invention and some embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D. The mounting post 24 is configured so that the mounting post 24 is attachable to the second clasp element 26. The connection between the post 24 and the second clasp element 26 can be any connection known in the art as referenced in this disclosure. In the illustrations, the second clasp element 26 has a threaded “screw-like” hollow portion 34 where the distal end 32 of the mounting post 24 is screwed into the second clasp element 26 making a secure connection. For example purposes, an alternate connection can be a snap-in mechanism wherein the post 24 is inserted and snapped into the second clasp element 26. Any clasp element can be modified or configured to become “attachable” to a mounting post 24. For example, the lobster claw as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can have a “screw-like hollow” portion 34 where the mounting post 24 can connect. Alternatively, if two mounting posts 24 are used as shown in FIG. 4, a single connector 52 comprising two screw-like hollow portions 34 as illustrated in FIGS. 5E-5H can be used. The connector 52 is also useful for connecting one or more than one flexible stringing materials 16 together. When used in this fashion the connector 52 extends the length of the flexible stringing material 16.

The second clasp element 26 has a diameter, the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole 14 of the ornament 12, again to keep the one or more than one ornament 12 on the stringing material 16. As mentioned above, the second clasp element 26 engages the mounting post 24. By being removably connected to the mounting post 24, the wearer can easily disengage the second clasp element 26 to either add or remove ornaments 12 to or from the stringing material 16. This feature provides for easy assembly without destroying the integrity of any parts of the piece of jewelry.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the first clasp element 22 is a lobster claw so the second clasp element has “loop feature” 36 to engage the lobster claw. FIG. 5C best illustrates the loop feature 36. By engaging the first clasp element 22 and second clasp element 26 the stringing material 16 is closed so that it can be worn by the wearer or stored in a closed position (FIG. 2). The second clasp element 26 can be disengaged from the first clasp element 22 to remove the piece of jewelry from the wearer. The type of second clasp element 26 that is used will therefore be complimentary to the first clasp element 22. The first 22 and second 26 clasp elements can also be fashioned as ornamentation so that the clasps become part of the jewelry.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the components of the present invention can be used for an earring 40. In this embodiment, the flexible stringing material 16 can be shorter in length so it is functional as an earring 40. While the flexible stringing material 16 can be any desired length, a preferred embodiment is one to four inches long. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stringing material 16 for an earring is two inches long. The stringing material 16 has a first end 18 and a second opposing end 20. The first clasp element 22 is attached to the first end 18 and has a diameter. The diameter of the first clasp element 22 is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole 14 of the ornament 12. The first clasp element 22 will ensure that no ornamentation 12 falls off the flexible stringing material 16. The second opposing end 20 of the flexible stringing material 16 has a mounting post 24 attached. The mounting post 24 can be reversibly or permanently attached. The diameter of the mounting post 24 is less than the diameter of the mounting hole 14 so that ornamentation 12 can be added to the flexible stringing material 16. The second clasp element 26 is attachable to the mounting post 24. Again, the second clasp 26 is larger in diameter than the mounting holes 14 so that the ornamentation 12 remains on the stringing material 16.

The mounting post 24 has an additional function when used in connection with an earring 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D. The mounting post 24 is inserted into either the front hole or rear pierced hole of the wearer's ear 42. In FIG. 7A, the mounting post 24 is inserted into the rear hole of the ear 42 of the wearer so the stringing material 16 falls along the front side of the ear 42 with the first clasp element 22 hanging in front of the ear 42. Alternatively, in FIG. 7B the mounting post 24 is inserted into the front hole of the ear 42 so that the stringing material 16 falls behind the ear 42. In FIG. 7C, the stringing material 16 can be pulled through the hole in the ear 42 so that the first clasp element 22 and second clasp element 26 fall on both sides of the ear 42. The first clasp element 22 and second clasp element 26 of the earring 30 do not have to engage. Both the first clasp element 22 and second clasp element 26 of the earring 40 can be fanciful ornamentation so the clasps have an added design when worn.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, optionally the flexible stringing material 16 can have a “female” second clasp element 26 attached to the first end of the flexible stringing material 16. Once the mounting post 24 is inserted in to the ear 42, the mounting post 24 engages the second clasp element 26 which would create a “loop” earring. The second clasp element 26 would have to be configured to connect to the first end of the flexible stringing material (FIG. 10C).

As shown in FIG. 9, the first clasp element 22 for the earring is a simple dome having two portions. A first portion 44 is larger in diameter than the mounting holes 14 to prevent the ornamentation from falling off the earring 40 and a second portion 46 connects to the stringing material 16.

FIG. 10 illustrates possible configurations of second clasp elements 26 that can be used for an earring 40. The second clasp element 26 is a dome with a threaded “screw-like” hollow portion 34 which engages the distal end 32 of the mounting post 24. The hollow portion 34 of the second clasp element 26 is screwed into the mounting post 24 making a secure connection. By connecting the second clasp element 26, the one or more than one ornament 12 on the earring 40 will not fall off. FIG. 10C illustrates how the second clap element 26 can be modified so that it can attach to the flexible stringing material 16 to make the earring 40 in FIG. 8.

In another embodiment, the features of the present invention provide for a novel method of making a piece of jewelry. The wearer will grasp the stringing material 16 comprising a first end 18 with a first clasp element 22 attached and a second opposing end 20 with a mounting post 24 attached. If the first clasp element 22 and mounting post 24 are not already attached, the wearer can attach both the mounting post 24 and first clasp element 22 to the flexible stringing material 16. The wearer can select the desired ornaments 12 with a mounting hole 14 to add to the stringing material 16. The mounting post 24 will be inserted through the mounting hole 14 of the ornaments 12 and onto the stringing material 16. The first clasp element 22 will ensure the ornaments 12 do not fall off the flexible stringing material 16. Upon completion of the desired pattern of ornaments 12, the wearer will attach the second clasp element 26 to the mounting post 24. The second clasp 26 will ensure no ornaments 12 fall off the stringing material 16 from the second opposing end 20. The wearer will then engage the first clasp 22 and the second clasp 26 thereby closing the stringing material 16. The wearer now has a new piece of jewelry.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the present invention can also be contained in a kit 50. The kit 50 will provide the components for making a piece of jewelry. Possible items include flexible stringing material 16, first clasp elements 22, second clasp elements 26, mounting posts 24 and one or more than one ornament 12 with mounting holes 14. The kits can contain various combinations and numbers of the components.

In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments can be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be limitative of the invention so further described in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Materials and Methods

Methods and materials are described herein. However, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be also used to obtain variations of the present invention. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Throughout this application, various publications, patents, and/or patent applications are referenced in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. The disclosures of these publications, patents, and/or patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, and for the subject matter for which they are specifically referenced in the same or a prior sentence, to the same extent as if each independent publication, patent, and/or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Other Embodiments

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for making jewelry, the system comprising:

(a) one or more than one ornament comprising a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter;

(b) a flexible stringing material comprising a first end and a second opposing end;

(c) a first clasp element on the first end, where the first clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole;

(d) a mounting post attached to the second end, where the mounting post has a diameter, the diameter of the mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting hole; and

(e) a second clasp element attachable to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole, and where the second clasp element can be removably attached to the first clasp element.

2. The system of claim 1, where the first clasp element is reversibly attached to the first end of the flexible stringing material.

3. The system of claim 1, where the mounting post is reversibly attached to the second end of the flexible stringing material.

4. The system of claim 1, where the one or more than one ornament is selected from a group consisting of beads, charms, gems, pearls, shells, stones and combinations thereof.

5. The system of claim 1, where the flexible stringing material is selected from a group consisting of cable, chain, cord, lace, leather, metal, ribbon, string, thread, twine, wire, and combinations thereof.

6. The system of claim 1, where the mounting post can receive ornaments comprising a mounting hole diameter of 0.034 inches.

7. The system of claim 1, where the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long.

8. The system of claim 1, where the flexible stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long.

9. The system of claim 1, where the first clasp element and the second clasp element are selected from the group consisting of a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, toggle, tube, twister, and combinations thereof.

10. A piece of jewelry made according to the system in claim 1.

11. An article of jewelry comprising:

(a) a flexible stringing material, where the flexible stringing material comprises a first end and a second opposing end; and

(b) a mounting post affixed to either the first end or the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material, where the mounting post has a diameter.

12. The article of claim 11, where the mounting post is reversibly attached to the stringing material.

13. The article of claim 11, further comprising one or more than one ornament having a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter.

14. The article of claim 13, where the diameter of the mounting hole is greater than the diameter of the mounting post.

15. The article of claim 13, further comprising a first clasp element, where the first clasp element has a diameter, the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole and is reversibly attached to the stringing material.

16. The article of claim 15, further comprising a second clasp element, where the second clasp element has a diameter, the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the mounting hole and is attachable to the mounting post.

17. A method of making a piece of jewelry, the method comprising:

(a) grasping a flexible stringing material, the flexible stringing material comprising a first end and a second opposing end with a mounting post attached to the second opposing end, where the mounting post has a diameter;

(b) inserting on the mounting post one or more than one ornament comprising a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter greater than the diameter of the mounting post;

(c) advancing the one or more than ornament through the mounting post toward the first end of the flexible stringing material;

(d) fastening a first clasp element on the first end, where the first clasp element has a diameter, and where the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole; and

(e) attaching a second clasp element to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, where the diameter of the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole.

18. The method of claim 17, where the first clasp element can be removably attached to the second clasp element.

19. The method of claim 17, where the mounting post is reversibly attached to the second opposing end of the stringing material.

20. The method of claim 17, where the one or more than one ornament is selected from the group consisting of beads, charms, gems, pearls, shells, stones and combinations thereof.

21. The method of claim 17, where the stringing material is selected from the group consisting of cable, chain, cord, lace, leather, metal, ribbon, string, thread, twine, wire, and combinations thereof.

22. The method of claim 17, where the flexible stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long.

23. The method of claim 17, where the first clasp element and the second clasp element are selected from the group consisting of a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, toggle, tube, twister, and combinations thereof.

24. The method of claim 17, where the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long.

25. The method of claim 17, where the mounting post can receive an ornament having a diameter of 0.034 inches.

26. A piece of jewelry made according to the method of claim 17.

27. A kit for making a piece of jewelry, the kit comprising:

(a) one or more than one ornament having a mounting hole therethrough, where the mounting hole has a diameter;

(b) a flexible stringing material having a first end and a second opposing end;

(c) a first clasp element, where the first clasp element has a diameter, and the diameter of the first clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole;

(d) a mounting post, where the mounting post has a diameter, and the diameter of the mounting post is less than the diameter of the mounting hole; and

(e) a second clasp element attachable to the mounting post, where the second clasp element has a diameter, the second clasp element is greater than the diameter of the mounting hole, and the second clasp element can be removably attached to the first clasp element.

28. The kit of claim 27, where the first clasp element is reversibly attached to the first end of the flexible stringing material.

29. The kit of claim 27, where the mounting post is reversibly attached to the second opposing end of the flexible stringing material.

30. The kit of claim 27, where the one or more than one ornament is selected from the group consisting of beads, charms, gems, pearls, shells, stones and combinations thereof.

31. The kit of claim 27, where the stringing material is selected from the group consisting of cable, chain, cord, lace, leather, metal, ribbon, string, thread, twine, wire, and combinations thereof.

32. The kit of claim 27, where the mounting post can receive ornaments having a mounting hole diameter of 0.034 inches.

33. The kit of claim 27, where the flexible stringing material is 1 to 30 inches long.

34. The kit of claim 27, where the mounting post is 0.2 to 0.6 inches long.

35. The kit of claim 27, where the first clasp element and the second clasp element are selected from the group consisting of a barrel, a bead, box, a bullet, a button, a filigree, fish hook, hook and eye, lobster claw, a magnetic, multi strand, S hook, slide lock, spring ring, swivel, toggle, tube, twister, and combinations thereof.