Abstract: A jewelry finding is provided as a neck accessory that enables a flexible bracelet to be worn as a necklace. Locket clasps are provided at the ends of the neck accessory to provide secure interconnection of the bracelet clasp ends with the neck accessory, while at the same time enclosing and obscuring from view the connection hardware. According to an alternate embodiment, a universal approach is implemented that uses flexible loops to modify clasp ends of most any flexible bracelet to be connectible to fastening posts in the locket clasps of the neck accessory.

Abstract: A method for forming light-weight composite metal castings incorporating metallurgically bonded inserts for a variety of applications. Castings formed by the invention have a particular utility as components of an internal combustion engine. A casting method includes the step of coating the insert with a first layer which is followed by coating a second layer and concluded by a casting step under conditions including sufficient temperature to cause the second coated layer to be sacrificed by dissolving into the cast metal material while leaving at least a portion of the first layer as a diffusion barrier between the insert and the cast material. The molten casting material is treated and handled to keep the hydrogen content below 0.15 and preferably below 0.10 parts per million. The casting step takes place under a protective gas environment of dry air, argon or nitrogen with a moisture content of less than 3 parts per million.