Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device primarily used for releasably joining two terminal end portions of jewelry items, although the locking device may also be used to releasably join two terminal end portions of non-jewelry items or the terminal end portions of two separate items. One embodiment of a locking device according to the present invention, for example, may comprise a first arrangement that includes at least one end portion that is at least partially open and an extension or a hole. The locking device may also comprise a second arrangement having a protrusion that is insertable into the first arrangement at the at least one end portion to place the first and second arrangements in a locked position. The locking device may also include a third arrangement that is connected to the second arrangement.

Abstract: A gemstone includes a crown portion and a girdle portion abutting the crown portion and extending along a predetermined plane. The crown portion has a plurality of crown facets provided on a surface thereof. The crown portion and the girdle portion each have eight longitudinal sections. At least one of the eight longitudinal sections of the crown portion have a first facet of the crown facets having a first edge bordering the girdle portion, and a second facet of the crown facets having a second edge bordering the girdle portion. A particular portion of the first edge abuts the second edge at a particular location. The first and second edges curve toward a center of the gemstone which is provided on the particular plane. The particular location is closer to the center of the gemstone than another portion of the first edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting gems in jewelry through the use of screws. More particularly, precious gems are set in a cavity of a jewelry piece comprising gems holes, screw holes and grooved slots. Gems are positioned in the cavity with four gems surrounding each gem hole. A screw is used to secure the gems in the cavity of the jewelry. The present invention may be implemented in jewelry such as rings, earrings, bracelets, lockets and the like.

Abstract: A gemstone includes a pavilion portion, a crown portion and a girdle portion provided between the pavilion portion and the crown portion. The crown portion includes a plurality of facets provided on a surface thereof. The crown portion can have eight longitudinal sections which collectively define it. At least one of the longitudinal sections includes a predetermined number of particular facets of the plurality of facets. Each of the particular facets has at least one edge that borders the girdle portion. A single facet of the particular facets is formed from cutting at least portions of at least two further facets of the particular facets. The gemstone can also be subdivided into two longitudinal half sections, with the crown portion of which having 12 facets that border the girdle portion of the longitudinal half section.