Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, an earring has a decorative element that is held below the bottom of the ear by a continuously curved wire member. The end of the curved wire member opposite the decorative element is secured to the ear by a releasable securing element, which may also be ornamental. The overall design of the earring maintains the decorative element and the securing element in the same plane and in substantial vertical relation. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an earring enhancement has a decorative element that is held below the bottom of the ear. A curved wire member having a substantially straight portion maintains the position of the decorative element. One end of the curved wire member is configured to slide onto the post of a traditional earring.

Abstract: Among other embodiment, disclosed herein is a setting for a gem formed from a blank, comprising a base formed from the blank and a negative impression forced against one another, at least three prongs formed from the blank and the at least one negative impression being forced against one another so that the at least three prongs extended radially from the base in a substantially coplanar manner, each of the at least three prongs having an end distal to the base, where the distal ends are forced to substantially face each other, and at least one receptacle end, formed from forcing a solid against the at least one of the distal ends, and adapted to confine the gem between the distal ends. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carrying device is provided for removably coupling a portable device to a user's person. The carrying device includes a main body coupled to the portable device, a clip arm coupled to the main body, and an interchangeable face plate that is removably coupled to the main body. The clip arm and main body are coupled together so as to allow the portable device to be removably coupled to the user's person. In one embodiment, the interchangeable face plate includes means for aligning and/or securing the interchangeable face plate to the main body, such as locking tabs, aligning posts, lateral aligning posts, and/or snap lock tabs.

Abstract: The belt clip for a cellular telephone includes a substantially rigid back plate and an expansible fabric layer (or flexible cover) partially covering the front of the back plate. The expansible layer has a degree of elasticity sufficient to secure the cell phone between the expansible layer and the back plate. A common clip (typically, an inverted U-shaped member) is mounted to the rear side of the back plate which enables the wearer to place the retained cell phone and belt clip onto his or her belt. The expansible layer may include a grip tab mounted on a top edge of the expansible layer to facilitate insertion and removal of the cell phone from the interspace between the expansible layer and the back plate. The method includes removably mounting the substantially rigid plate onto the person's belt and at least partially surrounding the cell phone with elastic material and capturing the cell phone between the material and the rigid plate.

Abstract: The belt clip for a cellular telephone includes a substantially rigid back plate and an expansible fabric layer (or flexible cover) partially covering the front of the back plate. The expansible layer has a degree of elasticity sufficient to secure the cell phone between the expansible layer and the back plate. A common clip (typically, an inverted U-shaped member) is mounted to the rear side of the back plate which enables the wearer to place the retained cell phone and belt clip onto his or her belt. The expansible layer may include a grip tab mounted on a top edge of the expansible layer to facilitate insertion and removal of the cell phone from the interspace between the expansible layer and the back plate. The method includes removably mounting the substantially rigid plate onto the person's belt and at least partially surrounding the cell phone with elastic material and capturing the cell phone between the material and the rigid plate.