Abstract: An article of jewelry has a first (5) and a second part (3) and a hinge (7) which articulatedly connects the two parts (3, 5) in such a way that the parts (3, 5) are movable between a first closed position and a second opened position. The article of jewelry is characterized in that a spring (21) is provided which forces the two parts (3, 5) into the closed position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the automatic joining of pins to the surfaces of articles, especially of ear pins to associated pieces of jewelry, the joining step utilizes flame soldering in the automatic joining process in order to reduce costs for small lot manufacturing and firm joining of the pin to the article. The apparatus has an article receptacle movably disposed on a base plate which also carries a solder supply gun, a pin supply and support structure and a soldering flame nozzle, all being movable between a remote rest position and an operating position in which they are properly located for performing the pin soldering task.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically soldering flexible jewelry chains to certain parts such as locks or ornamental members wherein the parts to be soldered to the chain are retained by a retaining device and the chain is disposed on a carrier which is movable toward and away from the retaining device a distance corresponding to the desired length of the chain section to be soldered to the part, the carrier having a gripper for engaging a particular chain link, a chain position sensor arranged next to the gripper so as to sense the position of the link next to the link to be soldered, a control device associated with the position sensor and adapted to correct the carrier position until the correct chain link position is obtained, a cutting mechanism arranged adjacent the gripper for cutting the chain link held by the gripper, and soldering means arranged adjacent the part retaining device for soldering the cut chain link upon movement thereof in abutment with the part to which it is to be soldered.