Abstract: Apparatus and methods for decorating a gemstone with colored indicia so that the indicia is readily visible from an exterior surface of the gemstone. The indicia is engraved on an predetermined exterior surface portion of the gemstone. The exterior surface on which the indicia is engraved may be the exterior surface from which it is visible, or another surface. The gemstone may be semi-precious, man-made, or precious, and can be faceted or cabochon. The indicia is engraved in the exterior surface by a laser beam. The laser beam is directed to the exterior surface, while the gemstone is held in a manner so that a significant portion of the laser beam is precluded from reflecting internally within the gemstone, thereby ensuring that the gemstone is not damaged by the laser beam. Once engraved a colored inlay, e.g., paint, is provided in the engraved recess to complete the decorative indicia.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for engraving indicia on gemstones and the gemstones created thereby. The indicia may be either decorative indicia, readily visible to the naked eye, or identification indicia, invisible to the naked eye, and is engraved on or adjacent a predetermined exterior surface portion of the gemstone. The gemstone may be semi-precious, man-made, or precious and has another exterior surface portion for engagement by a portion of the apparatus. The apparatus basically comprises a support for supporting the gemstone and laser device for generating a laser beam and for directing it beam to the predetermined exterior surface of the gemstone to engrave the indicia therein. The support is constructed to engage the other exterior surface portion of the gemstone in such a manner that a significant portion of the laser beam is precluded by the support from reflecting internally within the gemstone, thereby ensuring that the gemstone is not damaged by the laser beam.

Abstract: A jewelry chain having a pair of ends and a closure for releasably securing the ends together. The closure includes a male and a female component, each fixedly secured to a respective end of the chain. The male component includes a base member from which a circular disk of permanent magnetic material projects upward, a first tab and a first recess. The first tab projects outward from the base member perpendicular to the central axis adjacent a portion of the periphery of the disk, while the first recess projects outward from the base member perpendicular to the central axis adjacent a diametrically opposed portion of the disk. The female component includes a base member having a circular well of ferromagnetic material therein, a second tab, and a second recess.