Abstract: A locking mechanism assembly for a jewellery strand comprising a male end pin with a rounded end and a groove, and a corresponding female end socket in the shape of a hollow cylinder that neatly fits the pin, and further may comprise a spring wrapped around the socket, at least two separate holes at the inner end of the socket, ball bearings each of which correspond to one of the holes, and a housing that encases the socket, the spring, the holes and the ball bearing. Insertion of the pin into the socket locks the pin in the socket. Release of the pin may be effected by extending the socket housing towards the pin before removing the pin from the socket.

Abstract: A bead having a cylindrical opening for passage of a strand and a crest mounted on the strand. The opening comprises central cavity having a first diameter, and first and second ends each having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter of the central cavity. The first and second ends further comprises a notch disposed at a selected position along the circumference of the opening, wherein the notch at the first end is not radially aligned along the longitudinal bead axis with the notch at the second end. The diameter of the opening is sufficient along its entire length to permit an unadorned strand to pass through and be rotated freely. The crest is of a size and shape selected to pass through either end of the opening by aligning the crest with the corresponding notch at that end, but is too large to pass through either of the ends of the opening when not aligned with a corresponding notch.