Bouquet jewel

Abstract

A bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers so as to compliment different flower combinations. The bouquet jewel may have a specific color, dimension, and quality that provides optimal light and texture to popular flower combinations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to floristry, and more specifically, to a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be mounted onto a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers.

2. Description of Prior Art

Flowers may be used for any occasion. They are chosen for their sizes, their colors, and for their scents. Flowers are also chosen to stand singly, in an arrangement, or in a bouquet.

Jewels have also been used for many purposes. Not only may they be worn as jewelry, but they are also used in decorating. Jewels are especially attractive because of the alluring sparkle created by the jewels' refraction and reflection of light.

For weddings, a bride will typically choose a certain color scheme for the bridesmaids/groomsmen attire and for her wedding decor. Usually, the bridesmaids will each hold a floral bouquet that is also consistent with and accentuates the color of their dresses. The bridal bouquet may also contain colored flowers, however, many brides insist upon a traditional white bouquet.

On occasion, some people add accessories to the bouquet, such as feathers or faux butterflies. These accessories, however, may be so large as to inadvertently detract from the natural beauty of the flowers themselves. Furthermore, the colors of the accessories may overwhelm or clash, rather than complement, the particular shades of the flowers.

Therefore, a need existed for a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers so as to compliment a flower combination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bouquet jewel having a specific color, dimension, and quality that allows for ideal placement within a bouquet so as to provide optimal light and texture to the most popular flower combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a display end, and at least one jewel defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around the post proximate the display end.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a display end, at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post, and at least one jewel dimensioned to be secured into the at least one setting and dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the display end of the post.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a display end, and at least one Swarovski Austrian crystal flower dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a cotton fiber stem insertion end and a display end, the cotton fiber stem insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a cotton fiber stem housed within a flower stem, and at least one Swarovski Austrian crystal bead dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bouquet jewels shown in use with a floral bouquet.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a first Swarovski Austrian crystal bead and a second Swarovski Austrian crystal bead slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a metal post.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a setting dimensioned to secure an emerald cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation. An emerald cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone is shown secured into the setting in phantom lines.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.

FIG. 4B is a top view of a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a setting dimensioned to secure a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.

FIG. 5A is a side view of bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a setting dimensioned to secure an emerald cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a setting dimensioned to secure a round cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.

FIG. 7B is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a round cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a Swarovski Austrian crystal flower. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.

FIG. 8B is a top view of a Swarovski Austrian crystal flower.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a first glass pearl bead and a second glass pearl bead slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a metal post.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a first glass pearl bead and a second glass pearl bead slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a metal post.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel shown in use with a stephanotis flower.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a stephanotis flower, a cotton fiber stem and a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be inserted into a top portion of the cotton fiber stem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Flowers, especially when used in wedding decor, are chosen for their distinct colors. Jewels are desired because of their attractive sparkle. In combining the two, the inventor has developed a bouquet jewel. The inventor has discovered that the type of jewel used, its color, and its placement are crucial to creating the perfect floral bouquet. After extensive research, the inventor has determined which bouquet jewels complement the most popular flowers and wedding colors.

The inventor has discovered that the most beautiful jewels to use are Swarovski Austrian crystal beads and flowers, Chinese cubic zirconia stones, and glass pearl beads. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the use of other gems and stones.

The inventor has also found that the bouquet jewels should have a post 20 (see FIG. 4A) that is approximately 4-6 inches long and approximately 2-3 mm in diameter. A bouquet insertion end 21 (see FIG. 4A) of the post 20 is inserted into the bouquet in order to give the illusion that the jewels are floating among the flowers 10 (see FIG. 1). And although the preferred embodiment discloses a post 20 that is either a gold or silver base metal, depending upon the colors of the flowers 10 in the bouquet, it should be understood that substantial benefit may also be obtained from using other metals.

The inventor has also discovered that the most ideal position of the jewels is to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to their posts 20. Such simple positioning prevents the bouquet jewels from overwhelming and detracting from the natural beauty of the flowers 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, a first embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A first jewel defining a bore therethrough is shown to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a display end 22 of the post 20. The first jewel is a 10 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 31a (referred to generically as a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead) in FIG. 2 and is a 14 mm diameter glass pearl bead 34a (referred to generically as a glass pearl bead) in FIGS. 9 and 10. A second jewel defining a bore therethrough is also shown to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around the display end 22 of the post 20. The second jewel is an 8 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 31b (referred to generically as a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead) in FIG. 2 and is a 12 mm diameter glass pearl bead 34b (referred to generically as a glass pearl bead) in FIGS. 9 and 10.

A rondelle 40 is also shown slidably coupled around the post 20 so as to separate the first and second jewels. In FIG. 2, the rondelle 40 is 6 mm in diameter and in FIGS. 9 and 10, the rondelle 40 is 8 mm in diameter. Finally, a bead cap 50 is slidably coupled around the post 20 and a 2 mm crimp 60, for holding the jewels and the rondelle 40 in place, is shown slidably coupled to the display end 22 of the post 20 and proximate a bottom portion of the second jewel (see FIGS. 2, 9, and 10).

While, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, the first jewel is either a 10 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 31a or a 14 mm diameter glass pearl bead 34a and the second jewel is either a 8 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 31b or a 12 mm diameter glass pearl bead 34b and a rondelle 40, bead cap 50 and crimp 60 are used to separate and secure the first jewel and the second jewel to the post, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of this embodiment: 1) in which jewels are used that deviate, even substantially, from the preferred diameters in either direction; 2) in which jewels other than Swarovski Austrian crystal beads and glass pearl beads are used; and/or 3) which does not use either a rondelle 40, crimp 60 or bead cap 50 (or none of the three) as long as the jewels are capable of being securely coupled to the post 20.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3A-7B. A setting 70 is coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post 20 proximate the display end 22. FIGS. 5A-7B show a setting 70 that is soldered to the post 20. And FIGS. 3A-4C show an earring back 80 defining a bore therethrough that is slidably coupled around the post 20 proximate the display end 22 while its top portion is coupled to a bottom portion of the setting 70. The earring back 80 connects the setting 70 to the post 20. While, in this second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-7B, a setting 70 is either soldered or coupled with an earring back 80 to the post 20 it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration in which the setting 70 is coupled to the post 20 in some way other than by soldering or through an earring back, such as by glue or some other coupling mechanism so long as the setting 70 is securely coupled to the post 20.

A jewel, preferably a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, is secured into the setting 70 and is dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the display end 22 of the post 20. The Chinese cubic zirconia stone may be dimensioned as a 14 mm heart cut 33a (see FIGS. 3A, 4A, 4B, 5A, 6A, and 6B), a 14 mm round cut 33b (see FIG. 7B), or a 12 mm×16 mm emerald cut 33c (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 3B as shown in phantom lines in). It should also be understood that another dimension of the Chinese cubic zirconia or a stone other than the Chinese cubic zirconia may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B refer to a third embodiment of the present invention. A Swarovski Austrian crystal flower 32 having metal accents 32a is dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post 20 proximate the display end 22. Preferably, an earring back 80 defining a bore therethrough is slidably coupled around the post 20 proximate the display end 22 while its top portion is coupled to a bottom portion of the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower 32. The earring back 80 connects the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower 32 to the post 20. It should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B in which some other mechanism other than the earring back 80 is used to couple the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower 32 to the post 20, so long as the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower 32 is coupled securely to the post 20.

The inventor also created a bouquet jewel that is placed within the center of a flower 10 rather than floating within the bouquet. This fourth embodiment of the present invention has been favored by those who want a minimal amount of color added to their otherwise pure white bouquet. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a cotton fiber stem 90 (shown in FIG. 12) is soaked with water and is inserted into a stephanotis flower stem 11. A jewel, preferably a 5 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 31c (referred to generically as a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead), is coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a post 20 having a circumference of approximately 4 mm and having a length of approximately 10 mm. The bouquet jewel is then inserted into a top portion of the cotton fiber stem 90 in order for the Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 31c to conceal a top portion of the cotton fiber stem 90. While, in this embodiment, a 5 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 31c is coupled to a post 20 having a circumference of approximately 4 mm and having a length of approximately 10 mm, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of this embodiment in which a jewel other than a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead is used and/or the dimensions of the jewel and post deviate, even substantially, from the preferred dimensions in either direction.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A bouquet jewel comprising, in combination:

a post having a bouquet insertion end and a display end, said bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers while at the same time said display end being dimensioned to be proximate said flowers; and

at least one jewel coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said display end of said post.

2. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said post being comprised of metal.

3. The bouquet jewel of claim 2 wherein said post being gold plated.

4. The bouquet jewel of claim 2 wherein said post being silver plated.

5. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said post having a diameter of between approximately 2-3 millimeters.

6. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said post having a length of between approximately 4-6 inches.

7. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said at least one jewel comprises at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead and a Swarovski Austrian crystal flower.

8. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said at least one jewel comprises at least one Chinese cubic zirconia stone.

9. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said at least one jewel comprises at least one glass pearl bead.

10. A bouquet jewel comprising, in combination:

a post having a bouquet insertion end and a display end, said bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers while at the same time said display end being dimensioned to be proximate said flowers; and

at least one jewel defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around said post proximate said display end.

11. The bouquet jewel of claim 10 further comprising:

a first jewel defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around said post proximate said display end;

a rondelle coupled to a bottom portion of said first jewel;

a second jewel defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around said post, a top portion of said second jewel coupled to said rondelle;

a bead cap coupled to a bottom portion of said second jewel; and

a crimp coupled to said bead cap.

12. The bouquet jewel of claim 10 wherein said post being comprised of metal.

13. The bouquet jewel of claim 12 wherein said post being gold plated.

14. The bouquet jewel of claim 12 wherein said post being silver plated.

15. The bouquet jewel of claim 10 wherein said post having a length of between approximately 4-6 inches and a diameter of between approximately 2-3 millimeters.

16. The bouquet jewel of claim 11 wherein said first jewel being a first Swarovski Austrian crystal bead and having a diameter of approximately 10 millimeters and said second jewel being a second Swarovski Austrian crystal bead and having a diameter of approximately 8 millimeters.

17. The bouquet jewel of claim 16 wherein said rondelle having a diameter of approximately 6 millimeters.

18. The bouquet jewel of claim 11 wherein said first jewel being a glass pearl bead and having a diameter of approximately 14 millimeters and said second jewel being a second glass pearl bead and having a diameter of approximately 12 millimeters.

19. The bouquet jewel of claim 18 wherein said rondelle having a diameter of approximately 8 millimeters.

20. The bouquet jewel of claim 11 wherein said crimp having a diameter of approximately 2 millimeters.

21. A bouquet jewel comprising, in combination:

a post having a bouquet insertion end and a display end, said bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers while at the same time said display end being dimensioned to be proximate said flowers;

at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said post proximate said display end; and

at least one jewel dimensioned to be secured into said at least one setting and dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said display end of said post.

22. The bouquet jewel of claim 21 wherein said jewel is at least one Chinese cubic zirconia stone.

23. The bouquet jewel of claim 22 wherein said at least one Chinese cubic zirconia stone being heart cut and having a diameter of approximately 14 millimeters.

24. The bouquet jewel of claim 22 wherein said at least one Chinese cubic zirconia stone being round cut and having a diameter of approximately 14 millimeters.

25. The bouquet jewel of claim 22 wherein said at least one Chinese cubic zirconia stone being emerald cut and having a diameter of approximately 16 millimeters and having a depth of approximately 12 millimeters.

26. The bouquet jewel of claim 21 wherein said post being comprised of metal.

27. The bouquet jewel of claim 26 wherein said post being gold plated.

28. The bouquet jewel of claim 26 wherein said post being silver plated.

29. The bouquet jewel of claim 21 wherein said post having a length of between approximately 4-6 inches and a diameter of between approximately 2-3 millimeters.

30. The bouquet jewel of claim 21 wherein a bottom portion of said at least one setting being soldered to said post proximate said display end.

31. The bouquet jewel of claim 21 further comprising at least one earring back, said earring back defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled around said post proximate said display end, said earring back having a top portion being coupled to a bottom portion of said at least one setting.

32. A bouquet jewel comprising, in combination:

a post having a bouquet insertion end and a display end, said bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers while at the same time said display end being dimensioned to be proximate said flowers; and

at least one Swarovski Austrian crystal flower dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said post proximate said display end.

33. The bouquet jewel of claim 32 further comprising at least one earring back, said earring back defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled around said post proximate said display end, said earring back having a top portion being coupled to a bottom portion of said at least one Swarovski Austrian crystal flower.

34. The bouquet jewel of claim 32 wherein said post being comprised of metal.

35. The bouquet jewel of claim 34 wherein said post being gold plated.

36. The bouquet jewel of claim 34 wherein said post being silver plated.

37. The bouquet jewel of claim 32 wherein said post having a length of between approximately 4-6 inches and a diameter of between approximately 2-3 millimeters.

38. The bouquet jewel of claim 32 wherein said Swarovski Austrian crystal flower having a diameter of approximately 16 millimeters.

39. The bouquet jewel of claim 32 wherein said Swarovski Austrian crystal flower having metal accents.

40. The bouquet jewel of claim 39 wherein said accents are gold plated.

41. The bouquet jewel of claim 39 wherein said accents are silver plated.

42. A bouquet jewel comprising, in combination:

a post having a cotton fiber stem insertion end and a display end, said cotton fiber stem insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a top portion of a cotton fiber stem housed within a flower stem while at the same time said display end being dimensioned to be proximate a flower having a cotton fiber stem; and

at least one Swarovski Austrian crystal bead dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said post proximate said display end.

43. The bouquet jewel of claim 42 wherein said post being comprised of metal.

44. The bouquet jewel of claim 43 wherein said post being surgical steel.

45. The bouquet jewel of claim 42 wherein said post having a circumference of approximately 4 millimeters and having a length of approximately 10 millimeters.

46. The bouquet jewel of claim 42 wherein said Swarovski Austrian crystal bead having a diameter of approximately 5 millimeters.

47. The bouquet jewel of claim 42 wherein said flower stem being a stephanotis flower stem.