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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/696,089 filed Oct. 29, 2003 in the name of the Applicants, to which priority is claimed.

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.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers and a display end dimensioned to be proximate the flowers, and at least one jewel coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the display end of the post.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a cotton fiber stem insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a top portion of a cotton fiber stem housed within a flower stem and a display end dimensioned to be proximate a flower having a cotton fiber stem, and at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a cotton fiber stem insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a top portion of a cotton fiber stem housed within a stephanotis flower stem and a display end dimensioned to be proximate a flower having a cotton fiber stem, at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end, and at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead dimensioned to be secured by the at least one setting 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 a first embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a setting containing a Chinese cubic zirconia stone coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bouquet jewel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a glass pearl bead coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bouquet jewel of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a bouquet jewel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a setting containing Swarovski Austrian crystal beads coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bouquet jewel of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel shown in use with a stephanotis flower.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a stephanotis flower, a cotton fiber stem and a bouquet jewel being inserted into a top portion of the cotton fiber stem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.

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, glass pearl beads, and Chinese cubic zirconia stones. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the use of other gems and stones.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the inventor created a bouquet jewel, hereinafter referred to as bouquet jewel 10, that is placed within the center of a stephanotis flower 32 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) rather than floating within the bouquet. The bouquet jewel 10 comprises, a post 14 (see FIGS. 1-9) having a cotton fiber stem insertion end 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 10) and a display end 18 (see FIGS. 1-9). At least one jewel 12 is coupled to the display end 18 of the post 14. This bouquet jewel 10 has been favored by those who want a minimal amount of color added to their otherwise pure white bouquet.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 8, the bouquet jewel 10 may have a setting 24 coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post 14 proximate the display end 18. The setting 24 is dimensioned to secure at least one jewel 12. For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 show the setting 24 as being dimensioned to secure a plurality of Swarovski Austrian crystal beads 28 and FIGS. 1 and 2 show the setting 24 as being dimensioned to secure a single Chinese cubic zirconia stone 26. Preferably, the setting 24 is soldered to the post 14, however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived by an alternative configuration in which the setting 24 is coupled to the post 14 in some way other than by soldering, such as by glue or some other coupling mechanism so long as the setting 24 is securely coupled to the post 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the bouquet jewel 10 is shown as having the jewel 12 coupled directly to the display end 18 of the post 14. The jewel 12 may be a glass pearl bead 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) or a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead 28 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the bouquet jewel 10 is use with a stephanotis flower 32. A cotton fiber stem 20 (shown in FIG. 10) is soaked with water and is inserted into a stem 34 of the stephanotis flower 32. The jewel 12 is coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post 14, which preferably has a circumference of approximately 4 mm and has a length of approximately 10 mm. The bouquet jewel 10 is then inserted into a top portion 22 (see FIG. 10) of the cotton fiber stem 20. Preferably the jewel 12 will have a diameter of approximately 5 mm, however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from an alternatively sized jewel 12 so long as the jewel 12 conceals the top portion 22 of the cotton fiber stem 20.

The jewels 12 may appear in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, rhinestones (see FIGS. 5 and 6), multi-faceted spheres (see FIGS. 7 and 8), diamonds (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and pearls (see FIGS. 3 and 4). It should also be understood that jewels other than Swarovski Austrian crystal beads, Chinese cubic zirconia, and glass pearl beads may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

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 further comprising at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said post proximate said display end, said at least one setting being dimensioned to secure said at least one jewel.

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

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

5. The bouquet jewel of claim 3 wherein said post being silver plated.

6. The bouquet jewel of claim 3 wherein said post being surgical steel.

7. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said post having a diameter of approximately 4 millimeters.

8. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said post having a length of between approximately 13-15 millimeters.

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

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

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

12. 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 of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said post proximate said display end.

13. The bouquet jewel of claim 12 further comprising at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said post proximate said display end, said at least one setting being dimensioned to secure said at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead.

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

15. The bouquet jewel of claim 12 wherein said post being surgical steel.

16. The bouquet jewel of claim 12 wherein said post having a circumference of approximately 4 millimeters and having a length of between approximately 13-15 millimeters.

17. The bouquet jewel of claim 12 wherein said at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead having a diameter of approximately 5 millimeters.

18. The bouquet jewel of claim 12 wherein said flower stem being a stephanotis flower stem.

19. A bouquet jewel comprising:

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 stephanotis flower stem while at the same time said display end being dimensioned to be proximate a flower having a cotton fiber stem;

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

at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead, said at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead being dimensioned to be secured by said at least one setting in a substantially perpendicular orientation to said post proximate said display end.

20. The bouquet jewel of claim 19 wherein said post having a circumference of approximately 4 millimeters and having a length of between approximately 13-15 millimeters.