Keepsake storage jewelry apparatus and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus hermetically preserves and securely stores remembrance objects in a decorative jewelry piece. A first portion of the apparatus has an external door member. A receiving vessel is fixedly housed within the first portion. The receiving vessel has an inner vessel door for housing the remembrance object in an airtight environment therewithin. This dual door configuration provides a highly secure and airtight environment. Remembrance objects, such crematory ashes, hair samples, blood, or other DNA containing items are permanently secured within a decorative jewelry piece, enabling them to be admired and worn in a safe, reliable manner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a keepsake storage jewelry apparatus and method for manufacturing the same; and more particularly, to keepsake storage jewelry appointed for hermetically preserving and securely storing remembrances such as organic remains, including crematory ashes, hair samples or the like, in a decorative jewelry piece.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The ability to securely carry keepsakes or remembrance objects intimately associated with a love one within a decorative jewelry piece that can be worn every day and kept close provides great comfort and joy to the wearer so that the wearer can cherish the memory of their loved one. These remembrance objects are particularly geared toward organic matter, including a lock of hair, a drop of blood, cremation ashes, or other like cherished objects, which are virtually irreplaceable. Great comfort can be achieved through wearing and carrying these keepsakes or remembrance objects within an attractive, decorative jewelry piece.

As these keepsake objects are virtually irreplaceable, it is extremely important that the storage jewelry piece be constructed in a highly secure manner, not only to ward off degradation that can occur due to environmental elements, but further to minimize the risk of loss or damage. An airtight, moisture resistant, environment is highly optimal in protecting the remembrance object from air and moisture. Moreover, a dual access door construction is highly optimal in protecting the remembrance object from being lost or damaged.

Various types of storage jewelry devices for housing objects are known in the art, but none of the known storage jewelry devices provide a highly secured airtight environment constructed by way of a fixedly attached dual door construction. Significantly, many of the storage jewelry devices heretofore disclosed and utilized provide only a single door construction for accessing the receiving vessel in which the object is housed. Consequently, damage to the door through natural wear and tear of the jewelry piece inevitably leads to an increased risk of damage or even worse, loss, of the object. Where the objects were to be irreplaceable remembrance objects, the resultant loss would be emotionally devastating. Moreover, the single door construction provides direct entry to the object when the door is opened, as a result, the object may be vulnerable to damage or loss when the single access door is being opened.

Additionally, many of the storage jewelry devices heretofore disclosed and utilized fail to provide an airtight, sealed environment. As a result, the objects housed within the jewelry are vulnerable to air exposure and moisture penetration causing degradation of the object. Over time, the object becomes prone to degradation as the keepsake is exposed to contaminants and moisture, and the keepsake becomes subject to degradation and ruin.

The single door construction and the lack of airtight environment are features generally utilized by storage jewelry pieces, which are designed to carry frequently utilized objects requiring short-term storage. For example, several storage jewelry devices heretofore disclosed and utilized are not constructed for housing keepsake objects, but instead are appointed to house and carry non-sentimental objects having a utilitarian nature. Specifically, those storage jewelry devices are constructed for housing and carrying such objects as coins, currency, make-up, and medication, all of which are consumed throughout daily activities. Such objects have a utilitarian nature and require the various storage jewelry devices to be readily and frequently accessed.

Various jewelry pieces for storing frequently used objects, such as make-up, medications, coins, and currency, have been described in connection with bracelets or jewelry to be worn on the wrist. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 334,844 to A. V. Briesen discloses a bracelet having a readily accessible receptacle for housing coins. U.S. Pat. No. 1,609,481 to McCarthy, et al. discloses a wrist vanity case having a series of compartments all accessible through a single top cover plate. U.S. Pat. No. 2,083,880 to E. E. Tourot discloses a bracelet adapted to carry useful articles; specifically taught therein is a bracelet appointed to act as a vanity case having a series of compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,298 to Benton discloses a bracelet having one or more concealed chambers in which objects, such as folded paper money or pills, can be stored. U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,981 to Rodman discloses a jewelry armband with invisible storage compartments each having a door and being appointed for the insertion of a photograph, pills or other medicines, or the like, which are to be carried. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0022554 to Davidson, et al. discloses a bracelet having interchangeable adornments for storing medications, hygiene products, make-up, or food. These aforementioned storage jewelry devices are specifically configured to house and carry objects for short-term storage, and do not provide adequate conditions for long-term storage. That is to say, these storage jewelry devices generally comprise a single access entry door that is to be frequently accessed on a daily basis. Additionally, these devices are not adequate for housing delicate objects for extended periods of time because the devices do not provide for an airtight environment, and degradation would certainly ensue.

Other jewelry pieces for storing frequently used objects, such as make-up, medications, coins, and currency, have been described in connection with specific ring constructions. Many of the ring storage jewelry pieces utilize unilateral entry mechanisms that are accessible through lateral movement of a receiving surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,130,917 to M. C. Meyer discloses a memorandum ring including a member beneath a transparent stone having a memorandum-receiving surface that slides laterally out from the ring. U.S. Pat. No. 1,752,719 to L. Baum discloses an improved locket, illustrated as a ring, appointed for housing cosmetics wherein an access door laterally slides to expose a receptacle. U.S. Pat. No. 2,223,657 to R. Baden discloses a finger ring comprising a movable (laterally) plate-like shaped container concealed within the ring for housing a photograph or similar object. U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,420 to Reinhold, et al. discloses a ring with a plurality of hidden internal compartments for housing articles accessible through a single aperture when the ring is rotated. Such jewelry pieces are specifically configured to house and carry objects for short-term storage. They do not provide adequate conditions for long-term storage. That is to say, these storage jewelry devices generally comprise a single access entry door appointed for access on a daily basis. Such devices are not adequate for housing delicate objects over extended periods of time. No provision is made therein for an airtight environment, and degradation tends to ensue.

Still other storage jewelry devices for particular application in storing frequently used objects, such as make-up, medications, coins, and currency, have been taught constructed as garment attachments, necklaces, and improved hinge devices for jewelry objects such as rings. U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,306 to Larson discloses a garment attachment having an opening upon its front side for providing access to an interior receptacle appointed for housing coins and other items readily accessible by sliding an elongated plate cover. U.S. Pat. No. 1,567,021 to Detlefsen, et al. discloses a combined necklace and game apparatus generally constructed to form a hollow recess for housing game pieces. U.S. Pat. No. 902,606 to M. L. Robbins discloses an improvement hinge appointed for use in the construction of rings (and other jewelry) having a receptacle and a single hingedly mounted cover. These aforementioned jewelry pieces comprise a single access entry door and fail to provide an airtight environment.

Other storage jewelry devices heretofore disclosed and utilized provide storage of objects such as photographs and the like, which are two-dimensional, and do not provide for storage of three-dimensional objects. Moreover, these storage jewelry devices do not provide an airtight environment or a dual door construction, but merely provide a single door construction in accessing the object, which is exposed to air and moisture. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,333,284 to P. J. Schreiber discloses a finger ring adapted to accommodate via adhesive pictures, photographs, emblems, drawings, prints, or the like, that are printed, stamped, or adhered onto a flexible material of the ring. U.S. Pat. No. 2,731,812 to G. D. Sullivan discloses an ornamental charm having a housing adapted to hold one or more pictures therein. Both of these disclosed storage jewelry pieces provide a single access door, and the recess and closure do not form a sealed chamber, but would be prone to leakage and environmental elements.

There are various storage jewelry devices having a single door access with an airtight construction specifically appointed for receiving and housing remembrance objects, such as cremation ashes, hair samples, or the like, of a loved one or pet. However, these devices are characterized by a unilateral or single access door construction. As such, they fail to provide for optimal security of the irreplaceable objects housed therein.

Even when conventional storage jewelry apparatus provides an airtight container, the unilateral or single door construction of such devices falls far short of providing an optimally secure system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,952 to Hight, et al. discloses a gas-tight container formed by a plural inter-fitting, mounding overlapping that defines a hollow chamber the component parts of which are held together in gas-tight relation by a resiliently flexible seal. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0081561 to Eggleston discloses a pendant having two halves adapted to be hermetically sealed to form a container for carrying crematory remains, hair samples, or the like, of a loved one or pet. These storage jewelry devices afford immediate access to the object carried in the container when the two halves (or two moundings) are separated. As a result, minimal security is achieved. The keepsake is immediately exposed to the environment when the two halves are disengaged, heightening the risk of loss.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,116 to Sparacino, et al. discloses a remembrance preserving jewelry apparatus adapted to be configured in the form of a necklace or bracelet having a permanently sealed, airtight chamber, with single door access. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,287 to Cacciatore, et al discloses an apparatus generally including a base hingedly attached to a transparent cover to form a compartment for displaying a photograph and housing crematory ashes. Both these storage jewelry devices provide a single access door. Minimal security is achieved. Exposure to the environment is immediate upon opening the single access door, heightening the risk of loosing the keepsake.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,174 to Hereford discloses an apparatus comprising a minor container having an insertable cap, which is inserted into the bottom portion of a major container provided with a major cap. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0045316 to Naor discloses an article of jewelry having a container for enclosing memorabilia The container is accessed through a top end mouth opening, which is sealed by way of a member that screws into the top opening. Neither of these devices includes dual access doors wherein the receiving chamber's door is fixedly attached to the device. Rather, such prior art devices merely disclose caps that can readily become separated from the device through damage associated with everyday use, causing loss of the keepsake housing container.

Notwithstanding the efforts of prior art workers to construct a keepsake storage jewelry device that securely houses a remembrance object in an airtight environment, there remains a need in the art for a keepsake storage jewelry device that securely houses a remembrance object by providing a dual access door construction wherein damage to the exterior surface results in minimal risk to the receptacle housing the keepsake. Further, there remains a need in the art for a keepsake storage jewelry device that not only securely houses the objects within a dual access door apparatus, but also provides an airtight environment so that the keepsake is not exposed to air contaminants and moisture. An airtight keepsake storage jewelry device having a dual access door construction that resists air and moisture penetration, has long been needed in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a keepsake storage jewelry piece that securely houses a remembrance object in an airtight environment. A dual access door construction prevents damage to the exterior surface, minimizing risk of injury to the receptacle housing the keepsake. Keepsake objects, such DNA-containing substances, are securely housed within a dual access door construction. An airtight environment is thereby provided, so that the keepsake is not exposed to air contaminants and moisture.

The keepsake storage jewelry of the present invention is designed to hermetically preserve and securely store remembrances such as organic remains, including crematory ashes, hair samples or the like, in a decorative jewelry piece. Generally stated, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus includes a first portion having at least one sidewall member and a bottom member arranged to form a hollow insert. The first portion further comprises an external door member appointed to engage with each of the sidewall members to form closed and open configurations.

The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus further includes a receiving vessel fixedly housed within the hollow insert of the first portion. The receiving vessel further comprises at least one vessel wall and a vessel bottom arranged to form a chamber appointed to house one or more remembrance objects therein. An inner vessel door is fixedly attached by way of hinge means to at least one of the vessel walls. The inner vessel door is appointed to engage with each of the vessel walls to seal the receiving vessel so that the remembrance object is securely housed therein in an airtight environment.

Optionally, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus further comprises an attachment means fixedly attached to the first portion to form a jewelry piece appointed to be worn by a user. The attachment means may comprise an attachment loop so that the jewelry apparatus can be worn on a chain by the user. Alternatively, the attachment means comprises at least one link so that a plurality of first portions can be linked together. The plurality of first portions may be linked together to form a bracelet, a necklace, a ring, a pendant, or a broach. Further, the plurality of first portions can be linked together to form a piece of jewelry adapted to receive at least one first portion so that the piece of jewelry can be extended.

Optionally, the external door comprises a decorative surface. Moreover, the external door may be hingedly attached to the sidewall member of the first portion by way of a hinge portion. The external door is thereby adapted to be opened and closed in a pivoting motion. The external door may further comprise a locking member adapted to securely lock the external door in the closed configuration. Additionally, the external door may be composed of a transparent material.

The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus's inner vessel door may be composed of a transparent material so that the remembrance object housed within the chamber is viewable when the inner vessel door is in a shut configuration. Alternatively, the inner vessel door may be composed of a transparent material having magnifying properties so that the remembrance object housed within the chamber is viewable in a magnified condition when the inner vessel door is in the shut configuration. The inner vessel door may further comprise a vessel gasket member being appointed to form a seal with each of the vessel sidewalls when the airtight environment is achieved. The inner vessel door may further comprise a catch to securely lock the inner vessel door in a closed configuration. Moreover, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus's external door may further comprise a seal member being appointed to form a seal with each of the sidewall members of the first portion so that the receiving vessel is housed in an airtight environment. The remembrance object housed within the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus preferably comprises organic matter from a living person or animal.

The present invention also relates to a process for manufacture of keepsake storage jewelry apparatus for housing one or more remembrance objects therein. The process includes the first step of forming a first portion having at least one sidewall member and a bottom member arranged to form a hollow insert. The second step includes attaching an external door member to one of the sidewall members. The third step includes forming a receiving vessel further comprising at least one vessel wall and a vessel bottom arranged to form a chamber appointed to house one or more of the remembrance objects therein. The fourth step includes attaching an inner vessel door to at least one of the vessel walls, to seal the receiving vessel so that the remembrance object is securely housed therein. Lastly, the fifth step includes placing the receiving vessel within the hollow insert of the first portion in a fixed manner.

The present invention also provides a method for sealing one or more remembrance objects within a keepsake storage jewelry housing, comprising the steps of: (i) selecting a remembrance object; (ii) placing the remembrance object in a chamber located within a receiving vessel comprising at least one vessel wall and an inner vessel door; (iii) closing the inner vessel door so that the remembrance object is housed within the chamber of the inner vessel in an airtight environment; (iv) soldering the inner vessel door to each of the vessel walls to permanently seal the remembrance object within the chamber of the receiving vessel in a highly secure manner; (v) placing the receiving vessel inside a hollow insert within a first portion, the first portion comprising sidewall members and an external door member adapted to engage with each of the sidewall members to form closed and open configurations; (vi) engaging the external door member so that the external door member is in the closed configuration; (vii) locking the external door member in the closed configuration by way of a locking means; and (viii) attaching the first portion to a second portion to form a piece of wearable jewelry. Preferably, the method for sealing objects within a keepsake storage jewelry apparatus is carried out by a jeweler or other professional craftsman.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the Keepsake Storage Jewelry Apparatus, showing the first portion, the receiving vessel fixedly housed within the first portion, and the inner vessel door, in the open configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates the Keepsake Storage Jewelry Apparatus attached to a second portion to form a ring, in the closed configuration; and

FIG. 3 illustrates the Keepsake Storage Jewelry apparatus, shown as a bracelet constructed by linking a plurality of first portions together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a keepsake storage jewelry piece having a dual access door construction that securely houses a remembrance object in an airtight environment. Advantageously, this dual access door construction minimizes risk of damage and/or loss of the irreplaceable remembrance object, since damage to the exterior surface results in minimal risk to the receptacle housing the keepsake. Further, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus not only securely houses the objects within a dual access door apparatus, but also provides an airtight environment so that the keepsake is not exposed to air contaminants and moisture. The keepsake storage jewelry is appointed for hermetically preserving and securely storing remembrances such as organic remains, including crematory ashes, hair samples or the like, in a decorative jewelry piece.

FIG. 1 illustrates the Keepsake Storage Jewelry Apparatus, showing generally at 10 the first portion, the receiving vessel fixedly housed within the first portion, and the inner vessel door, in the open configuration. The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus 10 for housing one or more remembrance objects therein includes a first portion 13 having at least one sidewall member 14 and a bottom member 15 arranged to form a hollow insert 16. The first portion 13 further comprises an external door member 19 appointed to engage with each of the sidewall members 14 to form closed and open configurations.

The keepsake storage jewelry 10 apparatus further includes a receiving vessel 17 fixedly housed within the hollow insert 16 of the first portion 13. The receiving vessel 17 further comprises at least one vessel wall 18 and a vessel bottom 20 arranged to form a chamber 21 appointed to house one or more remembrance objects 22 therein. An inner vessel door 23 is fixedly attached by way of hinge means 24 to at least one of the vessel walls 18. The inner vessel door 23 is appointed to engage with each of the vessel walls 18 to seal the receiving vessel 17 so that the remembrance object 16 is securely housed therein in an airtight environment. Optionally, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus 10 further comprises an attachment means 25 fixedly attached to the first portion 13 to form a jewelry piece appointed to be worn by a user (for example, see FIG. 2).

Continuing with FIG. 1, optionally, the external door 19 comprises a decorative surface 26. Decorative surface 26 is an external surface viewable to others when the external door 19 is in the closed configuration. The decorative surface 26 may comprise a flat engraved surface, a jewel, or the like. Moreover, the external door 19 may be hingedly attached to the sidewall member 14 of the first portion 13 by way of a hinge portion 27 so that the external door 19 is adapted to be opened and closed in a pivoting motion. The external door 19 may further comprise a locking member 28 adapted to securely lock the external door 19 in the closed configuration. Additionally, the external door 19 may be composed of a transparent material. When the external door 19 is composed of a transparent material, the inner vessel door 23 is readily viewable. Inner vessel door 23 may include an inner decorative surface that is viewable when the external door 19 is composed of a transparent material.

Additionally, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus's inner vessel door 23 may be composed of a transparent material so that the remembrance object 22 housed within the chamber 21 is viewable when the inner vessel door 23 is in a shut configuration. The inner vessel door 23 may be composed of a transparent material having magnifying properties so that the remembrance object 22 housed within the chamber 21 is viewable in a magnified condition when the inner vessel door 23 is in the shut configuration. In this embodiment, the magnified property of the inner vessel door 23 provides an enlarged or magnified view of the remembrance object 22. When the inner vessel door 23 is composed of a transparent or/and the magnifying material, the external door 19 can be readily opened and the remembrance object 22 viewed. When the external door 19 is also composed of the transparent material (which can be achieved in a number of ways, including utilization of a gem) the remembrance object 22 is readily viewed without the necessity of opening the external door 19.

The inner vessel door 23 may further comprise a vessel gasket member 30, which forms a seal with each of the vessel sidewalls 18 when the airtight environment is achieved. The inner vessel door 23 may further comprise a catch 31 for securely locking the inner vessel door in a closed configuration. Correspondingly, a vessel sidewall 18 may have an engaging catch 32 for added security measures. Moreover, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus's external door 19 may further comprise a seal member 33 that forms a seal with each of the sidewall members 14 of the first portion 13, so that the receiving vessel 17 is housed in an airtight environment. The remembrance object 22 housed within the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus 10 preferably comprises organic matter from a living person or animal.

The present invention also relates to a process for manufacture of keepsake storage jewelry apparatus for housing one or more remembrance objects therein. The process includes the first step of forming a first portion 13 having at least one sidewall member 14 and a bottom member 15 arranged to form a hollow insert 16. The second step includes attaching an external door member 19 to one of the sidewall members 14. The third step includes forming a receiving vessel 17 further comprising at least one vessel wall 18 and a vessel bottom 20 arranged to form a chamber 21 appointed to house one or more of the remembrance objects 22 therein. The fourth step includes attaching an inner vessel door 23 to at least one of the vessel walls 18, which is adapted to seal the receiving vessel 17 so that the remembrance object 21 is securely housed therein. Lastly, the fifth step includes placing the receiving vessel 17 within the hollow insert 16 of the first portion in a fixed manner.

The present invention also provides a method for sealing objects within a keepsake storage jewelry apparatus for housing one or more remembrance objects therein, comprising the steps of: (i) selecting a remembrance object 22; (ii) placing the remembrance object in a chamber 21 located within a receiving vessel 17 comprising at least one vessel wall 18 and being provided with an inner vessel door 23; (iii) closing the inner vessel door 23 SO that the remembrance object 22 is housed within the chamber 21 of the inner vessel 17 in an airtight environment; (iv) soldering the inner vessel door 23 to each of the vessel walls 18 to permanently seal the remembrance object 22 within the chamber 21 of the receiving vessel 17 in a highly secure manner; (v) placing the receiving vessel 17 inside a hollow insert 16 within a first portion 13, the first portion 13 comprising sidewall members 14 and an external door member 19 adapted to engage with each of the sidewall members 14 to form closed and open configurations; (vi) engaging the external door member 19 so that the external door member 19 is in the closed configuration; (vii) locking the external door member 19 in the closed configuration by way of a locking means 28; and (viii) attaching the first portion 13 to a second portion (see FIG. 2) to form a piece of wearable jewelry. Preferably, the method for sealing objects within a keepsake storage jewelry apparatus is carried out by a jeweler or other professional craftsman.

FIG. 2 illustrates the Keepsake Storage Jewelry Apparatus 10 attached to a second portion to form a ring, in the closed configuration, shown generally at 40. Optionally, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus 10 further comprises an attachment means 25 fixedly attached to the first portion 13. Herein, the attachment means 25 is shown located on the sidewalls 14 of first portion 13. Alternatively, attachment means 25 is located at the bottom 15 of first portion 13. Attachment means 25 provides for attachment of first portion 13 to a second portion 41 to form a piece of jewelry 40. Herein, second portion 41 is in the form of a ring. Second portion 41 can be in the form of a chain, clip, earring stud, or the like so that various pieces of jewelry can be formed. Such jewelry pieces may comprise necklaces, lockets, broaches, tie clips, rings, earrings, and other forms of jewelry. The attachment means 25 may comprise an attachment loop so that the jewelry apparatus can be worn on a chain by the user. The attachment means 25 may comprise a soldered or welded portion adapted to fixedly attach first portion 13 to second portion 41. The wearable jewelry item can consist of a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, earrings, or a broach. Where the jewelry is a necklace, the attachment means 25 consists of a loop for receiving a chain, or the like, so that a pendant is formed. If the jewelry is a bracelet or a necklace, the attachment means 25 may comprise links that are capable of being linked in a chain or even linked together to form a chain. Alternatively, the attachment means 25 comprises at least one link (see FIG. 3) so that a plurality of first portions 13 can be linked together.

Continuing with FIG. 2, receiving vessel 17 is housed within the first portion 13, each being in the closed configuration. The receiving vessel 17 has sidewalls 18, and a vessel bottom 20 arranged to form chamber 21. Chamber 21 is a leak-proof chamber. Chamber 21 of the receiving vessel 17 is adapted to receive and house small keepsake memorabilia, or remembrance objects 22. The receiving vessel 17 is further comprised of an inner vessel door 23 fixedly attached to the receiving vessel's 17 sidewalls in order to seal the chamber 21 so that the keepsake or remembrance objects 22 housed within the receiving vessel 17 is securely and safely stored, and sealed away from the elements, such as moisture, which could otherwise cause degradation. External door 19 is removably attached to the first portion 13 and is further provided with a decorative surface 26. The decorative surface 26 is adapted to carry a decorative object, such as a gem, or the like. The external door 19 is removably attached to at least one of the first sidewall members 14 by way of hinge portion (27 in FIG. 1) so that the external door 19 can be opened and closed readily. The external door 19 further comprises a locking member (28 in FIG. 1) so that the external door 19 can be securely locked when in the closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the Keepsake Storage Jewelry apparatus, shown generally as a bracelet 50 constructed by linking a plurality of first portions together. The plurality of first portions 13 may be linked together to form a bracelet 50, a necklace, a ring, a pendant, or a broach. Further, the plurality of first portions 13 can be linked together to form a piece of jewelry adapted to receive at least one first portion 13 so that the piece of jewelry can be extended. The bracelet 50 is constructed by linking together a plurality of first portions 13 by way of attachment means 25, constructed as links. In this embodiment, generations of DNA or remembrance objects 22 can be stored. First portion 13 is attached to a plurality of first portions 13 by way of attachment means 25 shown as link portions. The attachment means 25 may be constructed by way of a hinge link to form a series of first portions 13 being hingedly or pivotally connected to one another. Alternatively, the first portion 13 can be attached to a second portion to form a ring having a plurality of first portions 13. The receiving vessel 17 is fixedly housed within the first portion 13. The decorative surface 26 of the first portion 13 is shown carrying an object, such as a gem, or the like. The bracelet 50 is shown here with a clasp 51 adapted to receive a hook 52 so that the bracelet can be worn in a secure manner.

Advantageously, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus, method of use, and process of manufacture, provides a convenient, decorative means for carrying the memory of a loved one on the person of a wearer every day by enabling the wearer to store important objects intimately associated with a loved one, such as a child, spouse, friend, parent, or pet, in a piece of jewelry. These important objects intimately associated with the loved one act as keepsakes, preferably in the nature of DNA, such as a lock of hair, cremation ashes, a drop of blood, a child's first tooth, or other cherished DNA containing items. The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus enables a person to always and forever keep nearby those special to him or her. The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus can be made up to form a bracelet, necklace, wristwatch, broach, earrings, ring, or the like. Links can be added to the jewelry item, so that the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus can be worn by a person as the person grows. The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus provides comfort to the wearer by allowing the wearer to keep the loved one's DNA close at hand. Advantageously, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus can have a plurality of vessels linked together and adapted to receive a plurality of keepsakes, so that keepsakes/DNA can be added over time, from generation to generation.

The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus provides a safe and secure environment for housing the cherished keepsake in order to prevent degradation or damage caused by the environment. This is achieved due to the construction of the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus, which provides dual closures (external door member 19 acting in concert with inner vessel door 23). For instance, the receiving vessel has its own inner vessel door that securely closes the vessel in a reliable manner. At the same time, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus provides for an external door closure to provide enhanced protection from damage and the elements of the environment. This aspect is particularly important, since the jewelry piece is subject to external damage due to daily wear and/or exposure to water. The dual closures provide an extra barrier and enhanced security and safety for the cherished item housed within the receiving vessel. Many times, the cherished item is of the type that is irreplaceable. For example, where the cherished item is from a deceased loved one, the item cannot be replaced, and it is crucial that the item be housed and stored in a highly secure, sealed environment.

The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus enables the wearer to store important keepsakes associated with a loved one, such as a child, spouse, friend, parent, or pet. These keepsakes are preferably of organic matter (i.e. DNA in nature), such as a lock of hair, a child's first tooth, or other small items. The keepsake storage jewelry apparatus enables a person to always and forever keep those special to him or her nearby. Advantageously, the keepsake storage jewelry apparatus can have a plurality of first portions, each having a receiving vessel fixedly housed therein and being adapted to be attached together to form a plurality of keepsakes, so that keepsakes/DNA can be added over time, from generation to generation.

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

Claims

1. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus for housing one or more remembrance objects therein, comprising:

a. a first portion having at least one sidewall member and a bottom member arranged to form a hollow insert, said first portion further comprising an external door member appointed to engage with each of said sidewall members to form closed and open configurations;

b. a receiving vessel fixedly housed within said hollow insert of said first portion, said receiving vessel further comprising at least one vessel wall and a vessel bottom arranged to form a chamber adapted to house one or more of said remembrance objects therein; and

c. an inner vessel door fixedly attached by way of hinge means to at least one of said vessel walls, for engaging each of said vessel walls to seal said receiving vessel so that said remembrance object is securely housed in an airtight environment therewithin.

2. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1 comprising an attachment means fixedly attached to said first portion to form a jewelry piece appointed to be worn by a user.

3. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 2, wherein said attachment means comprises an attachment loop so that said jewelry apparatus can be worn on a chain by said user.

4. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 2, wherein said attachment means comprises at least one link so that a plurality of said first portions can be linked together.

5. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 4, wherein said plurality of said first portions is linked together to form a bracelet, a necklace, a ring, a pendant, or a broach.

6. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 4, wherein said plurality of said first portions is linked together to form a piece of jewelry adapted to receive at least one first portion so that said piece of jewelry can be extended.

7. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said external door comprises a decorative surface.

8. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim. 1, wherein said external door is hingedly attached to said sidewall member of said first portion by way of a hinge portion, so that said external door is adapted to be opened and closed in a pivoting motion.

9. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said external door further comprises a locking member adapted to securely lock said external door in said closed configuration.

10. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said external door is composed of a transparent material.

11. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner vessel door is composed of a transparent material so that said remembrance object housed within said chamber is viewable when said inner vessel door is in a shut configuration.

12. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 11, wherein said inner vessel door is composed of a transparent material having magnifying properties so that said remembrance object housed within said chamber is viewable in a magnified condition when said inner vessel door is in said shut configuration.

13. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner vessel door further comprises a vessel gasket member adapted to form a seal with each of said vessel sidewalls so that said airtight environment is maintained.

14. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said external door further comprises a seal member for forming a seal with each of said sidewall members of said first portion so that said receiving vessel is housed in an airtight environment.

15. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said inner vessel door further comprises a catch for securely locking said inner vessel door in a closed configuration.

16. A keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 1, wherein said remembrance objects comprise organic matter from a living person or animal.

17. A process for manufacture of a keepsake storage jewelry apparatus for housing one or more remembrance objects therein, comprising the steps of:

a. forming a first portion having at least one sidewall member and a bottom member arranged to form a hollow insert;

b. attaching an external door member to one of said sidewall members;

c. forming a receiving vessel comprising at least one vessel wall and a vessel bottom arranged to form a chamber appointed to house one or more of said remembrance objects therein;

d. attaching to at least one of said vessel walls an inner vessel door adapted to seal said receiving vessel so that said remembrance object is securely housed therein; and

e. placing said receiving vessel within said hollow insert of said first portion in a fixed manner.

18. A method for sealing objects within a keepsake storage jewelry apparatus for housing one or more remembrance objects therein, comprising the steps of:

a. selecting a remembrance object;

b. placing said remembrance object in a chamber located within a receiving vessel comprising at least one vessel wall and being provided with an inner vessel door;

c. closing said inner vessel door so that said remembrance object is housed within said chamber of said inner vessel in an airtight environment;

d. soldering said inner vessel door to each of said vessel walls to permanently seal said remembrance object within said chamber of said receiving vessel in a highly secure manner;

e. placing said receiving vessel inside a hollow insert within a first portion, said first portion comprising sidewall members and an external door member adapted to engage with each of said sidewall members to form closed and open configurations;

f. engaging said external door member so that said external door member is in said closed configuration;

g. locking said external door member in said closed configuration by way of a locking means; and

h. attaching said first portion to a second portion to form a piece of wearable jewelry.

19. A method for sealing objects within a keepsake storage jewelry apparatus as recited by claim 19, wherein said method is carried out by a jeweler or other professional craftsman.