Jewelry article with a brilliance enhancing diamond setting

Abstract

A jewelry article is described that includes a plurality of diamond settings adapted to hold a respective plurality of diamonds in a suspended position. Each of the diamond settings is connected to the article through a pair of loop rings and connecting loops. The loop rings and connecting loops facilitate oscillating motion to the diamond setting for a predefined amount of time responsive to involuntary movement or reflexes of the wearer's body. The diamond setting includes an arcuate shaped cup member that adds weight to the diamond setting to help prolong the oscillating motion of the diamond setting. The oscillating motion of the diamond setting facilitates the diamond to oscillate relative to the diamond setting without manual movement of the article from the wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to brilliance enhancing jewelry devices and, more particularly, to a diamond setting adapted to impart sparkling or dazzling effect.

2. Description of Related Art

Use of prongs to securely hold the diamonds within the settings is very common in jewelry settings. However, these prongs keep the diamonds in a stationary position within these settings. The diamonds are held in a fixed position within the prongs of these settings and, therefore, structurally limit the movement of the diamonds. The diamonds used in these settings ignite with brilliance and sparkle only when the jewelry setting is moved or shaken. The period of brilliance or sparkle subsides once jewelry setting assumes a stationary and/or motionless condition. However, a wearer would not possibly like to constantly shake or move a jewelry setting merely to display the dazzling brilliance and sparkle of the diamonds. This would only inhibit or diminish the desire to wear the jewelry setting.

Diamond settings wherein the diamonds are directly hung for improving their brilliance or sparkle are not unknown in the prior art. In a typical setting, diamonds that are used have a through bore. A loop ring is passed through the bore and diamonds are thus hung from the setting. These settings are delicate and prone to be damaged when snatched with force. Also, the diamonds in some of these settings are more exposed to physical deterioration as they generally are suspended freely and are not enclosed within the settings.

In addition, the direct attachment of the diamonds to the settings also affects the aesthetic quality of the settings. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0032271 discloses an article of jewelry wherein the stone suspends by the throughbore from the article of jewelry to give an impression of dancing relative to the article of jewelry. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. D534,093 provides a device that includes an ornamental design of a pear shaped jewelry stone having a through hole adapted to suspend the stone to the jewelry articles.

Attempts are also seen in the art to make use of prong settings to securely hang the diamonds on the settings. However, these diamond settings have diamonds that remain in direct contact with wearer's body and do not produce sparkling or dazzling effect, unless the setting is manually moved by the wearer. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,599 provides a pendant that includes a jewel, a stopping ring surrounding a girdle portion of said jewel wherein the prongs of the stopping ring position on the table portion of the diamonds.

What is needed is a jewelry setting that securely holds and suspends a diamond within the jewelry article. A jewelry setting is further needed that is capable to impart a sparkling or dazzling effect without actual movement of the setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A sparkle enhancing jewelry article is described that comprises a front member and a rear member. The front member and rear member are connected through a plurality of connecting bars that hold the front and rear members at a predefined distance. The front member and rear member define a hollow interior within the article. The front member has a rear face that is positioned with a plurality of connecting loops that connect to a respective plurality of diamond settings through a respective plurality of loop rings. Each of the diamond settings is adapted to hold a dazzling diamond. The connecting bars safely detain the diamond setting within the article and provide safety to the dazzling diamond. The loop rings and connecting loops facilitate an oscillating motion to the diamond setting for a predefined amount of time. The oscillating motion of the diamond setting is responsive to involuntary body movements and reflexes of wearer's body. The diamond setting includes an arcuate shaped cup member that adds weight to the diamond setting. The arcuate shaped cup member adapted to prolong the oscillating motion of the diamond setting. The oscillating motion of the diamond setting imparts a dazzling, twinkling or sparkling effect without actual manual movement of the article from the wearer.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

A diamond setting for a jewelry article that includes a pair of prongs that are integrally connected to an arcuate shaped cup portion to hold and suspend a diamond within the article adapted to enhance brilliance, dispersion and scintillation of the diamond without requiring actual movement of the article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views where:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a jewelry article constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the jewelry article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the jewelry article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 before setting a diamond;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 before setting the diamond;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 before setting the diamond;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 after setting the diamond;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 after setting the diamond;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 after setting the diamond;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 after setting the diamond;

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 showing a pair of loop rings adapted to be connected to the diamond setting;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the jewelry article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the jewelry article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 showing a connection between the loop rings and the diamond setting;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 showing the connection between the loop rings and the diamond setting;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 showing an undulating movement of the diamond setting in a forward direction; and

FIG. 17 is a side view of the diamond setting of the jewelry article of FIG. 1 showing an undulating movement of the diamond setting in a rearward direction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Although specific terms are used in the following description for sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to particular structure of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a jewelry article 10 includes a front member 12 and a rear member 14. Front member 12 is bilaterally disposed along a central vertical axis-X. Rear member 14 is bilaterally disposed along a central vertical axis-Y. Central vertical axis-X and central vertical axis-Y are substantially parallel to one another. Front member 12 includes a first ring 16, a second ring 18 and a third ring 20 that respectively have their centers aligned along the central axis-X. Rear member 14 includes a fourth ring 22, a fifth ring 24 and a sixth ring 26 that respectively have their centers aligned along the central axis-Y. Front member 12 is connected to rear member 14 via a plurality of connecting bars 28. Connecting bars 28 preferably horizontally extend along a plane that is normal to the axes X and Y. Connecting bars 28 maintain front and rear members 12, 14 at a predefined distance and define a hollow interior within article 10. In this one particular embodiment, first ring 16, second ring 18 and third ring 20 respectively define a first hollow interior 30, a second hollow interior 32 and a third hollow interior 34.

Article 10 includes a pedestal 36 that includes a front portion 38, a rear portion 40 and a connecting member 42. Front portion 38 is integrally connected to first ring 16 at a juncture 44. Rear portion 36 is integrally connected to fourth ring 22 at a juncture 46. Front portion 38 has a configuration that gradually upwardly diverges between juncture 44 and connecting member 42. Rear portion 36 and connecting member 42 preferably have a rectangular configuration. However, it is understood that configurations of front portion 38, rear portion 40 and connecting member 42 may vary in other alternative embodiments of article 10. Pedestal 32 defines an aperture 48 adapted to facilitate insertion of a jewelry chain, a wire or a rope through article 10. First and second rings 16, 18 are integrally connected at a juncture 50. Second and third rings 18, 20 are integrally connected at a juncture 52.

As shown in FIG. 2, first ring 16 has an inner rim 54 and an outer rim 56 that define a first decorative surface 58. First decorative surface 58 includes a plurality of prongs 60. The prongs 60 are adapted to hold a plurality of smaller precious stones 62 such as for example diamonds and/or jewels. Second ring 18 has an inner rim 64 and an outer rim 66 that define a second decorative surface 68. The second decorative surface 68 includes a plurality of prongs 70. The prongs 70 are adapted to hold a plurality of smaller precious stones 72 such as for example diamonds and/or jewels. Third ring 20 has an inner rim 74 and an outer rim 76 that define a third decorative surface 78. The third decorative surface 78 includes a plurality of prongs 80. The prongs 80 are adapted to hold a plurality of smaller precious stones 82 such as for example diamonds and/or jewels. Rings 16, 18, 20 preferably have a circular shape in this one preferred embodiment. However, it is understood that shape of rings 16, 18, 20 may vary in other alternative embodiments of article 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, fourth ring 22 has an inner rim 84 and an outer rim 86 that define a first non decorative surface 88. Fifth ring 24 has an inner rim 90 and an outer rim 92 that define a second non decorative surface 94. Fifth ring 26 has an inner rim 96 and an outer rim 98 that define a third non decorative surface 100. First, second and third non decorative surfaces 88, 94, 100 adapted to be in contact with a body of a wearer. Rings 88, 94, 100 preferably have a circular configuration in this one preferred embodiment, however, it is understood that the configuration of the rings may vary in other alternative embodiments of article 10.

Referring again to FIG. 1, front member 12 is adapted to be mounted with a plurality of diamond settings 102 that securely holds and suspends a plurality of dazzling diamonds 104 within article 10. However, it is understood that the number of diamond settings 102 and dazzling diamonds 104 may vary per intended use of article 10 in other alternative embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this one particular embodiment, first ring 16, second ring 18 and third ring 20 respectively include a first diamond setting 102-A, a second diamond setting 102-B and a third diamond setting 102-C. First diamond setting 102-A holds a first dazzling diamond 104-A within first hollow interior 30. Second diamond setting 102-B holds a second dazzling diamond 104-B within second hollow interior 32. Third diamond setting 102-C holds a third dazzling diamond 104-C within third hollow interior 34.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, each of the diamond settings 102 includes an arcuate shaped cup member 106. The cup member 106 has a sidewall 108 and a bottom wall 110 that have an annular shaped configuration adapted to define a receptacle 112. Cup member includes a rim 114 that is integrally connected to an opposed pair of prongs 116. Prongs 116 have a height that is three times the height defined by the rim 114. Each of the prongs 116 is connected to a loop ring 118 through a connecting arm 120. Each of the prongs 116 has a top end 122 and a bottom end 124. Loop rings 118 are positioned in proximity to the bottom ends of the prongs 116. Prongs 116 preferably extend in a plane normal to a plane defined by the loop rings 118. Loop rings 118 are adapted to suspend the setting 102 within article 10. Each of the loop rings 118 has an inner circumferential surface adapted to define a first annular ridge 119.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, each of the prongs 116 has an indentation 126. Indentations 126 are adapted to accommodate a girdle portion 128 of dazzling diamond 104. Indentations 126 are preferably located at a height that is substantially half the total height of the prongs 116. Indentations 126 facilitate a table portion 130 of the dazzling diamond 104 to be positioned at a distance that is half the total height of each of the prongs 116. Prongs 116 facilitate a crown portion 132 and a partial pavilion portion 134-A of diamonds 104 to be positioned outside arcuate shaped cup member 106. Each of the arcuate shaped cup members 106 accommodates and encloses a culet portion 136 and a partial pavilion portion 134-B of diamonds 104. Each of the arcuate shaped cup members 106 is adapted to add weight to setting 102.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, front member 12 of article 10 has a rear surface 140 that includes a plurality of annular grooves 142. Rear surface 140 is adapted to be positioned with a pair of connecting loops 144 respectively in first, second and third rings 16, 18 and 20. Connecting loops 144 are disposed along a plane that is substantially parallel to the central vertical axis-X (refer FIG. 1) and are preferably positioned in proximity to portions 44, 50, 52.

Referring to FIG. 14, each of the connecting loops 144 has an inner circumferential surface that defines a second annular ridge 145. Second annular ridge 145 is preferably adapted to be engaged with annular ridge 119 of loop ring 118 (See FIG. 4). First and second ridges 119, 145 facilitate minimum contact surface between rings 118, 144 that essentially avoid friction between rings 118, 144.

As shown in FIG. 15, connecting loops 144 engage with loop rings 118 to hang the diamond setting 102 within article 10. Connecting loops 144 preferably connect along a plane that is normal to a plane defined by loop rings 118. In this position, first and second ridges 119, 145 connect to facilitate and extend an undulating movement to the diamond setting 102 for a predefined amount of time. This facilitates the diamond 104 held within setting 102 to produce a sparkling or dazzling effect.

Referring to FIGS. 16-17, diamond setting 102 is shown in an undulated or oscillated position with respect to the central longitudinal axis-X, which is responsive to involuntary body movement or natural reflex of wearer's body such as for example, breathing, coughing and sneezing. In this one particular embodiment, diamond setting 102 is shown undulated in a forward direction indicated by an arrow-A and a rearward direction indicated by an arrow-B.

Diamond setting 102 extends at a predefined angle of C° with the central longitudinal axis-X in the forward direction. Diamond setting 102 extends at a predefined angle of D° with the central longitudinal axis-X. However, it is understood here that angles C° and D° may vary per an intensity of involuntary body movement or natural reflex of wearer's body. It is understood here that angles C° and D° are such that movement of diamond setting is restricted within the hollow interior defined within article 10. Front member 12 (Refer FIG. 2) defines a boundary for the movement of diamond setting 102 in the forward direction-A. Rear member 14 (Refer FIG. 3) defines a boundary for the movement of diamond setting 102 in the rearward direction-B.

The movement of diamond setting 102 in directions A, B facilitates multiple facets of diamond 104 to incident with light rays from multiple directions that advantageously reflect from the surface of diamond 104 to enhance scintillation and luster intensity of diamond 104 to a greater extent. The movement of diamond setting 102 in directions A, B adds ability to the diamond surface to split multiple amounts of light rays into spectrums that enhances dispersion of diamond 104.

Referring to FIGS. 1-17, in operation, article 10 is preferably adapted to be worn as a pendent or a necklace on wearer's neck. However, it is understood that article 10 can be utilized as an ornament such as for example an arm band, an anklet, and an earring in other alternative embodiments of the present invention. In operation, the wearer inserts a jewelry wire or rope through pedestal 36 to form the necklace. The wearer wears article 10 such that the rear member 14 is in physical contact with wearer's body. In this position, the connecting bars 28 and front member 12 advantageously hold the diamond setting 102 in a suspended position at a predefined distance from the wearer's body.

In operation, the arrangement of loop rings 118 and connecting loops 144 advantageously facilitate an undulating or oscillating motion to diamond setting 102 for a predefined amount of time. Ridges 119, 145 facilitate minimum surface contact and avoid friction between rings 118, 144 that advantageously enhance undulating or oscillating movement of diamond setting 102. In addition, arcuate shaped cup member 106 adds weight to setting 102 to help facilitate prolonging the oscillating motion for the predefined amount of time. The oscillating motion of the diamond setting 102 is responsive to involuntary body movements or natural reflexes of the wearer's body such as for example, breathing, coughing and sneezing. This advantageously allows the setting 102 to undulate or oscillate relative to article 10 without actual manual movement of setting 102.

Thus, the oscillating or undulating motion of diamond setting 102 enhances brilliance, dispersion and scintillation of diamond 104, without the need of manual movement of article 10 from the wearer. In operation, connecting bars 28 safely detain the diamond setting 102 within article 10 to advantageously provide safety to the dazzling diamond 104.

The embodiments of the invention shown and discussed herein are merely illustrative of modes of application of the present invention. Reference to details in this discussion is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to these details, or to the figures used to illustrate the invention.

Claims

1. A jewelry article comprising:

a front member and a rear member adapted to define a hollow interior;

a plurality of diamond settings that hold and suspend a diamond within the hollow interior, the diamond setting includes an arcuate shaped cup member adapted to add weight to a lower portion of the diamond setting,

a plurality of loop rings and connecting loops adapted to respectively define a respective plurality of interconnecting ridges, the interconnecting ridges engage to facilitate an oscillating/undulating motion to the diamond setting, the oscillating/undulating motion of the diamond setting adapted to be extended by the arcuate shaped cup portion.

2. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diamond setting adapted to undulate/oscillate responsive to an involuntary body movement of a wearer.

3. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diamond setting adapted to enhance brilliance, dispersion and scintillation of the diamond without requiring actual movement of the article.

4. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ridges facilitate least surface contact essential to facilitate the oscillating/undulating motion of the diamond setting.

5. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diamond setting is connected to the front member to prevent direct contact of the diamond setting with the wearer's body.

6. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front member and rear member are connected through a plurality of horizontally extending connecting bars adapted to safely detain the diamond setting within the article.

7. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arcuate shaped cup member is connected to a pair of prongs that holds a girdle of the diamond.

8. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front member is made of a first ring, a second ring and a third ring that respectively define a decorative surface.

9. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 8, wherein the decorative surface includes a plurality of prongs adapted to hold a plurality of diamonds.

10. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear member is made of a fourth ring, a fifth ring and a sixth ring that respectively define a non-decorative surface.