JEWELRY BOX

Abstract

An apparatus for stimulating the fluorescence of a gemstone jewelry piece is disclosed. The apparatus uses a container or box to hold all the necessary components including an ultra-violet energy source which provides the ultra-violet energy used in stimulating the gemstone jewelry piece. The energy source may be powered by either a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. The gemstone jewelry piece's fluorescence is stimulated and emitted upon application of the ultra-violet energy.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to an apparatus for stimulating the fluorescence of a gemstone jewelry piece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry pieces are normally displayed and arrayed for customers to view by illuminating their environs. In some instances, light is shone at different angles to help illuminate the jewelry piece. However, there are certain gemstones that have their own fluorescence qualities—qualities that are not seen unless if stimulated with the appropriate means. These qualities, if seen, would enhance the beauty and presentation of the jewelry piece.

Fluorescence in certain gemstones of jewelry pieces occurs as a result of the absorption of energy from another source. One such energy is that emitted by an ultra-violet energy source which tends to be invisible to the human eye.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that brings out or stimulates the fluorescence of a gemstone jewelry piece, rather than illuminating the gemstone. It also an object of the present invention to provide a display system to visually demonstrate the fluorescent qualities contained in certain gemstones in a most spectacular way. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a portable display, packaging, presentation, and storage system able to accommodate a wide variety of jewelry styles and formats that integrates all the necessary elements to stimulate the fluorescent qualities of the gemstones contained in the gemstone jewelry piece(s).

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a box for the gemstone jewelry piece, a pad positioned within the box and for placing the gemstone jewelry piece, and an ultra-violet energy source within the box. In one aspect, the ultra-violet energy source may be optimally positioned in relation to the gemstone jewelry piece. This may include positioning the ultra-violet energy source directly over the gemstone jewelry piece or at an angle. In another aspect, the ultra-violet energy source may be located in the box lid. The box, in another aspect, may have a clam-shell configuration which would enable a user to open the box to reveal the gemstone jewelry piece. In this aspect, the ultra-violet energy source may be positioned in the lid half of the box while the pad bearing the gemstone jewelry piece may be positioned in the opposite half of the box.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a power source, which, in one aspect, may be a battery. In one aspect, the battery may be rechargeable. In another aspect, the apparatus may include a battery charger port used in recharging the rechargeable battery.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the switch of the apparatus may be a pressure switch. In one aspect, the switch may be an automatic switch that energizes the ultra-violet energy source when the box is opened.

In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a pad that is interchangeable and reversible—thereby enabling a jeweler to use either sides of the pad, use the pad for a variety of gemstone jewelry pieces or use the pad for multiple gemstone jewelry pieces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of aspects of embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the claims and drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a jewelry box whilst in its closed position according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a jewelry box showing its interior components according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a jewelry box showing its recharging point according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates additional components of the jewelry according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a jewelry box 100 is shown. Box 100 functions as a presentation, display and storage apparatus for the gemstone jewelry piece(s) or loose diamonds or other gemstones that may be contained in it. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, box or container 100 may be a rectilinear clamshell style box. It should be noted that box 100 may not be restricted by size, shape, or opening style. Box 100 may include an ultra violet energy source 102 located in the top lid or upper half of box 100. Ultra violet energy source 102 may be provided by a variety of devices, including, without limitation, light emitting diodes (LEDs). Ultra violet energy source 102 is used to produce an invisible ultra violet beam or electromagnetic energy which causes the fluorescence in the gemstone to emit light. There is no illumination of the gemstone by ultra violet energy source 102. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, ultra-violet energy source 102 may be provided by a 365 nm LED.

A gemstone jewelry piece 104 of a wide variety of gemstone jewelry pieces and styles may be accommodated in box 100 by way of interchangeable display inserts or pad 106 located in the lower half of box 100. Gemstone jewelry piece 104 may be one or more gemstones or a combination of gemstones together in one piece. Ultra violet energy source 102, may, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be placed above a gemstone jewelry piece which is mounted or positioned on pad 106. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, ultra-violet energy source 102 may be placed at an angle relative to the gemstone jewelry piece mounted or positioned on pad 106. Box 100 may also include a battery or power supply 108 which is used to energize ultra-violet energy source 102, which may be positioned or located below pad 106. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, battery or power supply 108 may be provided by a rechargeable battery which may be recharged by way of rechargeable port 110 as shown in FIG. 3. Rechargeable port 110 in another aspect of the invention may be configured as an alternative power supply from a regular outlet.

Referring back to FIG. 2, box 100 may also include latch or switch 112 which operates as a switch to enable power supply 108 energize ultra-violet energy source 102 when box 100 is opened. Power source 106 is connected with ultra violet energy source 102 by way of electrical connections or wiring in section 114 of box 100. Once box 100 is opened, ultra-violet energy source 102 is energized and ultra-violet rays may be directed at the gemstone jewelry piece on pad 106 to stimulate the fluorescence contained in gemstone(s) of the gemstone jewelry piece.

Referring now to FIG. 4, additional components of box 100 are shown. Here, ultra-violet energy source 102 may, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be combined in a single unit housing with heat sink 116 for thermal management, optical collimator 118 to focus the ultra-violet rays emanating from ultra-violet energy source 102. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, box 100 may include a push button style on off switch 120 (in lieu of switch 112) which a jeweler may use to turn on ultra-violet energy source 102 at ease.

Although this present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific forms and embodiments, it will be evident that a great number of variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, steps may be reversed, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically disclosed and certain features of the present invention may be used independently of other features—all without departing from the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for stimulating the fluorescence of a gemstone jewelry piece, comprising:

a box for said gemstone jewelry piece;

a pad positioned within said box and for placing said gemstone jewelry piece;

an ultra-violet energy source within said box, wherein said ultra-violet energy source is optimally positioned in relation to said gemstone jewelry piece;

a battery positioned below said pad wherein said battery is used to power said ultra-violet energy source; and

a switch for energizing said ultra-violet energy source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said battery is rechargeable.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a battery charger port.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said switch is a pressure switch.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said switch is an automatic switch that energizes said ultra-violet energy source when said box is opened.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pad is interchangeable and reversible.