MODULAR GEM APPEARANCE-ENHANCING JEWELRY SETTING AND JEWELRY

Abstract

A jewelry setting that includes an inner plate securing a gem and a second plate physically secured to the inner plate is disclosed. The inner plate includes an outer wall that protrudes down from an outer edge of an upper surface of the inner plate to meet an upper surface of the second plate, such that an inner perimeter of the upper surface of the second plate abuts the first outer wall. The inner plate holds the gem such that a bottom of the gem extends no lower than half way down with respect to a height of the second plate. The upper surface of the second plate may be positioned lower than, and substantially parallel to, the upper surface of the inner plate. The plates may be secured together using prongs, and the prongs may project up from a securing plate positioned below the second plate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a jewelry plate system and setting, to jewelry incorporating one or more gems held by the setting and, more particularly, to a jewelry setting that enhances the appearance of the size of the gem held by the setting.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Diamonds and other gems get exponentially more rare and, therefore, more expensive the larger their size, also known as carat weight. For example, a two carat diamond is typically much more than twice as expensive as a one carat diamond, all other factors, including clarity, color, cut being equal.

Jewelry with changeable or interchangeable decorative elements is known. For example, Nevatia, U.S. Pat. No. 9,493,484, the entire contents of which are incorporated in full herein by reference, discloses jewelry that includes nested changeable decorative elements, for example, a main decorative element and one or more optional auxiliary decorative elements that are securely fitted on a base ornament.

Also known are decorative modular jewelry pieces in which a cover element is designed to be inserted into a jewelry plate body that is designed to receive the cover element so as to produce a contrasting look or that can achieve a look according to the preferences of the user or the jeweler.

Also known are other types of settings for jewelry, for example, Eric Nhaissi, U.S. 2014/0102140, Michaela Buchner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,458 and Shah Neeta K, Shah Kuldip P, U.S. Pat. No. 9,596,911, the entire contents of each of these patent documents being incorporated in full herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed and illustrated herein are a jewelry setting assembly for securing a gem, stone or other decorative element, a system for securing the decorative element, plate means for securing the decorative element, a piece of jewelry that includes such a system, and a method of assembling the piece of jewelry. The jewelry setting includes: an inner plate configured to hold the gem and comprising a first upper surface; a second plate physically secured to the inner plate and comprising a second upper surface; and the inner plate further comprising a first outer wall protruding down from an outer edge of the first upper surface of the inner plate to meet the second upper surface of the second plate such that an inner perimeter of the second upper surface of the second plate abuts the first outer wall, wherein the second upper surface of the second plate has an inner circumference greater than the outer circumference of the first upper surface of the inner plate, and wherein the inner plate is configured to hold the gem such that when the stone is held by the inner plate a bottom of the gem extends no lower than half way down with respect to a height of the second plate.

In such a jewelry setting, the second upper surface of the second plate may be positioned lower than, and substantially parallel to, the first upper surface of the inner plate.

In such a jewelry setting, the first upper surface of the inner plate and the second upper surface of the second plate may each be round when viewed from above. In such a jewelry setting, the first upper surface of the inner plate and the second upper surface of the second plate may each both be round when viewed from the top and have circumferences that share a common axis.

In such a jewelry setting, the first outer wall may be substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface of the inner plate and to the second upper surface of the second plate.

In such a jewelry setting, the inner plate and the second plate may have the same shape. In such a jewelry setting, the inner plate and the second plate may each have a square shape when viewed from above.

In such a jewelry setting, the first upper surface of the inner plate and the second upper surface of the second plate may each be engraved or carved so that cuts substantially align with cuts of the gem. In such a jewelry setting, the inner plate may surround the gem positioned at a center of the inner plate, and a remainder of the first upper surface of the inner plate and an entirety of the second upper surface of the second plate may each be free of any gem.

The jewelry setting may also include a securing plate positioned below the second plate; the securing plate may include at least three prongs projecting up between the inner plate and the second plate, and configured to secure inner plate with the second plate.

In such a jewelry setting, the prongs may be substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface of the inner plate and to the second upper surface of the second plate for at least a majority of the lengths of the prongs.

The jewelry setting may also include a securing plate positioned below the second plate; the securing plate comprising at least three prongs projecting up outside the second plate and extending over the second plate to secure inner plate with the second plate.

The jewelry setting may also include a third plate comprising a third upper surface; and the second plate further comprising a second outer wall protruding down from an outer edge of the upper surface of the second plate, and the third upper surface of the third plate abuts the second outer wall and is substantially perpendicular to the second outer wall and to the first outer wall.

In such a jewelry setting, the first upper surface of the inner plate, the second upper surface of the second plate, and the third upper surface of the third plate may each be engraved or carved so that cuts substantially align with cuts of the gem, and the inner plate may surround the gem positioned at a center of the inner plate, and a remainder of the first upper surface of the inner plate and an entirety of the second upper surface of the second plate and third upper surface of the third plate may each be free of any gem.

In such a jewelry setting, the first upper surface of the inner plate may extend continuously around the gem, the first outer wall may extend continuously around the inner plate as a side of the inner plate, and the second upper surface of the second upper plate may extend continuously around the first outer wall, such that the first outer wall is substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface of the inner plate and to the second upper surface of the second plate.

Also disclosed is a piece of jewelry that includes such jewelry setting and also includes the gem. In such a piece of jewelry, the inner plate may hold the gem such that when the stone is held by the inner plate a bottom of the gem extends down no lower than the second upper surface of the second plate.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an example of a plate combination, without a gem stone, illustrating the carving or engraving of the top surfaces of the inner and outer plates which may abut or be substantially contiguous with the central gem stone, thereby giving an illusion of the crown of a princess cut diamond, and including prongs with round shape tops extending between the inner and outer plates, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 1 with the prongs extending up from a securing plate (illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E), according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate an example of a method of assembling the plate combination illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 together with a gem stone, and including a securing plate with upwardly projecting prongs, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate an example of a method of assembling another version of the plate combination together with the stone, and including a square-shaped bottom securing plate with upwardly projecting prongs, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the plate combination set with the gem stone, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 9, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 9, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 10, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 9, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 9, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 9, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 9, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a view of an example of a square or quadrilateral version of a jewelry setting assembly, illustrated without a central gem stone, and showing the carving or engraving on the top surfaces of the inner and outer plates, thereby giving an illusion of a continuous crown of a round cut diamond, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 17 with prongs positioned at the corners of the inner plate projecting up from a securing plate (not illustrated), according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 17, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 18, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a right side view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 17, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a left side view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 17, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 17, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 17, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the plate combination illustrated in FIG. 17 but including a gem stone positioned centrally so as to abut or to nearby or substantially contiguous with an inner perimeter of the inner plate, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 25, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 25, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 26, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a right side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 25, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a left side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 25, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a front view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 25, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a rear view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 25, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a top view of an example of another round version of a plate combination, illustrated with a gem stone, and showing the carving or engraving on top surfaces of the inner and outer plates, thereby giving an illusion of the crown of a round cut diamond, and with the outer plate including prongs inside its circular perimeter, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 33, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 33, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 34, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 37 is a right side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 33, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a left side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 33, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 39 is a front view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 33, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 40 is a rear view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 33, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 41 is a top view of an example of another version of the round plate combination, illustrated with a gem stone, and showing the carving or engraving on a top surface of the inner and outer plates, thereby giving an illusion of the crown of a round cut diamond, and the outer plate including decorative prongs positioned outside of the circular perimeter of the outer plate according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 41, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 41, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a bottom perspective view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 42, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 45 is a right side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 41, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 46 is a left side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 41, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a front view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 41, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 48 is a rear view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 41, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 49 is a top view of an example of another version of a plate combination, illustrated with a gem stone, and showing the carving or engraving on a top surface of the inner and outer plates, thereby giving an illusion of the crown of a round cut diamond, and with pear or teardrop-shaped prongs positioned partially inside and partially outside the circular perimeter of the outer plate such that the thinner end of the prongs may have the function of securing the inner plate, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a bottom view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 51 is a top perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 52 is a bottom perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 50, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 53 is a right side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 54 is a left side view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 55 is a front view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 56 is a rear view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 57 is a top view of an example of a square or quadrilateral version of the plate combination, illustrated with a gem stone, showing the carving or engraving on a top surface of the inner and outer plates, thereby giving an illusion of the crown of a princess cut diamond, with rounded prongs positioned at the outer corners of the outer plate, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 58 is a bottom view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 57, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 59 is a top perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 57, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 60 is a bottom perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 58, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 61 is a top view of an example of another version of a square or quadrilateral plate combination, illustrated with the stone, showing the carving or engraving on a top surface of the inner and outer plates, thereby giving an illusion of the crown of a princess cut diamond, and the outer plate including pear or teardrop-shaped prongs positioned at the corners, and projecting up and over the outer plate, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 62 is a bottom view of the plate combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 61, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 63 is a top perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 65, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 64 is a bottom perspective view of the combination with the gem stone illustrated in FIG. 66, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

The figures of the Drawings illustrate examples of aspects of the invention. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, and/or from the combination of one or more of the figures and the textual description herein, or from portions thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a modular assembly may be provided with two or more metal plates that together with a gemstone provide a unified visual aesthetic and appearance and that can enhance the appearance of the size of the gem stone that is held by the assembly. For example, an inner plate can secure a gem, such as a diamond, for example, at a center of the plate, and an outer plate can be further provided set lower from the inner plate so that the visual aesthetic of the central stone is carried through by the cascading plates. In this way, a lower carat weight central stone may produce a higher carat weight appearance. The upper surfaces of the inner plate and the outer plate may be roughly parallel to each other and sized and positioned in relation to the central stone so that the light of the stone is reflected, or least in part, off both plates. The upper surfaces of the inner and outer plates may be carved or engraved or have cuts, carvings, etching so that cuts may align with the facets or with the cuts of the gem held by the inner plate. Additional plates lower than the second plate may also be used to further enhance the visual effect of the gem.

In addition, a securing plate may be used to secure the inner plate together with the second plate. For example, the securing plate may be positioned below the outer plate and may have prongs that project up between the inner plate and the outer plate, or project up at the outer perimeter of the outer plate and bend over above the upper surface of the outer plate to secure the inner plate that is holding the gem.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate, by way of example, a method of assembly of the plate combination with the central gem stone. FIG. 7A illustrates the gem stone 71 that may be mounted inside and secured by inner plate 72. Inner plate 72 may be secured with outer plate 82 by prongs 91a-91d of securing plate 92. For example, prongs 91a-91d, illustrated as numbering four but may be provided as three or fewer prongs, or as more than four prongs, may project up inside apertures 86 of outer plate 82 so as to extend between outer plate 82 and inner plate 72, which secures the stone 71.

As an alternative, prongs 91a-91d may project inside the inner perimeter of inner plate 72 so as to secure the inner and outer plates 72, 82. Also, as a further alternative, prongs 91a-91d may also serve to secure gem stone 71. While illustrated as being integrally formed with securing plate 92, prongs 91a-91d may be provided as separate elements, or may be integrally formed with outer plate 82 and/or with inner plate 72. Also, inner plate 72 and outer plate 82 may be secured in other ways, with or without securing plate 92. For example, inner and outer plates 72, 82 may be fastened by soldering or by grooves and elbows provided therein. Also, inner plate 72, 72′ and outer plate 82, 82′ may be integrally formed as one piece.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate, by way of example, another version of the plate assembly, together with the central gem stone. FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate a square shaped (when viewed from the top) inner plate 72′ and outer plate 82′, as well as a corresponding square shaped stone 71′ and securing plate 92′. In FIGS. 7B-7E and 8B-8E, prongs 91a-91d, 91a′-91d′ are illustrated as having cylindrical bodies with a circular or substantially circular cross section and a circular or substantially circular top surface. However, it will be understood that these prongs, as well as any of the other prongs, may be provided in other shapes, or one or more of the prongs may have a first shape while one or more of the remaining prongs may have a second shape, for example, square shaped with a square cross-section (cross-section transverse to the main longitudinal direction of the prong), pear or teardrop-shaped, semicircular, having a rectangle-shaped top, or the like, or a combination of the foregoing shapes.

The prongs may be ornamental or may serve the function of attaching the outer plate 82, 82′ with the inner plate 72, 72′. In addition, they may also have the additional function of attaching the gem stone. The prongs may extend between the inner and outer plate or they may extend around the perimeter, or through or partially through, the outer plate and then extend above the outer plate to connect with and to secure the inner plate. While various structures illustrated or described herein are referred to as having a square, rectangular or quadrilateral shape when viewed from the top, other shapes, such as pentagon, hexagon, octagon, oval, circular, semi-circular, pear or teardrop shaped, etc. are also contemplated, and structures may have bodies, including tapered bodies, with a cross-section shaped differently from the remaining parts of the body and/or sized differently from the remaining parts of the prong. The prongs, the inner plate, the outer plate, the securing plate, or a combination of the foregoing, may have a different shape at a cross-section thereof than at the top surface.

The top surface of the outer plate 72, 72′ may be parallel or substantially parallel to the top surface of the inner plate 71, 71′. “Substantially parallel” as used herein may mean giving the appearance to an observer who is a customer of jewelry that two surfaces are parallel. Also illustrated in FIG. 7D-7E is an outer wall 76, which may be formed by an outer side of inner plate 72. Similarly, FIGS. 8D-8E illustrate outer wall 76′. Outer wall 76, 76′ may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 73a, 73a′ of inner plate 72, 72′ and also to upper surface 83a, 83a′ of outer plate 82, 82′. “Substantially perpendicular” as used herein may mean giving the appearance of being at a right angle to those surfaces to a customer of jewelry. “Substantially circular” may mean that the structure would give the appearance of being circular to a customer of jewelry.

The upper surface 73a, 73a′ of inner plate 72, 72′ as well as the upper surface 83a, 83a′ of outer plate 82, 82′ may have carvings or may be engraved so that cuts align or substantially align with cuts of the gem stone. In this way, the look of the stone is enhanced and the light from the stone aligns with the reflection of the light off of the upper surfaces of the plates. “Substantially aligned” as used herein may mean that the carving or engraving of the upper surfaces cooperate with the light reflected or refracted from the gem stone to enhance the appearance or apparent size of the jewelry. The height of the outer plate 82, 82′, sometimes referred to as a second plate or lower plate, may be understood as a distance from top to bottom when outer plate 82, 82′ is lying between inner plate 72, 72′ on top and securing plate 92, 92′ on the bottom. That is, the height, in this sense, would be understood as the dimension measured along the line perpendicular to the radius of the circle whose center is at the center of aperture 85 inside outer plate 82 and whose circumference is the outer perimeter of outer plate 82. “Substantially perpendicular” when used in connection with the prongs may mean that the prongs give the appearance of being at a right angle to the upper surfaces of the inner and outer plates to a customer of jewelry.

Additional plates (not illustrated) with carved or engraved upper surfaces may be provided lower than and positioned laterally to outer plate 82, 82′ so as to further enhance the apparent size of the stone. Such additional plates may be secured via the same prongs or via additional prongs. The cuts, carvings, etching, or engraving on the top surface of such additional plates may also align with or substantially align with the gem, and an outer side of such additional plates may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the top surfaces of the outer plate and the top surface of the further or additional plate. The inner plate 72, 72′ and the outer plate 82, 82′ may be made of a precious metal, such as gold, including white and/or yellow gold, platinum, silver, or the like, or may be made of other types of metal, wood, plastic, or a combination of the foregoing, and the inner plate 72, 72′ may be made of the same material, or from a different material, as outer plate 82, 82′. Securing plate 92, 92′ and prongs 91a-d, 91a′-d′ may be made of such materials or may be made of a same material as that of inner plate 72, 72′ and outer plate 82, 82′, or may be made of a different material. While illustrated as a central stone 71, 71′, additional stones may be provided on the surface of inner plate 72, 72′ and/or outer plate 82, 82′. Further, central gem stone 71, 71′ may not be formed of one stone but may comprise more than one stone. Gem stone 71, 71′ may be made of one or more precious stones, such as diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, or amethyst, a semiprecious stone, some other types of crystal, nonprecious stone, glass or other type of ornament, such as lapis, lazuli, opal, jade, onyx, amber, jet, pearl, or a combination of the foregoing.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example of a jewelry assembly, illustrated without a gem stone. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example in which the inner plate 72 is circular or substantially circular when viewed from the top, the outer plate 82, is of similar shape when viewed from the top, and that prongs 91a-91d, sometimes referred to as columns, pillars or supports, extend between the inner and outer plates through recesses 86 formed in outer plate 82 just inside the inner perimeter of outer plate 82.

FIGS. 9-16 show the same embodiment of the assembly but also show the gem stone positioned in the center of inner plate 72. This is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A-7E.

FIGS. 17-24 illustrate quadrilateral or square version of the jewelry plate assembly without a gem stone.

FIGS. 25-32 show the same assembly with the central stone and are similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8E.

FIGS. 33-40 illustrate another version of the jewelry plate assembly, illustrated with the stone. FIGS. 33-40 illustrate that the prongs are semicircular and are positioned to extend through apertures through the outer ring, but the apertures are positioned at the outer circumference of the outer ring.

While described as being formed integrally as a single outer ring, and formed integrally as a single inner ring, either or both of the outer ring and inner ring may be formed from several pieces connected together to form the ring or connected only to other structures of the plate assembly without direct connection to remaining portions of the ring. For example, each prong may project up and dissect the outer ring, so that the outer ring is made of four separate segments. In such an arrangement, each segment of the four segments of the outer ring may or may not have direct connection to remaining segments of the outer ring and may be connected directly only to one or more prongs and/or to the inner ring. If the lower securing ring is present, then as a further alternative, each segment of the outer ring may be connected to the lower securing ring. More or fewer than four such segments may be provided. Similarly, the inner ring may also be comprised of separate segments that may or may not be directly connected to each other.

FIGS. 41-48 illustrate a circular, substantially circular or rounded version of the assembly, with the central gem stone shown, however, the prongs are illustrated as being positioned outside of the principle outer circumference of the outer plate.

FIGS. 49-56 illustrate an assembly with pear or teardrop shaped prongs. The prongs have a top surface and a cross-section that is pear or teardrop shaped, such that the thicker end of the pear or teardrop is positioned outside of the principle outer circumference of the outer plate while the thinner end of the pear or teardrop extends over or through the outer plate to secure the inner plate.

FIGS. 57-60 illustrate a quadrilateral or square shaped assembly with cylindrical prongs with round cross-sections and top surfaces positioned at the corners outside of the principle outer perimeter of the outer plate.

FIGS. 61-64 illustrate an example of another embodiment in which the inner and outer plates are square shaped and the prongs are pear or teardrop shaped. The prongs are positioned at the corners of the outer plate such that the thicker part of the pear or teardrop prongs are positioned outside of the principle outside perimeter of the outer plate, while the thinner end of the pear or teardrop extends over or through the outer plate and meets and secures the inner plate.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations, modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Not all features or design elements shown or described with respect to an embodiment or version of the structure need necessarily be present.

Features described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment or version of the structure, or with respect to one set of features, may be incorporated in, added to, or substituted for one or more additional embodiment(s) or set(s) of features. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A jewelry setting configured to secure a gem, the setting comprising:

an inner plate configured to hold the gem and comprising a first upper surface;

a second plate physically secured to the inner plate and comprising a second upper surface; and

the inner plate further comprising a first outer wall protruding down from an outer edge of the first upper surface of the inner plate to meet the second upper surface of the second plate such that an inner perimeter of the second upper surface of the second plate abuts the first outer wall,

wherein the second upper surface of the second plate has an inner circumference greater than the outer circumference of the first upper surface of the inner plate, and

wherein the inner plate is configured to hold the gem such that when the gem is held by the inner plate a bottom of the gem extends no lower than half way down with respect to a height of the second plate.

2. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the second upper surface of the second plate is positioned lower than, and is substantially parallel to, the first upper surface of the inner plate.

3. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the first upper surface of the inner plate and the second upper surface of the second plate are circular or substantially circular when viewed from above.

4. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the first upper surface of the inner plate and the second upper surface of the second plate are both circular or substantially circular when viewed from the top and have circumferences that share a common axis.

5. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the first outer wall is substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface of the inner plate and to the second upper surface of the second plate.

6. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the inner plate and the second plate have the same shape.

7. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the inner plate and the second plate each have a square shape when viewed from above.

8. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the first upper surface of the inner plate and the second upper surface of the second plate are each engraved or carved so that cuts substantially align with cuts of the gem.

9. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the inner plate surrounds the gem positioned at a center of the inner plate, and a remainder of the first upper surface of the inner plate and an entirety of the second upper surface of the second plate are each free of any gem.

10. The jewelry setting of claim 1, further comprising:

a securing plate positioned below the second plate;

the securing plate comprising at least three prongs projecting up between the inner plate and the second plate, and configured to secure inner plate with the second plate.

11. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the prongs are substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface of the inner plate and to the second upper surface of the second plate for at least a majority of the lengths of the prongs.

12. The jewelry setting of claim 1, further comprising:

a securing plate positioned below the second plate;

the securing plate comprising at least three prongs projecting up outside the second plate and extending over the second plate to secure inner plate with the second plate.

13. The jewelry setting of claim 1, further comprising:

a third plate comprising a third upper surface; and

the second plate further comprising a second outer wall protruding down from an outer edge of the upper surface of the second plate, and the third upper surface of the third plate abuts the second outer wall and is substantially perpendicular to the second outer wall and to the first outer wall.

14. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the first upper surface of the inner plate, the second upper surface of the second plate, and the third upper surface of the third plate are each engraved or carved so that cuts substantially align with cuts of the gem, and

wherein the inner plate surrounds the gem positioned at a center of the inner plate, and a remainder of the first upper surface of the inner plate and an entirety of the second upper surface of the second plate and third upper surface of the third plate are each free of any gem.

15. The jewelry setting of claim 1, wherein the first upper surface of the inner plate extends continuously around the gem,

wherein the first outer wall extends continuously around the inner plate as a side of the inner plate, and

wherein the second upper surface of the second upper plate extends continuously around the first outer wall,

wherein the first outer wall is substantially perpendicular to the first upper surface of the inner plate and to the second upper surface of the second plate.

16. The jewelry setting of claim 1, further comprising the gem.

17. The jewelry setting of claim 15, wherein the inner plate is configured to hold the gem such that when the stone is held by the inner plate a bottom of the gem extends down no lower than the second upper surface of the second plate.