JEWELRY INCLUDING FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND/OR BOTANICAL EXTRACTS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME

Abstract

What is provided are commemorative pieces of jewelry that include food, beverage, and/or botanical extracts and methods of making the same. An embodiment of a piece of jewelry comprises a mixture including one or more first layers of cured resin and an extract, wherein the mixture is inlaid in the piece of jewelry, and wherein the extract is derived from a food, an alcoholic beverage, a non-alcoholic beverage, a plant or a botanical. The piece of jewelry further comprises one or more second layers of cured resin.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/257,421, entitled “Jewelry Including Food, Beverage, and/or Extracts and Methods of Making Same,” filed Oct. 19, 2021, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to jewelry including food, beverage, and/or botanical extracts, and methods of making the same.

BACKGROUND

People often have special memories associated with certain foods, beverages, or botanicals. For example, people commonly associate certain types of botanicals or alcoholic beverages with celebrations or festive events. As a result, people want a way of commemorating their love for certain food, beverages, or botanicals in a portable and decorative manner since foods, beverages, and botanicals often have unique colors or designs. Since these items are perishable, they may not be directly worn as jewelry.

Consequently, there is a need for a long-term way to memorialize perishable materials and organic liquid materials in a piece of jewelry.

SUMMARY

What is provided are commemorative pieces of jewelry including food, beverage, and/or botanical extracts and methods of making the same.

In an embodiment, a piece of jewelry includes a mixture including a first layer of cured resin and an extract, wherein the mixture is inlaid in the piece of jewelry, and wherein the extract is derived from a beverage; and one or more second layers of cured resin.

In an embodiment, the piece of jewelry includes a metal backing.

In an alternative embodiment, the piece of jewelry further includes one or more third layers of cured resin.

In an embodiment, the beverage has undergone fermentation.

In an alternative embodiment, the beverage has not undergone fermentation.

In another embodiment, a piece of jewelry includes a mixture including a first layer of cured resin and an extract, wherein the mixture is inlaid in the piece of jewelry, and wherein the extract is derived from a plant or a botanical; and one or more second layers of cured resin.

In yet another embodiment, a piece of jewelry includes a mixture including a first layer of cured resin and an extract, wherein the mixture is inlaid in the piece of jewelry, and wherein the extract is derived from honey; and one or more second layers of cured resin.

In some embodiments, each of the pieces of jewelry include a metal backing.

In some embodiments, each of the pieces of jewelry further include one or more third layers of cured resin.

In an embodiment, a method for making a piece of jewelry includes selecting a piece of jewelry; obtaining a solidified residue from a non-alcoholic liquid; generating fine particles from the solidified residue; mixing the fine particles with one or more first layers of resin; inlaying the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry; and curing the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry.

In another embodiment, a method for making a piece of jewelry includes selecting a piece of jewelry; providing an amount of an alcoholic beverage; removing the ethanol from the alcoholic beverage; removing the remaining liquid in the beverage to obtain a solidified residue; generating fine particles from the solidified residue; mixing the fine particles with one or more first layers of resin; inlaying the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry; and curing the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry.

In another embodiment, a method for making a piece of jewelry includes selecting a piece of jewelry; obtaining an amount of a plant or a botanical, either in whole or reduced to parts; drying the amount obtained from the plant or the botanical; forming a powder, a slurry, or a liquid from the obtained amount; mixing the powder, the slurry, or the liquid with one or more first layers of resin to form a mixture; inlaying the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry; curing the resin of the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry; adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry; and curing the one or more second layers of resin.

In yet another embodiment, a method for making jewelry includes selecting a piece of jewelry; obtaining an amount of honey; mixing the amount of honey with one or more first layers of resin; adding one or more additives to the mixture of the honey and the one or more first layers of resin; inlaying the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry; curing the resin of the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry; adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry; and curing the one or more second layers of resin.

One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a piece of jewelry. The piece of jewelry includes a mixture including one or more first layers of cured resin and an extract where the mixture is inlaid in the piece of jewelry, and where the extract is derived from a food, an alcoholic beverage, a non-alcoholic beverage, a plant or a botanical. The piece of jewelry further includes one or more second layers of cured resin.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The piece of jewelry may include a metal backing. The beverage has undergone fermentation and where the extract is derived from the beverage. The beverage has not undergone fermentation and where the extract is derived from the beverage. The extract is derived from the plant or the botanical. The extract is derived from honey. One or more third layers are added to the jewelry prior to the mixture being inlaid in the piece of jewelry. The mixture forms a decorative element that has a color of a honey, a fruit or a beverage from which the extract was derived. The method may include adding one or more additives to the one or more first layers of resin.

Another general aspect includes a method for making jewelry. One embodiment of the method includes selecting a piece of jewelry. The method also includes adding one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry. The method also includes adding an extract in the selected piece of jewelry, where the extract is derived from a food, a beverage, a plant or a botanical. The method also includes curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method where the extract is derived from a liquid and where the method further may include: obtaining a solidified residue from the liquid; generating fine particles from the solidified residue; and mixing the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin, where the one or more first layers of resin and the extract are added to the selected piece of jewelry by inlaying the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry, and where curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry may include curing the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry. In some embodiments, the liquid is non-alcoholic. The method may include adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry; and curing the one or more second layers of resin. In other embodiments, the liquid is an alcoholic beverage and the method further may include: removing ethanol from the alcoholic beverage to leave a remaining liquid; and removing the remaining liquid in the alcoholic beverage to obtain the solidified residue. The method may further include: adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry; and curing the one or more second layers of resin.

In some embodiments, the extract is derived from the plant or botanical, where the curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry is performed before adding the extract in the selected piece of jewelry, and where adding the extract in the selected piece of jewelry may include inlaying the extract to a first layer of cured resin in the selected piece of jewelry, and where the method further may include: adding one or more second layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry; curing the one or more second layers of resin. Curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry may include curing the resin of the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry. The method may include: adding one or more second layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry; and curing the one or more second layers of resin. Curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry may include curing the one or more first layers of resin to form, in combination with the extract, a decorative element that has a color of a honey, a fruit or the beverage from which the extract was derived.

Another general aspect includes a method for making a piece of jewelry. The method also includes selecting a piece of jewelry. The method also includes obtaining an amount of honey. The method also includes mixing the amount of honey with one or more first layers of resin to create a mixture. The method also includes inlaying the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry. The method also includes curing the resin of the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry. The method also includes adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry. The method also includes curing the one or more second layers of resin.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include adding one or more additives to the mixture of the honey and the one or more first layers of resin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary piece of jewelry according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of the piece of jewelry illustrated in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of another exemplary piece of jewelry according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a rear perspective view of the piece of jewelry illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of yet another exemplary piece of jewelry according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of the piece of jewelry illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of another exemplary piece of jewelry according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a first exemplary method of making a piece of jewelry;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a second exemplary method of making a piece of jewelry;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a third exemplary method of making a piece of jewelry;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a fourth exemplary method of making a piece of jewelry; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a fifth exemplary method of making a piece of jewelry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed and defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the various embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “inwards,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “perpendicular,” “parallel,” and “laterally” are used in following detailed description for the purpose of providing relative reference only, and are not intended to suggest any limitations on how any article is to be positioned during use, or to be mounted in an assembly or relative to an environment.

As disclosed herein, the term “extract” refers to a substance derived from a raw material. The extract may be in the form of a solid, a liquid, or a semisolid. The raw material may be a food, a beverage, or a botanical.

The present disclosure relates to jewelry items including food (e.g., plant), beverage, and/or botanical extracts. The extracts that may be incorporated into the jewelry items of the present disclosure may be derived from various types of foods (e.g., plants), beverages, botanicals, and/or essential oils including, but not limited to wine, fruit juice, cherries, grapes, olives, beer, liquor, apples, strawberries, honey, mint leaves, carrots, ginkgo, rose petals, limes, nuts, bread, cider, bananas, apricots, vanilla, chocolate, cannabis bud, cannabis leaves, melons, peaches, lavender, chamomile, and any combinations thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other suitable foods, beverages, and botanicals may also be used as the source of the extracts for other pieces of jewelry in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of a piece of jewelry 10 and FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of piece of jewelry 10. FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a piece of jewelry 100 and FIG. 2B illustrates a rear perspective view of piece of jewelry 100. FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a piece of jewelry 200 and FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of piece of jewelry 200. FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a piece of jewelry 300.

Each of the pieces of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 comprises a front side 12, 112, 212, 312 one or more pieces defining a setting 14, 114, 214, 314 and a rear side 16, 116, 216 opposing the front side 12, 112, 212 on the respective piece of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 (the rear side of piece of jewelry 300 is not shown). For the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1A-4, the rear side of each of the pieces of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 is proximate to the wearer and the front side is distal for the wearer when the respective piece of jewelry is worn. Further, each of the pieces of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 comprises a resin mixture 18, 118, 218, 318 disposed in the respective setting 14, 114, 214, 314 to provide a decorative element.

In the illustrated embodiments, each of the pieces of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 includes structure that defines a central cavity of the respective setting 14, 114, 214, 314 to receive the resin mixture 18, 118, 218, 318. More particularly, each piece of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 comprises a wall 20, 120, 220, 320 that at least partially defines a central cavity to receive the resin mixture. In even more particular embodiments, each of the walls 20, 120, 220, 320 is formed of a continuous band of material, such as a decorative metal. In some embodiments, the walls 20, 120, 220, 320 include a lip or other feature that projects inwards to overlap and hold the respective decorative element formed by the resin mixture. As will be appreciated then, in some embodiments, settings 14, 114, 214, 314 may be bezel settings for holding the decorative elements. Settings 14, 114, 214, 314 may be other types of settings in other embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiments, each of the pieces of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 includes a backing 22, 122, 222 (the backing for piece of jewelry 300 is not shown) which is located behind the resin mixture 18, 118, 218, 318, respectively. According to one embodiment, the backing faces towards the skin of the wearer when worn.

In some embodiments, the backing acts to cap the end of the central cavity. The backing may be formed of various materials including, but not limited to, a metal or a resin. In some embodiments, the backing comprises one or more cured resin layers added to the piece of jewelry. In such embodiments, one or more cured resin layers can be added at one end of the central cavity to form the backing. For example, in FIG. 1B, backing 22 is formed by disposing one or more resin layers at the rear of the central cavity formed by wall 20.

In other non-limiting embodiments, the backing comprises a metal backing that, for example, is coupled to the respective wall or other structure that forms the central cavity sidewalls. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, for example, the backing comprises a metal backing 122 capping the rear of the central cavity in which resin 118 is disposed. As a result, no separate resin layer needs to be added as the backing.

In some embodiments, the backing and structure forming the sidewalls of the central cavity are formed of the same material. In even more particular embodiments, the backing and structure forming the sidewalls of the central cavity are formed of a unitary piece of material.

Each piece of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300 may also include other elements, such as, but not limited to, a necklace, a bracelet, a ring mount or band, an earring base, a hair clip, a charm, or any combinations thereof. Moreover, settings may be incorporated into any kind of jewelry piece including, but not limited to, a necklace, a bracelet, a ring, an earring, a broach, a hair clip, a charm, and any combinations thereof. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B comprises settings integrated into pendants. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 comprise settings 14, 214 integrated into rings. In other embodiments, setting portions may have other shapes, sizes, designs, and configurations and may be attached to other additional elements.

Each of the pieces of jewelry 10, 100, 200 also includes a resin mixture 18, 118, 218, 318 inlaid within a setting 14, 114, 214, 314, respectively, on each of the pieces of jewelry 10, 100, 200, 300. In alternative embodiments, resin mixtures are inserted within other locations, besides a setting, on pieces of jewelry. For example, a solid piece of polymerized fruit extract that is cut and ground into a particular shape may be inserted into exterior portions of a piece of jewelry using a mold.

Each of the resin mixtures 18, 118, 218, 318 disclosed herein includes a resin mixed with an extract, which may be in the form of a powder, a liquid, a slurry/semisolid, or a solid. The extract may be derived from a food, a beverage, and/or a botanical. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the extract is derived from honey. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the extract is derived from apples. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the extract is derived from a red wine. Extracts may be derived from a variety of other foods, beverages, or botanicals in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The resin may comprise a variety of suitable resins including, but not limited to, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, a silicone resin, a phenolic resin, an alkyd resin, a polycarbonate resin, ultraviolet (UV)- activated resin, and any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the resin mixtures 18, 118, 218, 318 disclosed herein may also comprise one or more additives. Non-limiting examples of additives include, but are not limited to, Mica Powder, pigment powder, glitter, flower pollen, small opal items, and any other substances that may produce a color.

The various types of extracts, additives, and/or substrates used herein affect the color, design, and/or configurations of resin mixtures in pieces of jewelry. For example, the use of extracts derived from honey may result in the piece of jewelry having an amber color, the use of extracts derived from apple may result in a piece of jewelry having a white color, and the use of extracts derived from red wine may result in a piece of jewelry having a red color.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 of making a piece of jewelry. The method 500 commences at block 510 with selecting a piece of jewelry and selecting a suitable starting source from a food (e.g. plant), a beverage, or a botanical. For example, the starting source in this method 500 may be a pulpy residue (e.g. pomace) generated from pressing wine or other fruit in order to extract the juice before fermentation. In an embodiment, the pulpy residue (e.g. pomace) may be provided by a winery.

In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a setting. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry does not include a setting.

In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a metal backing. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes one or more layers of clear resin as a backing.

Next, a solidified residue is obtained from the starting source, which may be a pulpy residue, as shown in block 520. In an embodiment, a thin layer of the pulpy residue / pomace is poured onto a surface, such as a TEFLON® pan and left to dry for several hours. In alternative embodiments, a thin layer of the pulpy residue / pomace may be placed in a dehumidifier or freeze dryer. In yet another embodiment, an absorptive agent, such as desiccant (e.g. silica gel or silica crystals) is combined with the pulpy residue / pomace.

The solidified particles are then accumulated and processed to form a powder, as shown in block 530. This may be done manually through a mortar and pestle and/or particles may be placed into a flour grinder, food processor, blender, or the like to generate a powder. The powder is then sifted into small particles to create a finer powder. This may be done using a mesh screen, such as a 100-mesh screen or greater.

Next, as shown in block 540, the fine powder is mixed with one or more layers of a resin, such as epoxy or UV-activated resin, to generate a resin mixture. In some embodiments, the resin mixture also comprises one or more suitable additives including, but not limited to Mica Powder, pigment powder, glitter, small opal items, and the like.

The resin mixture is then inlaid into the selected piece of jewelry, as shown in block 550. In an embodiment, the resin mixture is inserted into a setting, such as a bezel setting. For example, the resin is inserted into a setting, such as setting 14, 114, 214, 314. As shown in block 560, the resin mixture is cured to harden, such as by a chemical reaction or a UV light source. In some embodiments, one more additional layers of the resin mixture are inserted and then cured.

One or more additional layers of a resin are then added to the cured resin mixture on the selected piece of jewelry, and cured until the one or more layers are set, as shown in block 570. The one or more layers of resin may be clear resin. In some embodiments, one or more additives, such as mica or opal, are mixed with the layers of resin prior to being added to the selected piece of jewelry.

Various types of resin and/or epoxy may be used herein to provide the desired effect, such as to provide the desired opacity, transparency/translucence, or coloration to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

FIG. 5 is merely an illustrative example, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the ordering or number of steps illustrated. Embodiments may implement additional steps or alternative steps, omit steps, or repeat steps. For example, if the piece of jewelry initially lacks a backing, method 500 may include adding one or more layers of resin, such as epoxy resin, UV-activated resin, or the like, to a location on the selected piece of jewelry in order to provide backing for adding resin mixture. For example, the one or more layers of resin may be added to a setting from the rear side of the piece of jewelry. In other embodiments, the one or more layers of resin may be added to other locations on the selected piece of jewelry.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a second exemplary method 600 of making a piece of jewelry. The method 600 commences at block 610 by selecting a piece of jewelry.

Next, as shown in block 620, an amount of a starting source is provided. For example, the starting source in this method 600 may be an alcoholic beverage, such as alcoholic wine (post-fermentation).

In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a setting, such as setting 14, 114, 214, 314. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry does not include a setting.

In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a metal backing. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes one or more layers of clear resin as a backing.

Next, as shown at block 630, the alcohol/ethanol is removed from the alcoholic beverage (e.g. wine). This may be done through various chemical or mechanical means, such as via a rotary evaporator/extractor. In an embodiment, a rotary evaporator uses vacuum distillation to evaporate solvent from the wine. Since ethanol readily volatizes at low temperature and pressure, it can be readily removed from a rotary evaporator, without causing sample degradation. After removing the alcohol/ethanol, the remaining liquid is removed, such as by freeze drying the liquid into a powder or reducing the liquid into a syrup form, as shown in block 640.

Next, as shown in block 650, a powder is formed by accumulating, mixing, and/or grinding the solidified particles. This may be done manually through a mortar and pestle and/or by placing the particles into a flour grinder, food processor, or the like to generate a powder.

The mixture is then sifted into a finer powder. This may be done using a mesh screen, such as a 100-mesh screen or greater.

Next, as shown in block 660, the powder is mixed with a resin, such as epoxy or UV-activated resin, to generate a resin mixture. In some embodiments, the resin mixture also comprises one or more additives including, but not limited to Mica Powder, pigment powder, glitter, small opal items, and the like.

The resin mixture is then inlaid into the selected piece of jewelry, as shown in block 670. In an embodiment, the resin mixture is inlaid into a setting, such as a bezel setting. Next, as shown in block 680, the resin mixture is cured to harden, such as by a chemical reaction or a UV light source. In some embodiments, one more additional layers of the resin mixture are added and then cured.

One or more top layers of a resin may then be added to the cured resin mixture, and the additional resin coating is also cured until it is set, as shown in block 690.

In alternative embodiments, liquid/alcohol may be removed from the alcoholic beverage (e.g. wine) by dehydrating the alcoholic beverage, such as with a dehydrating oven, to evaporate off the liquid elements to leave a thick syrup; heating the alcoholic beverage in order to remove the alcohol, which could involve heating to boil; using chemical processes to remove alcohol from the alcoholic beverage and then freeze drying the remaining liquid to a syrup form; or combining an amount of the alcoholic beverage with a desiccant, such as silica gel, silica crystals, or water beads to accelerate dehydration.

FIG. 6 is merely an illustrative example, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the ordering or number of steps illustrated. Embodiments may implement additional steps or alternative steps, omit steps, or repeat steps. For example, if the piece of jewelry initially lacks a backing, method 600 may include adding one or more layers of resin, such as epoxy resin, UV-activated resin, or the like, to a location on the selected piece of jewelry in order to provide backing for adding resin mixture. For example, the one or more layers of resin may be added to a setting from the rear side of the piece of jewelry. In other embodiments, the one or more layers of resin may be added to other locations on the selected piece of jewelry.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a third exemplary method 700 of making a piece of jewelry. The method 700 commences at block 710 by selecting a piece of jewelry. In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a setting, such as setting 14, 114, 214, 314. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry does not include a setting.

In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a metal backing. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes one or more layers of clear resin as a backing.

Next, as shown in block 720, a suitable starting source is selected. For example, the starting source in this method 700 may be an alcoholic beverage, such as alcoholic wine.

Next, as shown at block 730, a small amount of the alcoholic beverage (e.g. wine) is mixed with a substrate, such as white sugar, dextrose, desiccant (e.g. silica gel or silica crystals), cellulose, or the like, to form a solidified residue. A substrate, such as a silica gel, removes moisture from the alcoholic wine by adsorption onto the surface of the silica gel. The desiccant will then have the color of the wine, such as red. The use of a desiccant provides a quicker and more efficient alternative to freeze drying, which is particularly relevant for alcoholic beverages.

Next, the solidified particles from the wine are formed into a powder, as shown in block 740. This may be done by accumulating, mixing, and/or grinding the solidified residue formed from the removal of liquid. This may be done manually through a mortar and pestle and/or by placing the particles into a flour grinder, food processor, or the like to generate a powder. The mixture is then sifted into a finer powder. This may be done using a mesh screen, such as a 100-mesh screen or greater.

Next, as shown in block 750, the powder is mixed with a resin, such as epoxy or UV-activated resin, to generate a resin mixture. In some embodiments, the resin mixture also comprises one or more additives including, but not limited to Mica Powder, pigment powder, glitter, small opal items, and any other suitable additive.

The resin mixture is then inlaid into the selected piece of jewelry, as shown in block 760. In an embodiment, the resin mixture may be set into a setting, such as a bezel setting. Next, as shown in block 770, the resin mixture is then cured to harden, such as by a chemical reaction or a UV light source. In some embodiments, one or more additional layers of the resin mixture may be added.

In an embodiment, one or more layers of resin may then be added to the cured resin mixture, and the additional resin coating may be cured until it is set on the piece of jewelry.

FIG. 7 is merely an illustrative example, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the ordering or number of steps illustrated. Embodiments may implement additional steps or alternative steps, omit steps, or repeat steps. For example, if the piece of jewelry initially lacks a backing, method 700 may include adding one or more layers of resin, such as epoxy resin, UV-activated resin, or the like, to a location on the selected piece of jewelry in order to provide backing for adding resin mixture. For example, the one or more layers of resin may be added to a setting from the rear side of the piece of jewelry. In other embodiments, the one or more layers of resin may be added to other locations on the selected piece of jewelry.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a fourth exemplary method 800 of making a piece of jewelry. The method 800 commences at block 810 by selecting a piece of jewelry. In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a setting, such as setting 14, 114, 214, 314. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry does not include a setting.

In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a metal backing. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes one or more layers of clear resin as a backing.

Next, as shown in block 820, an amount of a plant or a botanical, such as honey, is obtained. The honey may be in liquid form or in crystallized form.

Next, as shown in block 830, one or more layers of resin, such as epoxy resin, UV-activated resin, or the like, are added to a location on the selected piece of jewelry in order to provide backing for adding resin mixture. This occurs where the selected piece of jewelry does not have a backing. For example, the one or more layers of resin may be added to a setting from the rear side of the piece of jewelry. In other embodiments, the one or more layers of resin may be added to other locations on the selected piece of jewelry.

The one or more layers of resin are then cured to harden, such as by a chemical reaction or a UV light source, as shown in block 840.

Next, an extract from the starting source (e.g. honey) is inlaid to the one or more layers of cured resin found on the piece of jewelry, as shown in block 850. In this example, the extract derived from honey may be in the form of a syrup or a liquid that can be added directly to one or more layers of cured resin.

In an alternative embodiment of method 800, an extract from the starting source (e.g. honey) is mixed with a resin to form a resin mixture prior to being inserted into the selected piece of jewelry and cured. For example, about 2 parts honey may be mixed with about 1 part resin. In other embodiments, the amount of honey and resin may be the same or may be mixed at a different ratio. In this embodiment, the mixture of resin and honey extract is inserted together into the selected piece of jewelry.

In some embodiments of method 800, one or more additives and/or one or more substrates may be added to the resin mixture. The additives and/or substrates may be added to the resin mixture prior to the resin mixture being inserted into the piece of jewelry or the additives and/or substrates may be added after the extract has already been added to the jewelry. The additives may comprise Mica Powder, pigment powder, flower pollen, small opal items, and any other suitable additive that may add decoration or color.

Next, one or more layers of resin are added to either (a) the cured resin mixture located on the piece of jewelry or to (b) the extract added to the cured first layer of resin on the piece of jewelry, as shown in block 860. The one or more layers of resin may be clear/transparent resin. The one or more layers of resin may then be cured to harden, such as by a chemical reaction or a UV light source.

FIG. 8 is merely an illustrative example, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the ordering or number of steps illustrated. Embodiments may implement additional steps or alternative steps, omit steps, or repeat steps. For example, if the piece of jewelry already has a backing, method 800 may omit adding the backing.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a fifth exemplary method 900 of making a piece of jewelry. The method 900 commences at block 910 by selecting a piece of jewelry. In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a setting, such as setting 14, 114, 214, 314. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry does not include a setting.

FIG. 9 is merely an illustrative example, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the ordering or number of steps illustrated. Embodiments may implement additional steps or alternative steps, omit steps, or repeat steps. For example, if the piece of jewelry initially lacks a backing, method 900 may include adding one or more layers of resin, such as epoxy resin, UV-activated resin, or the like, to a location on the selected piece of jewelry in order to provide backing for adding resin mixture. For example, the one or more layers of resin may be added to a setting from the rear side of the piece of jewelry. In other embodiments, the one or more layers of resin may be added to other locations on the selected piece of jewelry.

In an embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes a metal backing. In an alternative embodiment, the selected piece of jewelry includes one or more layers of clear resin as a backing.

Next, as shown in block 920, an amount of a plant or a botanical is obtained. The plant or botanical may be any suitable plant or botanical including, but not limited to, apples, grapes, cherries, strawberries, mint leaves, carrots, ginkgo, rose petals, and the like. The extract may be in the form of a liquid slurry, a thinly sliced solid material, or a whole piece.

Next, as shown in block 930, water is removed from the extract to generate a solidified residue. In an example, if the extract (e.g. fruit) is in a solid form, the fruit may be dehydrated via a drying oven or a freeze dryer. In another example, if the extract (e.g. juice) is in liquid or puree form, the water content may be reduced via a dryer over, freeze dryer, or an absorptive agent, such as desiccant (e.g. silica gel or silica crystals).

The solidified residue is then processed/ground down into a powder, as shown in block 940. This may be done using a mortar and pestle and/or a grinder, food processor, blender, or the like. The powder is then sifted into a finer powder. This may be done using a mesh screen, such as a 100-mesh screen or greater.

In the embodiment where the extract (e.g. juice) is in liquid or puree form, water reduction may convert the extract to a low water content syrup, instead of a solid form that is converted into a powder.

Next, as shown in block 950, the mixture is mixed with a resin, such as epoxy or UV-activated resin, to generate a resin mixture. In some embodiments, the resin mixture also comprises one or more additives including, but not limited to Mica Powder, pigment powder, glitter, small opal items, and any other suitable additive.

The resin mixture is then inlaid into the selected piece of jewelry, as shown in block 960. The resin mixture may be inlaid into a setting, such as a bezel setting, on the selected piece of jewelry.

The resin mixture is then cured to harden, such as by a chemical reaction or a UV light source, as shown in block 970. One or more additional layers of the resin mixture may be added and cured.

An additional, top coating of resin, such as resin or epoxy, may then be added to the cured resin mixture, and the additional resin coating is also cured until it is set, as shown in block 980.

One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that adhesives, such as glue, plaster, latex, and the like, may be used in other embodiments instead of resin.

It is to be understood that the various embodiments described in this specification and as illustrated in the attached drawings are simply exemplary embodiments illustrating the inventive concepts as defined in the claims. As a result, it is to be understood that the various embodiments described and illustrated may be combined.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention as a whole. Rather, the description is intended to describe illustrative embodiments, features and functions in order to provide a person of ordinary skill in the art context to understand the invention without limiting the invention to any particularly described embodiment, feature or function, including any such embodiment feature or function described in the Abstract or Summary. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Thus, while the invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, product, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited only to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, product, article, or apparatus.

Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). As used herein, a term preceded by “a” or “an” (and “the” when antecedent basis is “a” or “an”) includes both singular and plural of such term, unless clearly indicated otherwise (i.e., that the reference “a” or “an” clearly indicates only the singular or only the plural). Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are utilized. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to one particular embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized will encompass other embodiments which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or terms. Language designating such nonlimiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: “for example,” “for instance,” “e.g.,” “in one embodiment.”

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this is not and does not limit the invention to any particular embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a part of this invention.

Generally then, although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. Rather, the description is intended to describe illustrative embodiments, features and functions in order to provide a person of ordinary skill in the art context to understand the invention without limiting the invention to any particularly described embodiment, feature or function, including any such embodiment feature or function described. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present disclosure has been described to represent what is considered to represent the preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this disclosure can be practiced in other ways than those specifically illustrated and described without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A piece of jewelry comprising:

a mixture including one or more first layers of cured resin and an extract wherein the mixture is inlaid in the piece of jewelry, and wherein the extract is derived from a food, beverage, a plant or a botanical; and

one or more second layers of cured resin.

2. The piece of jewelry of claim 1, further comprising a metal backing.

3. The piece of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the beverage has undergone fermentation and wherein the extract is derived from the beverage.

4. The piece of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the beverage has not undergone fermentation and wherein the extract is derived from the beverage.

5. The piece of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the extract is derived from the plant or the botanical.

6. The piece of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the extract is derived from honey.

7. The piece of jewelry of claim 1, further comprising one or more third layers of cured resin, wherein the one or more third layers are added to the jewelry prior to the mixture being inlaid in the piece of jewelry.

8. The piece of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the mixture forms a decorative element that has a color of a honey, a fruit or a beverage from which the extract was derived.

9. A method for making jewelry, the method comprising:

selecting a piece of jewelry;

adding one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry;

adding an extract in the selected piece of jewelry, wherein the extract is derived from a food, a beverage, a plant or a botanical; and

curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the extract is derived from a liquid and wherein the method further comprises:

obtaining a solidified residue from the liquid;

generating fine particles from the solidified residue; and

mixing the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin to form a mixture, wherein the one or more first layers of resin and the extract are added to the selected piece of jewelry by inlaying the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry, and wherein curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry comprises curing the mixture of the fine particles with the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the liquid is non-alcoholic.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry; and

curing the one or more second layers of resin.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the liquid is an alcoholic beverage and wherein the method further comprises:

removing ethanol from the alcoholic beverage to leave a remaining liquid; and

removing the remaining liquid in the alcoholic beverage to obtain the solidified residue.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry; and

curing the one or more second layers of resin.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the extract is derived from the plant or botanical, wherein the curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry is performed before adding the extract in the selected piece of jewelry, and wherein adding the extract in the selected piece of jewelry comprises inlaying the extract to a first layer of cured resin in the selected piece of jewelry, wherein the method further comprises:

adding one or more second layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry; and

curing the one or more second layers of resin.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprises:

obtaining an amount of the plant or the botanical;

drying the amount obtained from the plant or the botanical;

forming a powder, a slurry, or a liquid from the obtained amount;

mixing the powder, the slurry, or the liquid with the one or more first layers of resin to form a mixture; and

inlaying the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry to add the one or more first layers of resin and the extract to the selected piece of jewelry, wherein curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry comprises curing the resin of the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

adding one or more second layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry; and

curing the one or more second layers of resin.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein curing the one or more first layers of resin in the selected piece of jewelry comprises curing the one or more first layers of resin to form, in combination with the extract, a decorative element that has a color of a honey, a fruit or the beverage from which the extract was derived.

19. The method of claim 9, further comprising adding one or more additives to the one or more first layers of resin.

20. A method for making jewelry, the method comprising:

selecting a piece of jewelry;

obtaining an amount of honey;

mixing the amount of honey with one or more first layers of resin to create a mixture;

inlaying the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry;

curing the resin of the mixture in the selected piece of jewelry;

adding one or more second layers of resin to the selected piece of jewelry; and

curing the one or more second layers of resin.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising adding one or more additives to the mixture of the honey and the one or more first layers of resin.