Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6442971
-
Patent Number
6,442,971
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, February 9, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, September 3, 200221 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Swann; J. J.
- Chop; Andrea
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 063 26
- 063 27
- 063 28
- D11 91
- D11 92
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A multi-stone round setting for six substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds, each having three side walls. The multi-stone round setting includes a curved corner prong assembly having six curved prong members; six side rail members connected to the six prong members to form a substantially round-shaped setting; a central support member having six connection points and six support ledges; and six radially extending spoke members connected at their outer ends to the six prong members, respectively, and connected at their inner ends to the six connection points, respectively, to form six seating areas. Each of the six seating areas are used for receiving one of six gemstones. Each of the six triangular-shaped gemstones include three side walls, three corners, and a bottom wall, respectively, and six grooves formed in the six bottom walls, respectively. The six ledges are received within the six grooves of the bottom walls of the six gemstones, respectively, to support the six gemstones in the six seating areas. Each of the six prong members are for engaging two adjacent corners of two adjacent gemstones to keep the six gemstones seated within the six seating areas of the setting.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-stone round center setting for holding therein six triangular-shaped diamonds or gemstones to produce the appearance of a combined rounded gemstone aggregate providing an appearance larger than that of a single round gemstone of a similar carat weight. More particularly, this multi-stone round center setting having six gemstones therein also gives the appearance that the setting is substantially invisible.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Invisible gemstone settings are well known in the art and refers to a setting for gemstones in which the setting lies beneath the visible surface of the gemstones. Typically, to invisibly set a large number of gemstones, the approach of the prior art has been to notch the gemstones and to mount them in a setting having two or more parallel walls, with metallic projections, for example, prongs or the like, protruding from these walls for engaging the notches. Generally, these walls define channels in which the gemstones are set abutting one another in accordance with the invisible mounting method.
Invisible gemstone settings for jewelry products suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, casting of a jewelry item with a gemstone region including a recess and walls and preparing T-shaped cross bars is a relatively difficult and therefore costly process. Second, the assembly of the jewelry item requires considerable time of a skilled worker which adds greatly to the overall cost of the jewelry item. And third, the finished jewelry item cannot be readily downsized without disturbing the invisible gemstone setting.
Therefore, there remains a need for a novel invisible and multiple gemstone round setting for jewelry ornaments which overcomes the disadvantages of conventional multi-stone and invisible gemstone settings for jewelry items. The multi-stone round center setting would include a round-shaped metal setting for holding six triangular cut gemstones in which the combined gemstone aggregate gives a larger appearance than that of a single round gemstone of a similar carat weight. Additionally, the multi-stone round center setting would give the appearance that the round setting (metal) is essentially invisible to the eye of the wearer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Invisible gemstone settings, multi-gemstone settings, jewelry settings and the like having various designs, structures, configurations and functions have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,539 to OUZOUNIAN discloses an invisible, multiple precious stone setting for mounting two or more rows of round-shaped precious stones. This prior art patent does not disclose the structure and configuration of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,017 to VIVAT discloses jewelry items with invisible gemstone settings, wherein the gemstone setting includes a least two walls so as to provide at least one groove. The groove slidably receives one or more rectangularly-shaped precious stones therein. This prior art patent does not disclose the structure and configuration of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,265 to RAMOT discloses an invisible gemstone setting, wherein the gemstone setting assembly includes one or more gemstones and a setting having a base formed with a plurality of ribs defining one or more sockets of polygonal configuration for receiving the gemstones. This prior art patent does not disclose the structure and configuration of the present invention.
U.S. Design Patent D403,611 to LAI discloses an ornamental design for a jewelry setting having a square-shaped pattern for square-shaped gemstones. This prior art patent does not disclose the structure and configuration of the present invention.
None of the aforementioned prior art patents disclose or teach the multi-stone round center setting of the present invention for receiving therein six triangular-shaped diamonds or gemstones which gives the appearance of a single round gemstone with the setting having an invisible profile.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-stone round setting for holding therein six triangular-shaped gemstones in which the combined aggregate of the six gemstones gives a larger appearance than that of a single round gemstone of a similar carat weight (i.e., a 1.2 carat presentation of the combined six gemstones appears as large as a 2.0 carat round gemstone, as the present invention would have a larger table).
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone round setting having six gemstones therein that is less expensive than a single round gemstone of a similar carat weight (i.e., the 1.2 carat presentation of the combined six gemstones is less expensive than an actual 1.2 carat single round gemstone of the same carat weight).
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone round setting having six triangular cut gemstones therein which gives the appearance that the round setting is substantially invisible at distances greater than 12 inches from the jewelry product.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone round setting that can be varied in size depending upon the total combined carat weight of the six gemstones within the round setting.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone round setting that can be made from precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum or palladium for setting precious gemstones including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and the like.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone round setting having six triangular gemstones therein for use in personal adornment in the form of ornamental jewelry such as rings, pins, brooches, pendants, clasps, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone round setting that can be produced in an economical manner and is readily affordable by the jewelry consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-stone round setting for six substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds, each having three side walls. The multi-stone round setting includes a curved corner prong assembly having six curved prong members; six side rail members connected to the six prong members to form a substantially round-shaped setting; a central support member having six connection points and six support ledges; and six radially extending spoke members connected at their outer ends to the six prong members, respectively, and connected at their inner ends to the six connection points, respectively, to form six seating areas. Each of the six seating areas are used for receiving one of six gemstones. Each of the six triangular-shaped gemstones include three side walls, three corners, and a bottom wall, respectively, and six grooves formed in the six bottom walls, respectively. The six ledges are received within the six grooves of the bottom walls of the six gemstones, respectively, to support the six gemstones in the six seating areas. Each of the six prong members are for engaging two adjacent comers of two adjacent gemstones to keep the six gemstones seated within the six seating areas of the setting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1
is a top perspective view of the multi-stone round center setting for holding six gemstones or diamonds of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a top plan view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention shown in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a bottom plan view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention shown in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 4
is a side elevational view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention shown along lines
4
—
4
in
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 5
is a side elevational view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention shown along lines
5
—
5
in
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 6
is a top perspective view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention showing six triangular-shaped diamonds seated within the six (
6
) seats of the round gemstone setting;
FIG. 7
is a cross-sectional view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention taken along lines
7
—
7
of
FIG. 6
showing the grooved slot of the diamonds being held in place on the upper ledge of the tip receiving member;
FIG. 8
is a top perspective view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention showing six triangular-shaped diamonds seated within the six seats of the round gemstone setting and being connected to a ring holding member to form a diamond ring; and
FIG. 9
is a top perspective view of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention showing six triangular-shaped diamonds seated within the six seats of the round setting for forming a pin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 10
The multi-stone round center setting
10
and its component parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by
FIGS. 1 through 9
of the patent drawings. The multi-stone round setting
10
is used for holding in place six (6) triangular-shaped diamonds
12
,
14
,
16
,
18
,
20
and
22
with each diamond
12
to
22
having three side walls
12
a
to
12
c
,
14
a
to
14
c
,
16
a
to
16
c
,
18
a
to
18
c
,
20
a
to
20
c
and
22
a
to
22
c
, and having three corners
12
x
to
12
z
,
14
x
to
14
z
,
16
x
to
16
z
,
18
x
to
18
z
,
20
x
to
20
z
and
22
x
to
22
z
, respectively. Additionally, each diamond
12
to
22
further includes a grooved slot
12
d
,
14
d
,
16
d
,
18
d
,
20
d
and
22
d
located at the bottom tip area
12
t
,
14
t
,
16
t
,
18
t
,
20
t
and
22
t
, respectively, of each triangular-shaped diamond
12
to
22
, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 7
of the drawings. The multi-stone round setting
10
, as shown in
FIGS. 1
to
5
of the drawings, includes a substantially round or hexagonal-shaped (six sided) gemstone setting frame member
21
having an upper frame member
23
, a central support member
50
for receiving and supporting the bottom grooved slots
12
d
to
22
d
of each diamond
12
to
22
, respectively, a curved corner prong assembly
90
, and a setting connecting bar member
110
. The curved corner prong assembly
90
includes six (6) curved prong members
92
,
94
,
96
,
98
,
100
and
102
. The six (6) side rail members
24
to
34
are connected to the six (6) prong members
92
to
102
to form a substantially round-shaped setting
10
, as shown in
FIG. 1
of the drawings. The central support member
50
includes six (6) connection points
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
,
60
and
62
and six (6) support ledges
64
,
66
,
68
,
70
,
72
and
74
, respectively, as shown in
FIG. 2
of the drawings.
The upper frame
23
, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
of the drawings, includes the six side frame members or rail members
24
,
26
,
28
,
30
,
32
and
34
, and also includes six spoke members
36
,
38
,
40
,
42
,
44
and
46
being connected at their outer ends
36
a
,
38
a
,
40
a
,
42
a
,
44
a
and
46
a
to the curved prong members
92
,
94
,
96
,
98
,
100
and
102
at location points
25
,
27
,
29
,
31
,
33
and
35
, respectively. The inner ends
36
b
,
38
b
,
40
b
,
42
b
,
44
b
and
46
b
of spoke members
36
to
46
are connected to the connection points
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
,
60
and
62
of central support member
50
, respectively. Central support member
50
includes upper ledge sections
64
,
66
,
68
,
70
,
72
and
74
for receiving and supporting the bottom grooved slots
12
d
to
22
d
of each diamond
12
to
22
, respectively.
Rail members
24
to
34
, spoke members
36
to
46
and ledge sections
64
to
74
of support member
50
are connected with each other, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
of the drawings, to form six (6) seating areas
76
,
78
,
80
,
82
,
84
and
86
each having a substantially triangular shape. The six seating areas
76
to
86
are used to receive and hold in place diamonds
12
to
22
, respectively, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 6
of the drawings. Seating area
76
is formed by the rail member
24
, spoke members
46
and
36
, and ledge section
64
of central support member
50
. Seating area
78
is formed by the rail member
26
, spoke members
36
and
38
and ledge section
66
of central support member
50
. Seating area
80
is formed by the rail member
28
, spoke members
38
and
40
, and ledge section
68
of central support member
50
. Seating area
82
is formed by the rail member
30
, spoke members
40
and
42
, and ledge section
70
of central support member
50
. Seating area
84
is formed by the rail member
32
, spoke members
42
and
44
, and ledge section
72
of central support member
50
. Seating area
86
is formed by the rail member
34
, spoke members
44
and
46
, and ledge section
74
of central support member
50
.
The curved prong section assembly
90
, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3
to
6
of the drawings, includes curved prong members
92
,
94
,
96
,
98
,
100
and
102
having an upper end
92
a
for engaging two adjacent corners
12
y
and
14
x
of two adjacent diamonds
12
and
14
, an upper end
94
a
for engaging two adjacent corners
14
y
and
16
x
of two adjacent diamonds
14
and
16
, an upper end
96
a
for engaging two adjacent corners
16
y
and
18
x
of two adjacent diamonds
16
and
18
, an upper end
98
a
for engaging two adjacent corners
18
y
and
20
x
of two adjacent diamonds
18
and
20
, an upper end
100
a
for engaging two adjacent diamonds
20
and
22
, and an upper end
102
a
for engaging two adjacent corners
22
y
and
12
x
of two adjacent diamonds
22
and
12
.
Curved prong members
92
to
102
also have lower ends
92
b
,
94
b
,
96
b
,
98
b
,
100
b
and
102
b
being attached and joined together at the bottom end point
104
. The setting connecting bar member
110
is also integrally attached at the bottom end point
104
. Connecting bar member
110
is used for attachment to a ring member
120
or other jewelry products such as pins
122
, brooches, pendants, clasps, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings, as shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9
of the drawings.
The gemstone setting
10
can be made of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or other precious metals. Gemstone setting
10
can also be made into different size settings depending upon the size (carat weight) of the triangular-shaped diamonds
12
to
22
being mounted therein. The total carat weight for the six triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds
12
to
22
typically is in the range of 0.16 to 2.0 carats per gemstone setting
10
. Additionally, other types of gemstones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires can be used for the multi-stone round setting
10
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT 200
In an alternate embodiment
200
, as shown in
FIG. 9
, the multi-stone round setting
210
, includes a setting frame member
220
having an upper frame member
222
. All other component parts are exactly the same as the preferred embodiment of the multi-stone round setting
10
except for a plate member
230
being attached to the upper ends
92
a
to
102
a
of curved stem members
92
to
102
, respectively. Plate member
230
is used for connecting a pin device (not shown) or latch device (not shown) in order to make a pin
122
or brooch or an earring piece of jewelry.
OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The operation of the multi-stone round setting
10
of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIGS. 1
,
6
,
9
and
10
of the patent drawings, starts with the jeweler initially mounting the connecting bar member
110
to a jewelry vise (not shown) for the convenient assembly of each of the diamonds
12
to
22
within each of the seats
76
to
86
, respectively, of gemstone round setting
10
by the jeweler. The jeweler's initial steps are slidably setting the cut grooves (grooved slots)
12
d
and
18
d
of diamonds
12
and
18
onto the upper ledge sections
64
and
70
, respectively, of central support member
50
, as shown in
FIG. 1
of the drawings. The jeweler then slightly bends inwardly two of the upper ends
102
a
and
92
a
of curved stems
102
and
92
, respectively, as well as, slightly bends inwardly two of the upper ends
96
a
and
98
a
of curved stems
96
and
98
, respectively, in order to firmly hold diamonds
12
and
18
within seats
76
ad
82
, respectively, of the multi-stone round setting
10
, as shown in
FIGS. 1
,
6
and
7
of the drawings.
The jeweler now repeats the aforementioned steps for diamonds
14
and
20
by slidably setting the grooved slots
14
d
and
20
d
of diamonds
14
and
20
onto the upper ledge sections
66
and
72
, respectively, of support member
50
, as shown in
FIG. 1
of the drawings. The jeweler now repeats one more time the aforementioned steps for diamonds
16
and
22
by slidably setting the grooved slots
16
d
and
22
d
of diamonds
16
and
22
onto the upper ledge sections
68
and
74
, respectively, of support member
50
, as shown in
FIG. 1
of the drawings.
The jeweler then slightly bends inwardly the remaining two upper ends
94
a
and
100
a
of curved sections
94
and
100
, respectively, in order to firmly hold diamonds
14
,
16
,
20
and
22
within seats
78
,
80
,
84
and
86
, respectively, of the multi-stone round setting
10
, as depicted in
FIGS. 6
,
8
and
9
of the drawings.
The jeweler's final step is to attach the connecting bar member
110
to a ring holding member
120
to form a finger ringer, as shown in
FIG. 8
of the drawings.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone round setting for holding therein six triangular-shaped gemstones in which the combined aggregate of the six gemstones give a larger appearance than that of a single round gemstone of a similar carat weight (i.e., a 1.2 carat presentation of the combined six gemstones appears as large as a 2.0 carat round gemstone, as the present invention would have a larger table).
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone round setting having six gemstones therein that is less expensive than a single round gemstone of a similar carat weight (i.e., the 1.2 carat presentation of the combined six gemstones is less expensive than an actual 1.2 carat single round gemstone of the same carat weight).
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone round setting having or six triangular cut gemstones therein which gives the appearance that the round setting is substantially invisible at distances greater than 12 inches from the jewelry product.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone round setting that can be varied in size depending upon the total combined carat weight of the six gemstones within the round setting.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone round setting that can be made from precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum or palladium for setting precious gemstones including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and the like.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone round setting having six triangular gemstones therein for use in personal adornment in the form of ornamental jewelry such as rings, pins, brooches, pendants, clasps, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone round setting that can be produced in an economical manner and is readily affordable by the jewelry consumer.
A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.
Claims
- 1. A multi-stone round setting in combination with six substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds, each having three side walls, comprising:a) a curved corner prong assembly having six curved prong members; b) six side rail members connected to said six prong members to form a substantially round-shaped setting; c) a central support member having six connection points and six support ledges; d) six radially-extending spoke members connected at their outer ends to said six prong members, respectively, and connected at their inner ends to said six connection points, respectively, to form six seating areas; e) said six seating areas each for receiving one of six gemstones; f) said six triangular-shaped gemstones each having three side walls, three corners, and a bottom wall, respectively, and six grooves formed in said six bottom walls, respectively; g) said six ledges being received within said six grooves of said six bottom walls, respectively, to support said six gemstones in said six seating areas; and h) each of said six prong members for engaging two adjacent corners of two adjacent gemstones to keep said six gemstones seated within said six seating areas of said setting.
- 2. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said six seating areas is defined by one of said side rail members being connected to two of said spoke members which are connected to said central support member.
- 3. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 2, wherein said central support member includes six side walls of said support member connected to said six support ledges, respectively, and each of said spoke members being connected to said six side walls at said six connection points.
- 4. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said six seating areas each have a triangular shape for receiving said triangular-shaped gemstones.
- 5. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said six prong members each have upper ends, and wherein the upper ends of said six prong members are higher than said six side rail members for directly engaging said adjacent corners of said six gemstones.
- 6. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said six prong members curve inwardly and are joined together at a bottom end point.
- 7. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 6, wherein said bottom end point is integrally attached to a connecting bar member for attachment to a jewelry holding member for forming a piece of jewelry.
- 8. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 7, wherein said connecting bar member is attached to a jewelry holding member to form a ring, a pin, a brooch, a pendant, a clasp, a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet or earrings.
- 9. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 7, further including a plate member having an outer perimeter edge, said plate member being connected to said jewelry holding member for forming a ring, a pin, a brooch, a pendant, a clasp, a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet or earrings.
- 10. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 9, wherein said curved corner prong assembly has said six curved corner prong members terminated in relationship to said bottoms of said six gemstones; said terminated curved prong members being attached to said outer perimeter edge of said plate member.
- 11. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said multi-stone round setting is made from gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or precious metals.
- 12. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said the six gemstones have a total weight being in the range of 0.16 to 2.0 carats.
US Referenced Citations (9)