Round gemstone arrangements with settings

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-stone setting for receiving four substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds in the round setting. The multi-stone round setting includes a prong assembly having four prong members; and one or more curved side rail members connected to the four prong members to form a round-shaped setting. The multi-stone round setting also includes a first center crossbar member connected at the ends thereof to two opposed curved side rail members and a second center crossbar member being perpendicular to the first center crossbar member; wherein the second center crossbar member is connected at the ends thereof to the other two opposed curved side rail members for forming four seating areas. The first center crossbar member includes first and second retaining edge insert members. The four seating areas are each used for receiving one of the four gemstones or diamonds therein. The four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds each have two side walls and a curved outerwall and three corners, respectively; and each of the four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds have at least one of the side walls with a groove formed therein for engaging the first or second insert means of the center crossbar member for seating two of the four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds within each of the four seating areas and for supporting the four gemstones or diamonds in the four seating areas. Each of the four prong members are used for engaging the gemstones in order to keep the four gemstones or diamonds seated within the four seating areas of the multi-stone round setting.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-gemstone arrangement for attachment to various prong-type settings. More particularly, this multi-gemstone arrangement includes four (4) gemstone sections (pie-shaped) for forming this round-shaped gemstone arrangement. Each of the gemstone sections use a square princess-cut diamond having two of its sides rounded. This combined rounded gemstone arrangement gives a larger appearance than that of a single round gemstone of a similar carat weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Invisible gemstone settings are well known in the art and refer to a setting for gemstones in which the setting lies beneath the visible surface of the gemstones. Typically, to invisibly set a larger 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.

[0003] Invisible gemstone settings for jewelry products suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, casting of jewelry item with a gemstone region including a recess and walls and preparing T-shaped cross bars is relatively difficult and is therefore a 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.

[0004] Therefore, there remains a need for a novel invisible and multiple gemstone setting for attachment to rings which overcomes the disadvantages of conventional multi-stone and invisible gemstone setting for jewelry items. The multi-stone setting member should include a round-shaped metal setting for holding four triangular-shaped princess cut gemstones in which the combined gemstone aggregate gives a larger appearance than that of a single gemstone of a similar carat weight, and the setting having a positioning pin thereon for mounting of the setting member to a ring. Additionally, the multi-stone setting would give the appearance that the round setting (metal) is essentially invisible to the eye of the wearer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0005] Invisible gemstone settings, multi-gemstone settings, jewelry settings, and multi-gemstone arrangements 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.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,017 to VIVAT discloses jewelry items with invisible gemstone settings, wherein the gemstone setting includes at 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] U.S. Design Pat. No. DES. 334,154 to BENDERLY discloses around, pie-shaped gemstone arrangement. This pie-shaped/rounded gemstone arrangement includes six (6) gemstone sections for forming this rounded gemstone. This prior art design patent does not disclose or teach the four (pie-shaped) rounded gemstone arrangement of the present invention using a princess-cut diamond for each gemstone section.

[0009] U.S. Design Pat. No. DES. 372,883 to ADLER discloses a round, pie-shaped gemstone arrangement. This pie-shaped/rounded gemstone arrangement includes four (4) gemstone sections for forming this rounded gemstone, but does not use a princess-cut diamond. This prior art design patent does not disclose or teach the four (pie-shaped) rounded gemstone arrangement of the present invention using a princess-cut diamond for each gemstone section.

[0010] None of the aforementioned prior art patents disclose or teach the multi-stone setting member of the present invention for receiving therein four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones which gives the appearance of a single rounded-shape (pie-shaped) gemstone with the setting having an invisible profile.

[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-stone setting member for holding therein four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones in which the combined aggregate of the four 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 four gemstones appears as large as a 2.0 carat round gemstone, as the present invention would have a larger table).

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone setting member having four 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 four gemstones is less expensive than an actual 1.2 carat single round gemstone of the same carat weight).

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone setting member having four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones therein which gives the appearance that the setting is substantially invisible at distances great than 12 inches from the jewelry product.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone setting member that can be varied in size depending upon the total combined carat weight of the four gemstones within the setting member.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone setting member 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.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone setting member that can be attached to a jewelry ring by a positioning pin integrally connected to the member housing.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone setting member having four gemstones therein for use in personal adornment in the form of ornamental jewelry such as rings.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stone setting member having four gemstones thereon that can be produced in an economical manner and is readily affordable by the jewelry consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-stone setting having four substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds within the round setting and held together in the setting to produce the appearance of an overall round-shaped gemstone or diamond. The multi-stone round setting includes a prong assembly having four prong members; and one or more curved side rail members connected to the four prong members to form a round-shaped setting. The multi-stone round setting also includes a first center crossbar member being connected at the ends thereof to two opposed curved side rail members and a second center crossbar member being perpendicular to the first center crossbar member; wherein the second center crossbar member is connected at the ends thereof to the other two opposed curved side rail members for forming four seating areas. The first center crossbar member includes first and second insert retaining edges. The four seating areas are each used for receiving one of the four gemstones or diamonds therein. The four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds each have two side walls and a curved outerwall and three corners, respectively; and each of the four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds have at least one of the side walls with a groove formed therein for engaging the first or second insert retaining edge of the first center crossbar member for seating two of the four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds within each of the four seating areas and for supporting the four gemstones or diamonds in the four seating areas. Each of the four prong members are used for engaging the gemstones in order to keep the four gemstones or diamonds seated within the four seating areas of the multi-stone round setting.

[0020] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-stone round setting having four substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds within the round setting and held together in the setting to produce the appearance of an overall round-shaped gemstone or diamond. The multi-stone round setting includes a prong assembly having four pairs of prong members, one or more curved side rail members connected to the four pairs of prong members to form a round-shaped setting in order to keep the four gemstones or diamonds seated within the four seating areas of the multi-stone round setting. The multi-stone round setting also includes a first center crossbar member being connected at the ends thereof to two opposed curved side rail members of the curved side rail members and a second center crossbar member being perpendicular to the first center crossbar member; wherein the second center crossbar member is connected at the ends thereof to the other two opposed curved side rail members for forming four seating areas. The first center crossbar member includes first and second insert retaining edges. The four seating areas are each used for receiving each of the four gemstones or diamonds therein. The four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds each have two side walls and a curved outerwall and three corners, respectively; and each of the four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds within each of the four seating areas and for supporting the four gemstones or diamonds in the four seating areas. Each of the four pairs of prong members for engaging the gemstones or diamonds to keep the four gemstones or diamonds seated within the four seating areas of the multi-stone round setting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] 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:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones forming a single round-shaped gemstone arrangement within a multi-stone round setting member;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones formed in a single pie-shaped (rounded) gemstone arrangement;

[0024] FIG. 2A is an exploded top plan view of the round gemstone arrangement of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the elliptical arc angels (a) on the curved outer wall of the four partially rounded sections of each gemstone;

[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the four partially rounded gemstone sections being placed on the center crossbar member of the multi-stone round setting member;

[0026] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the multi-stone setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the plurality of the curved holding prong members, the upper circular frame member and the first and second center crossbar members;

[0027] FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the multi-stone setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the setting connecting bar member, the bottom gallery, the lower frame assembly, the first and second center crossbar members and the prong assembly;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the multi-stone setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a pair of the curved holding prong members, the upper circular frame member, the lower circular frame member and the setting connecting bar member;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the multi-stone setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a pair of the curved holding prong members, the upper circular frame member having the center crossbar member thereon, the lower circular frame member, and the setting connecting bar member;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the four partially rounded gemstone sections being slidably connected with the center crossbar member of the frame member;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 1 showing the center crossbar member within the cut grooves of the two gemstone sections;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the multi-stone round setting connected to a ring member;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the multi-stone round setting connected to a pendant member;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention showing four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones forming a single round-shaped gemstone arrangement within a first alternate multi-stone round setting member;

[0035] FIG. 12 is an exploded top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the four partially rounded gemstone sections being placed on the first alternate multi-stone round setting member;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention showing four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones forming a single round-shaped gemstone arrangement within a second alternate multi-stone round setting member;

[0037] FIG. 14 is an exploded top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the four partially rounded gemstone sections being placed on the second alternate multi-stone round setting member;

[0038] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention showing four partially rounded princess-cut gemstone forming a single round-shaped gemstone arrangement within a third alternate multi-stone round setting member; and

[0039] FIG. 16 is an exploded top perspective view of the round gemstone arrangement and setting of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the four partially rounded gemstone sections being placed on the third alternate multi-stone round setting member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

[0040] The multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 and 300 and the four substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22, 24, 26, and 28 for forming a gemstone or diamond jewelry arrangement 20 within each of those round settings of the preferred and alternate embodiments 10, 100, 200 and 300 of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 1 through 16 of the patent drawings. Each of the multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 and 300 are used for holding in place four (4) triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22, 24, 26 and 28 with each gemstone or diamond 22 to 28 having two side walls 22a and 22b, 24a and 24b, 26a and 26b, and 28a and 28b; and having a curved outer wall 22c, 24c, 26c and 28c, respectively. Also, each of the gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 include a first outer corner 22e, 24e, 26e and 28e, a second outer corner 22f, 24f, 26f and 28f and a third inner corner 22g, 24g, 26g and 28g, as shown in FIG. 2A of the drawings. Each curved outer wall 22c to 28c has an elliptical arc angle alpha (α) in the range of 50° to 80° with a preferred arc angle alpha (α) of 65°. Each of the gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 is made from a princess-cut (square) gemstone or diamond prior to the laser cutting of each outer curved (radius) wall 22c to 28c to a specified arc angle (α) by a laser apparatus (not shown), as shown in FIG. 2A of the drawings. Further, each of the triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 include a grooved slot 22d, 24d, 26d and 28d within each of the side walls 22a, 24a, 26a and 28a, respectively, such that the grooved slots 22d to 28d are used to receive the first and second insert means 48 and 52 of the center crossbar member 40 for the nesting and seating of the gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 within the multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 and 300 of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] All aspects of these alternate embodiments 100,200 and 300 of the round settings are the same as the preferred embodiment of the multi-stone round setting 10, except for the orientation of the first center crossbar member 40 to that of the prong members 64 and 68 and/or to the number of prong members (4 or 8) used in holding gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 within round settings 100, 200 or 300, respectively. All of these multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 and 300 having gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 therein can be used in making of such jewelry products like rings 12, pendants 14, brooches, pins and necklaces, etc, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings. Also, the multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 or 300 can be made of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or other precious metals. The multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 or 300 can also be made into different size setting depending upon the size (carat weight) of the triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 being mounted therein. The total carat weight for the four gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 typically is in the range of 0.36 carats to 4.0 carats per multi-stone round setting 10, 100, 200 or 300. Additionally, other types of gemstones such as rubies emeralds and sapphires can be used for the multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 or 300 of the present invention.

[0042] The multi-stone round setting 10 of the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 of the drawings, includes an upper frame assembly 30 having first and second center crossbar members 40 and 50 attached thereto, a prong assembly 60 having four prong members 62, 64, 66 and 68 attached thereto, a lower frame assembly 70 and a setting connection bar member 90.

[0043] The multi-stone round setting 100 of the first alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawings, is exactly the same as the multi-stone round setting 10 of the preferred embodiment except for the orientation of the first center crossbar member 40 with respect to each of the prong members 64 and 68, respectively. The outer ends 42a and 42b of the first center crossbar member 40 are aligned and adjacent to prong members 64 and 68, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 12 of the drawings. In all other respects, this first alternate embodiment 100 is exactly the same as the preferred embodiment 10 of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention.

[0044] The multi-stone round setting 200 of the second alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 of the drawings, is exactly the same as the multi-stone round setting 10 of the preferred embodiment except for the structure of the prong assembly 260 having four pairs of prong members 262 and 264, 266 and 268, 270 and 272, and 274 and 276, respectively. The orientation of each pair of prong members 262 and 264, 266 and 268, 270 and 272, and 274 and 276 is also similar to preferred embodiment 10, as each pair of the prong members 262 and 264, 266 and 268, 270 and 272, and 274 and 276 are centrally connected to the mid -point locations 22m to 28m on the outer curved walls 22c to 28c of gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28, respectively, as shown in FIG. 13. In all other respects this second alternate embodiment 200 are exactly the same as the preferred embodiment 10 of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention.

[0045] The multi-stone round setting 300 of the third alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 of the drawings, is exactly the same as the multi-stone round setting 200 of the second alternate embodiment except for the orientation of the first center crossbar member 40 with respect to each of the paired prong members 266 and 268 and 274 and 276, respectively. The outer ends 42a and 42b of the first center crossbar member 40 are aligned and adjacent to the paired prong members 266 and 268 and 274 and 276 of prong assembly 260, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 16 of the drawings. In all other respects this third alternate embodiment 300 are exactly the same as the second alternate embodiment 200 of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 10

[0046] The multi-stone round setting 10 and its component parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 1 through 10 of the drawings. The multi-stone round setting 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in used for holding in place four (4) triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22, 24, 26 and 28 in which to form a round jewelry arrangement 20. The multi-stone round setting 10 includes an upper frame assembly 30 having first and second center crossbar members 40 and 50 attached thereto, a prong assembly 60 having four prong members 62, 64, 66 and 68 attached thereto, a lower frame assembly 70, and a setting connecting bar member 90.

[0047] The upper frame assembly 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 of the drawings, includes a first curved side rail member 32, a second curved side rail member 34, a third curved side rail member 36, and a fourth curved side rail member 38. The upper frame assembly 30 further includes a first center crossbar member 40 having outer ends 42a and 42b that are connected to two opposing curved side rail members 34 and 38, and a second center crossbar member 50 having outer ends 52a and 52b that are connected to the other two opposing curved side rail members 32 and 36, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 4A of the drawings. The first and second center crossbar members 40 and 50 are perpendicular to each other and the first center crossbar member 40 is at a slightly higher elevated plane relative to the second center crossbar member 50. Thus, the first and second center crossbar members 40 and 50 form a first seating area 44A, a second seating area 44B, a third seating area 44C and a fourth seating area 44D, respectively, each having a triangular-shape thereof. The first center crossbar member 40 also includes a first wall surface 45 having a first retaining insert edge member 46 thereon and a second wall surface 47 having a second retaining insert edge member 48 thereon. The first and second seating areas 44A and 44B are used to retain and hold in place gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24, respectively, and the third and fourth seating areas 44C and 44D are used to retain and hold in place gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28, respectively. The first and second seating areas 44A and 44B includes diamonds 22 and 24 having grooved slots 22d and 24d formed on their respective side walls 22a and 24a, respectively, wherein grooved slots 22d and 24d of gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24 engage the first retaining insert edge member 46 of the first center crossbar member 40 for nesting and seating diamonds 22 and 24 within the first and second seating area 44A and 44B, respectively. The third and fourth seating areas 44C and 44D includes diamonds 26 and 28 having grooved slots 26d and 28d formed on their respective side walls 26a and 28a, respectively, wherein grooved slots 26d and 28d of diamonds 26 and 28 engage the second retaining insert edge member 48 of the first center crossbar member 40 for nesting and seating diamonds 26 and 28 within the third and fourth seating areas 44C and 44D, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A of the drawings.

[0048] The curved prong assembly 60, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, 5 and 6 of the drawings, includes a first curved prong member 62, a second curved prong member 64, a third curved prong member 66 and a fourth curved prong member 68. The four (4) curved side rail member 32 to 38 are connected to the four (4) curved prong members 62 to 68, respectively, to form the multi-stone round-shaped setting 10.

[0049] The curved prong assembly 60, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4A, 5 and 6 of the drawings, includes curved prong members 62, 64, 66 and 68 having upper ends 62a, 64b, 66a and 68a. Upper end 62a of curved prong member 62 is used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 22c of gemstone or diamond 22 at a mid-point 22m along the curved outer wall 22c.

[0050] Upper end 64a of curved prong member 64 is used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 24c of gemstone or diamond 24 at a mid-point 24m along the curved outer wall 24c. Upper end 66a of curved prong member 66 is used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 26c of gemstone or diamond 26 at a mid-point 26m along the curved outer wall 26c. Upper end 68a of curved prong member 68 is used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 28c of gemstone or diamond 28 at a mid-point 28m along the curved outer wall 28c. Thereby, securing all of the gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 within all four seating areas 44A, 44B, 44C and 44D respectively, of the multi-stone round setting 10 of the present invention.

[0051] Curved prong members 62 to 68 also have lower ends 62b, 64b, 66b and 68b being attached and connected to the lower frame assembly 70. Lower frame assembly 70 includes a first curved side rail member 72, a second curved side rail member 74, a third curved side rail member 76, and a fourth curved side rail member 78 for forming a bottom gallery 80, as shown in FIG. 4B of the drawings. Further, the upper curved side rail member 32 is integrally connected to the lower curved side rail member 72 forming a single curved side rail wall member 73 having a heart-shaped opening 75 therein, and the upper curved side rail member 36 is integrally connected to the lower curved side rail member 76 forming a single curved side rail wall member 77 having a heart-shaped opening 79 therein, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4B and 5 of the drawings. The bottom gallery 80 includes a bottom gallery crossbar member 82 having outer ends 84a and 84b being integrally connected to two opposing curved side rail members 74 and 78, respectively. Further, the four (4) curved side rail members 72 and 78 are connected to the four (4) lower ends 62b to 68b of the prong members 62 to 68, respectively to form the aforementioned bottom gallery 80.

[0052] The setting connecting bar member 90 includes a first end 92 and a second end 94, such that the first end 92 of the connecting bar member 90 is integrally attached to a centrally located point 86 on the bottom gallery crossbar member 82. Connecting bar member 90 is used for the attaching and connecting to a jewelry holding member 18 in the forming of a ring member 12 or other jewelry products such as pendants 14, pins, brooches, clasps, necklaces, anklet and earrings, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings.

First Alternate Embodiment 100

[0053] The multi-stone round setting 100 and its component parts of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawings. The first alternate embodiment 100 is exactly the same as the multi-stone round setting 10 of the preferred embodiment except for the orientation of the first center crossbar member 40 with respect to each of the prong members 64 and 68, respectively. The outer ends 42a and 42b of the first center crossbar member 40 are aligned and adjacent to prong members 64 and 68, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 12 of the drawings. In all other respects, this first alternate embodiment 100 is exactly the same as the preferred embodiment 10 of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention.

Second Alternate Embodiment 200

[0054] The multi-stone round setting 200 and its component parts of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 13 and 14 of the drawings. The second alternate embodiment 200 is exactly the same as the multi-stone round setting 10 of the preferred embodiment except for the structure of the prong assembly 260 having four pairs of prong members 262 and 264, 266 and 268, 270 and 272, and 274 and 276 respectively. Each paired prong member 262 to 276 includes upper and lower ends 262a, 262b, 264a, 264b, 274a, 274b, 276a and 276b, respectively, thereon. The upper ends 262a to 276a of the paired prong members 262 to 276 are used for engaging and securing the triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22, 24, 26 and 28 within each of the first, second, third and fourth seating areas 44A, 44B, 44C and 44D, respectively. The upper ends 262a and 264a of the first paired prong members 262 and 264 are used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 22c of gemstone or diamond 22 at a mid-point 22m along the curved outer wall 22c. The upper ends 266a and 268a of the second paired prong members 266 and 268 are used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 24c of gemstone or diamond 24 at a mid-point 24m along the curved outer wall 24c. the upper ends 270a and 272a of the third paired prong members 270 and 272 are used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 26c of gemstone or diamond 26 at a mid-point 26m along the curved outer wall 26c. The upper ends 274a and 276a of the fourth paired prong members 274 and 276 are used for engaging the adjacent curved outer wall 28c of gemstone or diamond 28 at a mid-point 28m along the curved outer wall 28c. Thereby, securing the four (4) triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22, 24, 26 and 28 within their respective first, second, third and fourth seating areas 44A, 44B, 44C and 44D, respectively, of the multi-stone round setting 200 of the present invention. Thus, the orientation of each pair of prong members 262 and 264, 266 and 268, 270 and 272, and 274 and 276 is also similar to preferred embodiment 10, as each pair of the prong members 262 and 264,266 and 268,270 and 272, and 274 and 276 are centrally connected to the outer curved walls 22c to 28c of gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28, respectively, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0055] The lower ends 262b and 264b, 266b and 268b, 270b and 272b, and 274b and 276b of the curved paired prong members 262 and 276 are attached and connected to the four (4) curved side rail members 72, 74, 76 and 78, respectively, of the lower frame assembly 70, in order to form the bottom gallery 80. In all other respects, this second alternate embodiment 200 is exactly the same as the preferred embodiment 10 of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention.

Third Alternate Embodiment 300

[0056] The multi-stone round setting 300 and its component parts of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 15 and 16 of the drawings. The third alternate embodiment 300 is exactly the same as the multi-stone round setting 200 of the second alternate embodiment except for the orientation of the first center crossbar member 40 with respect to each of the paired prong members 266 and 268 and 274 and 276, respectively. The outer ends 42a and 42b of the center crossbar member 40 are aligned and adjacent tot he paired prong members 266 and 268 and 274 and 276 of prong assembly 260, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 16 of the drawings. In all other respects this third alternate embodiment 300 are exactly the same as the second alternate embodiment 200 of the multi-stone round setting of the present invention.

OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0057] The operation of the multi-stone round setting 10, 100, 200 and 300 of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 3, 7, 12, 14 and 16 of the patent drawings, starts with the jeweler mounting one of the frame rail members 32 to a jewelry vise (not shown) for the convenient assembly of each of the gemstones or diamonds 22, 24, 26 and 28 within the first and second seating areas 44A and 44B respectively, of the multi-stone round settings 10, 100, 200 and 300 by the jeweler. The jeweler's initial steps are to slidably mount the first and second triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24 within the first and second seating areas 44A and 44B, respectively. The jeweler slidably sets the grooved slots 22d and 24d in gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24, respectively, onto the first retaining insert edge member 46 of the first center crossbar member 40, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 7 of the drawings, for nesting and seating of the first and second triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24 on the first center crossbar member 40 within the first and second seating areas 44A and 44B, respectively. Then the jeweler slightly bends the upper ends 62a and 64a of the curved prong members 62 and 64 inwardly to engage and contact the mid-point location 22m and 24m on the outer curved walls 22c and 24c of gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24, respectively, in which to hold gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24 in place and in secure fashion.

[0058] The jeweler again repeats the aforementioned steps for mounting of the third and fourth triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28 within the third and fourth seating areas 44C and 44D, respectively. The jeweler sidably sets the grooved slots 26d and 28d in gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28, respectively, onto the second retaining insert edge member 48 of the first center crossbar member 40, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 7 of the drawings, for nesting and seating of the third and fourth triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28 on the first center crossbar member 40 within the third and fourth seating areas 44C and 44D, respectively. Then the jeweler also slightly bends the upper ends 66a and 68a of the curved prong members 66 and 68 inwardly to engage and contact the mid-point locations 26m and 28m on the outer curved walls 26c and 28c of gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28, respectively, in which to hold gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28 in place and in a secure fashion.

[0059] In the first alternate embodiment 100 the mounting of the gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 are the same except that the upper ends 62a to 68a of the curved prong members 62 to 68 are oriented differently, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Upper end 62a is positioned and in contact with adjacent corners 28e and 22e of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 28 and 22 in which upper end 62a is slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold gemstones or diamonds 28 and 22 in place and in a secure fashion. Upper end 64a is positioned and in contact with adjacent corners 22f and 24f of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24 in which upper end 64a is slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24 in place and in a secure fashion. Upper end 66a is positioned and in contact with adjacent corners 24e and 26e of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 24 and 26 in which upper end 66a is slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold gemstones or diamonds 24 and 26 in place and in a secure fashion. Upper end 68a is positioned and in contact with adjacent corners 26f and 28f of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28 in which upper end 68a in slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28 in place and in a secure fashion.

[0060] In the second alternate embodiment 200 the mounting of the gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 by the jeweler are exactly the same as the preferred embodiment 10 except that each paired upper end 262a and 264a, 266a and 268a, 270a and 272a, and 274a and 276 of each pair of curved prong members 262 and 264, 266 and 268, 270 and 272, and 274 and 276 are centrally connected and slightly inwardly bent at the mid-point locations 22m, 24m, 26m and 28m on the outer curved walls 22c, 24c, 26c and 28c of gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 13 of the drawings.

[0061] In the third alternate embodiment 300 the mounting of the gemstones or diamonds 22 to 28 by the jeweler is similar in fashion as the first alternate embodiment 100 except that the paired prong members 262 and 276 are oriented differently, as depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16 of the drawings. Upper ends 262a and 264a are each positioned and in contact with an adjacent corner 28e and 22e of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 28 and 22, respectively, in which each upper end 262a and 264a is slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold each gemstone or diamond 28 and 22 in place and in secure fashion, respectively. Upper ends 266a and 268a are each positioned and in contact with an adjacent corner 22f and 24f of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 22 and 24, respectively, in which each upper end 266a and 268a is slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold each gemstone or diamond 22 and 24 in place and in a secure fashion respectively. Upper ends 270a and 272a are each positioned and in contact with an adjacent corner 24e and 26e of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 24 and 26, respectively, in which each upper end 270a and 272a is slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold each gemstone or diamond 24 and 26 in place and in a secure fashion, respectively. Upper ends 274a and 276a are each positioned and in contact with an adjacent corner 26f and 28f of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds 26 and 28, respectively, in which each upper end 274a and 276a is slightly bent inwardly by the jeweler in order to hold each gemstone or diamond 26 and 28 in place and in a secure fashion, respectively.

[0062] The jeweler's final step is to attach the second end 94 of the setting connecting bar member 90 to a jewelry holding member 18 in forming a ring member 12 or other jewelry products, such as a pendant 14, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0063] Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member for holding therein four partially rounded princess-cut gemstones in which the combined aggregate of the four gemstones gives a larger appearance than that of a single gemstone of a similar carat weight (i.e., a 1.2 carat presentation of the combined four gemstones appears as large as a 2.0 carat round gemstone, as the present invention would have a larger table).

[0064] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member having four 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 four gemstones is less expensive than an actual 1.2 carat single round gemstone of the same carat weight).

[0065] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member having four partially round princess-cut gemstones therein which gives the appearance that the setting is substantially invisible at distances greater than 12 inches from the jewelry product.

[0066] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member that can be varied in size depending upon the total combined carat weight of the four gemstones within the setting member.

[0067] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member 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.

[0068] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member that can be attached to a jewelry ring by a positioning pin integrally connected to the member housing.

[0069] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member having four gemstones therein for use in personal adornment in the form of ornamental jewelry such as rings.

[0070] A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-stone setting member having four gemstones therein that can be produced in an economical manner and is readily affordable by the jewelry consumer.

[0071] 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 and four substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds in said setting, comprising: a) a prong assembly having four prong members; b) one or more curved side rail members connected to said four prong members to form a round-shaped setting; c) a first center crossbar member connected at the ends thereof to two opposed curved side rail members of said curved side rail members and a second center crossbar member being perpendicular to said first center crossbar member; said second center crossbar member connected at the ends thereof to the other two opposed curved side rail members for forming four seating areas; said first center crossbar member having first and second insert means; d) each of said four seating areas for receiving one of said four gemstones or diamonds; e) said four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds each having two side walls and a curved outerwall and three corners, respectively; f) each of said four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds having at least one of said side walls with a groove formed therein for engaging said first or second insert means of said first center crossbar member for seating two of said four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds within each of said four seating areas and for supporting said four gemstones or diamonds in said four seating areas; and g) each of said four prong members for engaging said gemstones or diamonds to keep said four gemstones or diamonds seated within said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

2. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first center crossbar member is at a higher plane than said second center crossbar member.

3. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said four prong members are for engaging two adjacent corners of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds to keep said gemstones or diamonds seated within each of said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

4. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said four prong members are for engaging said curved outer wall for each of said gemstones or diamonds to keep said four gemstones or diamonds seated within each of said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

5. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 4, wherein each of said four prong members engage each of said gemstones or diamonds at a mid-point along said curved outer wall for keeping said four gemstones or diamonds seated within each of said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

6. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said two seating areas each have a semi-circular shape for receiving two of said triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds therein.

7. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said ends of said center crossbar member is adjacent to two of said four prong members.

8. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second insert means include first and second retaining insert edge members.

9. A multi-stone oval setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said curved outer wall of said triangular-shaped gemstone or diamond includes an elliptical arc angle alpha (α) in the range of 50° to 80° with a preferred elliptical arc angle alpha (α) of 65°.

10. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said prong assembly includes a lower support frame having one or more curved side frame members connected to said four prong members to form a bottom gallery.

11. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 10, wherein said bottom gallery includes a bottom gallery crossbar member.

12. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 11, wherein said bottom gallery cross member is integrally attached to a connecting bar member for attachment to a jewelry holding member for forming a piece of jewelry.

13. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 12, 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.

14. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said multi-stone round setting is made from gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or other precious metals.

15. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said multi-stone round setting is made into different size settings based upon the weight of the four gemstones or diamonds, said total weight being in the range of 0.36 to 4.0 carats.

16. A multi-stone round setting for receiving four substantially triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds in said setting, comprising: a) a prong assembly having four pairs of prong members; b) one or more curved side rail members connected to said four pairs of prong members to form a round-shaped setting; c) a first center crossbar member connected at the ends thereof to two opposed curved side rail members of said curved side rail members and a second center crossbar member being perpendicular to said first center crossbar member; said second center crossbar member connected at the ends thereof to the other two opposed said curved side rail members for forming four seating areas; said crossbar member having first and second insert means; d) each of said four seating areas for receiving one of said four gemstones or diamonds; e) said four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds each having two side walls and a curved outerwall and three corners, respectively; f) each of said four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds having at least one of said side walls with a groove formed therein for engaging said first or second insert means of said first center crossbar member for seating two of said four triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds within each of said four seating areas and for supporting said four gemstones or diamonds in said four seating areas; and g) each of said four pairs of prong members for engaging said gemstones or diamonds to keep said four gemstones or diamonds seated within said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

17. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein said first center crossbar member is at a higher plane than said second center crossbar member.

18. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein each of said four pairs of prong members are for engaging an adjacent corner of two adjacent gemstones or diamonds to keep said gemstones or diamonds seated within each of said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

19. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein each of said four pairs of prong members are for engaging said curved outer wall for each of said gemstones or diamonds to keep said four gemstones or diamonds seated within each of said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

20. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 19, wherein each of said four pairs of prong members engage each of said gemstones or diamonds at a mid-point along said curved outer wall for keeping said four gemstones or diamonds seated within each of said four seating areas of said multi-stone round setting.

21. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein each of said two seating areas each have a semi-circular shape for receiving two of said triangular-shaped gemstones or diamonds therein.

22. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein said ends of said center crossbar member is adjacent to two of said four prong members.

23. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein said first and second insert means include first and second retaining insert edge members.

24. A multi-stone oval setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein said curved outer wall of said triangular-shaped gemstone or diamond includes an elliptical arc angle alpha (α) in the range of 50° to 80° with a preferred elliptical arc angle alpha (α) of 65°.

25. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein said prong assembly includes a lower support frame having one or more curved side frame members connected to said four prong members to form a bottom gallery.

26. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 25, wherein said bottom gallery includes a bottom gallery crossbar member.

27. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 26, wherein said bottom gallery cross member is integrally attached to a connecting bar member for attachment to a jewelry holding member for forming a piece of jewelry.

28. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 27, 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.

29. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein said multi-stone round setting is made from gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or other precious metals.

30. A multi-stone round setting in accordance with claim 16, wherein said multi-stone round setting is made into different size settings based upon the weight of the four gemstones or diamonds, said total weight being in the range 0.36 to 4.0 carats.