Jewelry connector

Abstract

A jewelry connector is provided that includes a first body member and a second body member adapted to be affixed to the first body member. The first and second body members cooperatively define a closed chamber. The closed chamber is sized to contain and restrain a finding attached to one or more jewelry wires. At least one of the first and second body members has an aperture through which one or more jewelry wires carrying said finding is extendable into the chamber. A decorative shroud is provided for said jewelry connector.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 834,716 filed Apr. 28, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention pertains to jewelry, in general, and to jewelry connectors and jewelry utilizing such connectors, in particular. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Jewelry has always been considered an important element of a well-dressed individual, reflecting the personalities and taste of the wearer. Beaded jewelry started in ancient times as a craft using a series of artistic stones or metal pieces placed end-to-end on a string in various formations. Today, we have factories that arrange beads on various stringing materials to form bracelets, necklaces, watch bands, ankle bracelets, belts, handbag straps, waist jewelry or the like. [0004] Stringing materials used today are predominately string, wire or chord. The type of material, size, weight and quality of the jewelry article usually determines the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector, which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides a significant contribution to the jewelry industry.

[0017] It is an object of this invention to provide a jewelry connector suitable for higher-end jewelry.

[0019] Another object is to provide a jewelry connector device that minimizes the need for a high level of manual dexterity in assembly.

[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry connector that may incorporate a variety of styles, shapes, designs, decorative features. The shape of the connector may be of any jewelry type shape including cubical, spherical, cylindrical and other geometric shapes

[0021] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a jewelry connector that can be sized to allow for different amounts of holding power.

[0022] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device that is easily manufactured and simple to use.

Problems solved by technology

This remedy is not feasible for designs that use a wire for beadwork.

Tying a knot in the bead wire weakens the wire.

Additional problems with using bead wire are that a metal finding, such as a crimp, is exposed and raw beading wire is exposed.

Metal findings are typically not very strong and often times will break causing the loss of the jewelry.

Metal findings become a piece of hardware as opposed to an element of design and are typically not found in high-priced jewelry since this would be considered not appealing by those that appreciate the art since aesthetics are important factors in the value of the jewelry.

One of the primary problems in trying to attach a bead wire to either a clasp, chain or cable is how to attach the wire without detracting from the overall appearance of the jewelry article.

While many of the prior connector elements may be suitable for low-end jewelry, they are not desirable solutions for high-end jewelry.

None of the prior art addresses how to attach a bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or the like and overcome the exposed metal findings and / or the exposed wire that detracts from the appearance of the article of jewelry.

This patent eliminates the unsightly crimp, but does not eliminate the exposed raw bead wire that detracts from the appearance of the article of jewelry.

None of the prior art addresses how to attach a bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or the like without detracting from the appearance of the article of jewelry.

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