Multiplet jewelry product and method of manufacture

Abstract

A multiplet jewelry product constructed of two or more layers of gemstone material affixed together with a transparent film disposed therebetween to form a composite unit. A translucent image is imprinted on the transparency film whereby refracted and reflected light is directed through the image imbedded within the gemstone product.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a jewelry product, and more particularly to a gemstone product having internally imbedded visual indicia which appears to be suspended or trapped within and a natural part of the gemstone. [0002] Most natural gemstones are minerals that have been crystallized as a result of high temperatures and pressure exerted by nature on elements that form the earth's crust. Of more than 3000 minerals found on earth, only a small percentage qualify as gemstones due to their beauty, durability, color, and rarity. In recent years processes have been developed to produce synthetic gems of high quality almost indistinguishable from natural gems. Synthetic gemstones include alexandrite, coral, diamond, emerald, garnet, lapis lazuli, quartz, ruby, sapphire, spinel, and turquoise. Laboratory grown simulants have an appearance similar to that of a natural gemstone but have different optical, physical, and chemical properties. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0030] The present invention incorporates a method of creating a gemstone containing a translucent image that appears to be an integral part of and suspended or trapped within the stone. This is accomplished by providing first and second layers of gemstone material having interfacial surfaces, providing a visual indicia in the form of transparency film with a translucent image imprinted thereon, and then securing the interfacial surfaces together, as by a suitable glue, with the imprinted film disposed between the interfacial surfaces in order to form a composite unit. Refracted and reflected light within the gemstone is directed through the translucent image giving it a fascinating quality of appearance and illumination through the gemstone. Normally these first and second layers of gemstone material are selected respectively as a gem crown and a gem pavilion. The gem pavilion is preferably provided with surface facets which are appropriately angled for directing refracted and reflected light through the translucent image for illumination.

[0031] More than one translucent image may be imbedded within the gemstone, thereby providing a three dimensional effect to the entrapped image. To accomplish this a second set of interfacial surfaces are provided in either the crown portion or the pavilion portion of the same gemstone and this second set of interfacial surfaces are also secured together with a second transparent film having a translucent image imprinted thereon disposed between the second set of interfacial surfaces.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, incident lighting is very ineffective for viewing a transparency.

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