Shape Memory Alloy Mounting Collet With Grooved Gemstone

Abstract

A jewelry article comprising: a gemstone and a shape memory alloy collet. The gemstone comprises a girdle dividing the gemstone into a pavilion and a crown having a table surface; and a continuous groove located in the pavilion and parallel to the girdle, the continuous groove has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface is substantially parallel to the table surface, the first surface and the second surface of the groove form a first angle. The shape memory alloy collet has a mounting rim, the mounting rim has an inner surface and a top surface defining an opening of the shape memory alloy collet, the inner surface and the top surface form a second angle, the second angle corresponds substantially to the first angle, and a profile of the mounting rim corresponds substantially to a profile of the continuous groove.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to jewelry, and more specifically, to shape memory alloy mounting collet.[0002]Gemstones are traditionally set in a collet, also known as a setting or a basket, which is fixedly attached to a piece of jewelry. Various collets are available and may form part of ‘jewelry findings’ as understood by a person skilled in the art. Jewelry findings may include, but not limited to, items like clasps, butterflies, pins, jump rings, and lockets.[0003]There are currently several ways of setting gemstones in jewelry. As shown in FIGS. 1(a)-(e), for round gemstones there are mainly five ways of setting them in jewelry. In four of these cases a collet is used. In FIGS. 1(a) and (b), a gemstone is mounted in a four-prong collet and a six-prong collet, respectively. In FIGS. 1(c) and (d), a gemstone is mounted in a bezel collet and a half-bezel collet, respectively. FIG. 1 (e) illustrates a setting where a collet is absent and the gem is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent relates to a jewelry article that includes a gemstone with a shape memory alloy collet. The design of the collet and the continuous groove in the gemstone are connected at an angle (known as the first angle) that matches the angle formed by the inner surface and top surface of the collet, which makes it easy to attach the collet securely to the gemstone. This design also allows for easy cleaning of the collet interior and ensures a snug fit between the collet and the gemstone. The technical effects of this design include improved stability, durability, and ease of attachment for jewelry articles.

Problems solved by technology

However, during the wear of the jewelry the valuable gemstone may become unscrewed and lost.

This approach has the disadvantage that only a pyramid shaped diamond can be applied and the polished table needs to be inclined by about 7° to the natural table.

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