Group inlaying structure for jewelry

Abstract

The invention relates to a group embedding structure for jewelry, which comprises an embedding structure, and the embedding structure is provided with a central gemstone with a first cutter and a plurality of side gemstones which are arranged around the central gemstone, are basically the same in shape and are provided with second cutters different from the central gemstone. The inlaying structure comprises a first claw inlaying structure used for fixing the center gemstone and a second claw inlaying structure used for fixing the side gemstones. Each of the side gemstones is a circular bright or elliptical bright cut gemstone having a substantially flat cross-sectional portion with a rounded or sharp edge. The side gemstones are arranged with their flat cross-sectional portions around the pavilion of the central gemstone and are oriented in a coordinated manner relative to each other to form a gap in which the claw inserts of the central gemstone are inserted and secured. The central gemstone is fixed in the inlay structure, at least part of the edge of the central gemstone is overlapped on the side gemstones, and at least part of the claw inlay used for fixing the side gemstones is shielded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting structure for supporting and fixing gemstones, such as a jewelry setting structure for diamonds or other cut precious or decorative gemstones, and more particularly, to a jewelry prong setting structure belonging to the cluster setting type. Background Art

[0002] In jewelry setting structures of the above type, gemstones are closely set together to form a cluster-like arrangement. A typical cluster setting includes a round brilliant cut center gemstone surrounded by multiple smaller gemstones of the same round brilliant cut. The purpose of arranging the side gemstones around the center gemstone is not only to set off the brilliance of the center gemstone but also to create the visual effect of a single large gemstone as a whole. By skillfully arranging and designing with lower-value gemstones, the overall appearance of the center gemstone can be enhanced to achieve the visual effect similar to that of a single high-value gemstone.

[0003] Cluster settings can be roughly divided into two types: press settings and prong settings. In traditional press cluster settings, the side gemstones surrounding the center gemstone are fixed by metal protrusions provided at the edge of the setting structure, and at the same time, the pavilion parts of these side gemstones are pressed against the crown of the center gemstone, and the center gemstone is fixed by the pressure exerted by each side gemstone together. Patent US7762104B2 is an example.

[0004] In prong-set cluster settings, the center gemstone and the side gemstones are fixed by metal prongs provided around them. Usually, each prong end is provided with a groove or notch to engage with the girdle of the gemstone, so that the prong tip can hold or press the gemstone. Patent US9351546A describes an example of such a prong-set cluster setting structure.

[0005] Another example such as Patent US1252966A is also an illustration of the same type of design.

[0006] The main advantage of the press cluster setting structure is that the center gemstone can be fixed without the help of metal prongs, and the overall gloss can be improved and the gemstone spacing can be shortened by covering the edge of the center gemstone with the edge parts of the side gemstones. However, since the facets of the side gemstones themselves are rigid structures and it is difficult to fully conform to the center gemstone, the fixing force is sometimes unstable. Especially when the center gemstone is not round cut, when subjected to collision, the center gemstone or the side gemstones may fall off. Therefore, there are certain challenges in the quality stability of such structures.

[0007] In contrast, the prong setting design can solve the above problems, but the prongs surrounding the center gemstone and the side gemstones will be significantly exposed, and the presence of the metal material hinders the light penetration between adjacent gemstones, resulting in a decrease in the overall gloss and making the setting structure show an undesirable metallic feeling and turbidity.

[0008] In addition, in the existing claw-set cluster structure, the coverage rate of the center gemstone on the outer side gemstones, that is, the center gemstone covers the crown and table area of ​​each side gemstone, which is usually no more than 5%. Therefore, in the traditional claw-set design, the metal claw between the center and side gemstones is very eye-catching to the observer, making it difficult for the overall setting effect to create a visual illusion like a single large gemstone.

[0009] In theory, although the overlap ratio can be increased to improve the overall effect, this will inevitably cause a large height difference between the center gem and the side gem table, which not only affects the optical performance, but also affects the aesthetics. If you try to eliminate the height difference, the distance between the gems will inevitably increase, and the visibility of the metal claw setting will become more obvious, which will destroy the visual unity and design integrity. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a claw-set cluster setting structure, which can minimize the visible metal claws between gemstones to avoid destroying the beauty of the cluster setting structure, improve light penetration, and still ensure the stable setting of gemstones.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a prong-type cluster setting structure, wherein the portion of the prongs used to fix the side gemstones is at least invisible or almost invisible to the observer because the prongs are hidden under the pavilion of the center gemstone, and the center gemstone extends outward and at least partially covers the side gemstones.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a claw-set cluster setting structure in which the table height difference between the center gemstone and the side gemstones is minimized, thereby improving the visual effect of the overall cluster setting and making its appearance closer to a single large gemstone.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a claw-set cluster setting structure, which can present a visual effect comparable to or even better than that of a pressure-set cluster setting structure, while having a higher gemstone stability.

[0014] To achieve the above object, the present invention discloses a cluster setting structure for jewelry, comprising a setting structure provided with a center gemstone having a first cut and multiple side gemstones arranged around the center gemstone and having a second cut different from that of the center gemstone and substantially the same shape. The setting structure includes a first prong setting structure for fixing the center gemstone and a second prong setting structure for fixing the side gemstones. Wherein, each of the side gemstones is a round brilliant cut gemstone or an oval brilliant cut gemstone having a substantially flat cross-section, and the flat cross-section has a rounded or sharp corner edge. The side gemstones are arranged side by side such that the portion having a flat cut surface surrounds the pavilion of the center gemstone and are selectively and cooperatively oriented around a central axis perpendicular to the plane of their table surface to form a gap for inserting and fixing the prong setting of the center gemstone. The center gemstone is fixed in the setting structure, and at least part of its edge overlaps the side gemstones and shields at least part of the prong setting for fixing the side gemstones.

[0015] Preferably, by using side gemstones having a substantially flat cross-section, not only can a gap be formed between the side gemstones and the center gemstone for arranging the prong setting for fixing the center gemstone, but also at least part of the prong setting for fixing the side gemstones can be arranged in a position that is invisible or almost invisible to the observer, because it is hidden under the pavilion of the center gemstone.

[0016] Preferably, by using side gemstones having a flat cross-section, even if the center gemstone only slightly overlaps the side gemstones, the observer will have the visual impression that the center gemstone covers most of the side gemstones. Although these side gemstones have a traditional round brilliant appearance, the height difference between their table surfaces and the center gemstone is extremely small. Thus, the side gemstones are arranged more closely, have a stronger covering effect, and have similar overall heights, making the cluster setting composed of multiple gemstones significantly enhance the overall effect like a single gemstone visually.

[0017] Preferably, when the center gemstone adopts a round brilliant cut, by using the design of side gemstones with cross-sections in the present invention, within a setting structure of the same diameter, a larger-sized center gemstone can be set, and its diameter can reach at least 53% to 60% of the overall diameter of the cluster setting, thereby reproducing the traditional cut ratio of a single large gemstone. This greatly improves the luster and overall visual effect of the cluster setting, making it more similar to a single large gemstone. If round brilliant cut side gemstones are selected as in the traditional design, it is difficult to achieve the above visual and optical effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1Top view of the cluster setting structure for jewelry according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Side view of the cluster setting structure shown;

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Stereoscopic view of the cluster setting structure shown;

[0022] Figure 4 In the state of not assembling the gemstones Figure 1 Stereoscopic view of the cluster setting structure shown;

[0023] Figure 5 A to 5D are schematic diagrams of two types of side gemstones applicable to the cluster setting structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 A to 6C are comparison diagrams of the cluster setting structure of the present invention and the traditional cluster setting structure in the prior art;

[0025] Figure 7 Top view of the cluster setting structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 is Figure 7 Side view of the cluster setting structure shown;

[0027] Figure 9 is Figure 7 Stereoscopic view of the cluster setting structure shown;

[0028] Figure 10 A to 10H are schematic diagrams of other embodiments of the present invention that can apply different center gemstone cutting forms;

[0029] Figures 11 to 15 Respectively, side view, lower stereoscopic view, bottom view, upper stereoscopic view and top view of the cluster setting structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figures 16 to 19 Respectively, side view, lower stereoscopic view, bottom view and top view of the cluster setting structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the first embodiment of the cluster setting structure of the present invention includes a setting structure 10. A center gemstone 11 with a first cut is set on the setting structure 10, and a plurality of side gemstones 12 with substantially the same shape and arranged around the center gemstone 11. These side gemstones 12 have a second cut different from that of the center gemstone 11.

[0032] In Figures 1 to 4In the illustrated embodiment, the central gemstone 11 is in a round brilliant cut, but the present invention is not limited to this cut form. In other embodiments of the present invention (to be described in detail below), the central gemstone 11 may also adopt other cut styles that are not round brilliant cuts. Regardless of the specific cut of the central gemstone 11, the cuts of the side gemstones 12 arranged around it must be different, and as described later, their cut designs have specific characteristics that help solve the technical problems existing in the traditional prong-set pavé setting structure. The number of side gemstones 12 may vary according to their size, cut, and the size of the central gemstone 11, Figures 1 to 4 which is only an example and should not be regarded as a limitation on the number and arrangement of the side gemstones 12.

[0033] The setting structure 10 includes a central groove 13 for forming the setting seat of the central gemstone 11, and is provided with a plurality of peripheral grooves 14 arranged around the central groove 13. Each peripheral groove 14 is used for forming the setting seat of the corresponding side gemstone 12. The central gemstone 11 is fixed by a plurality of prong settings 15, and these prong settings 15 are evenly arranged around the central groove 13. The side gemstones 12 are set in the corresponding peripheral grooves 14 and are fixed by two groups of prong settings: one group is the first group of prong settings 16 evenly arranged along the edge of the setting structure 10, and the other group is the second group of prong settings 17 arranged around the central groove 13 and staggered with the prong settings 15 for fixing the central gemstone 11. Conveniently, the height of the prong settings 17 is less than that of the prong settings 15, so that they can be shielded by the pavilion of the central gemstone 11. When the central gemstone 11 is set in the central groove 13, the prong settings 17 are basically invisible in appearance. Although the prong settings 15 and the prong settings 16 are still visible after the gemstones are set, their bodies are usually triangular prisms, and the overall appearance is similar to that of faceted gemstones. In addition, preferably, the top surfaces and side surfaces of the prong settings 15 and the prong settings 16 are processed so that their surfaces present patterns similar to the facets of gemstones.

[0034] According to the present invention, the side gemstone 12 is provided with a truncated portion having a substantially flat shape, so that its outer contour presents a gemstone appearance approximately in a semi-circular or semi-elliptical shape. Such a cutting method is known in the art and is usually called a half-moon or semi-elliptical cut gemstone. However, this appellation should not be regarded as a limitation on the technical solution of the present invention. In fact, under this category, various different cut forms of the side gemstone 12 can be covered, and their common feature is that they are provided with a substantially flat truncated portion 18, as Figure 5 A to Figure 5 D show, which illustrate two embodiments of the side gemstone 12 adopted by the present invention. These side gemstones 12 have a substantially straight edge 19 on one side and a curved edge 20 on the other side. In Figure 5 A and Figure 5 B, the straight edge 19 and the curved edge 20 are connected at an acute angle; while in Figure 5 C and Figure 5In the variant shown in D, there is a rounded transition. Although gemstones with flat cross-sections are known in the prior art, applying them to a prong-set cluster setting structure to achieve the technical effects described in the present invention is novel and unexpected in the prior designs, as described below.

[0035] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the side gemstones 12 with a half-moon or semi-elliptical cut are arranged in the setting structure 10 to surround the pavilion of the central gemstone 11. With such a cut for the side gemstones 12, a relatively large gap can be formed between the side gemstones, facilitating the setting of strong prong settings 15 for fixing the central gemstone 11. As Figure 6 shown in the region 21 marked by the ellipse in A, these gaps can be formed by selectively and coordinately arranging the adjacent side gemstones 12 around the central axis perpendicular to their table surfaces.

[0036] It should be noted that the formation of the aforementioned gaps 21 is precisely based on the side gemstones 12 having a substantially flat cross-section 18, that is, a half-moon or semi-elliptical cut. In contrast, if the side gemstones 12 are Figure 6 of the round brilliant cut shown in B, due to the symmetry of this cut, at the same position (marked by the ellipse) as shown in Figure 6 A, an appropriate gap cannot be formed to set the prong setting 15 for inlaying the central gemstone 11 of the same size as in Figure 6 A. In fact, in order to form a gap 21 sufficient to accommodate the prong setting for fixing the central gemstone 11, the size of the central gemstone 11 will have to be reduced, as Figure 6 shown in C, or the size of the side gemstones 12 will have to be reduced.

[0037] However, it can be clearly understood that such a design will have an adverse impact on the overall appearance and luster of the cluster gemstones mounted on the setting structure 10. First, when the size of the central gemstone 11 or the side gemstones 12 is reduced, the overlapping area of the central gemstone 11 with the side gemstones 12 will be significantly reduced, thus weakening the overall visual effect required to simulate a single large gemstone, as can be seen in Figure 6 C. Second, the amount of metal used to form the prong settings 15 will also increase significantly, because these prong settings 15 not only need to fix the central gemstone 11 but also need to cooperate with the prong settings 16 to fix the side gemstones 12. Therefore, the number and thickness of the prong settings 15 need to be increased, making them more obvious in the entire setting structure, and thus creating a sense of obtrusiveness to the observer. Finally but equally importantly, if the size of the central gemstone 11 has to be reduced in order to make enough space for the prong settings 15, the design goal of making the diameter of the central gemstone account for about 53% to 60% of the overall cluster diameter cannot be achieved, and thus the visual proportion and perception of a single large gemstone cannot be effectively reproduced.

[0038] In contrast, according to the technical solution of the present invention, by using the side gemstone 12 with a half-moon or semi-elliptical cut in the inlay structure, the process of forming the clearance required for the prong setting 15 for fixing the central gemstone 11 can be greatly simplified. In addition, a larger-sized central gemstone 11 can also be inlaid to enhance the luster effect of the overall cluster setting and make its appearance closer to that of a single large gemstone.

[0039] Those skilled in the art can understand that one of the advantages of using the side gemstone 12 with a half-moon or semi-elliptical cut compared to the traditional round brilliant cut side gemstone is that a larger-sized central gemstone can be inlaid in the inlay structure, and its diameter can reach 50% to 60% of the diameter of the entire cluster setting structure, so as to simulate the optimal cut ratio of a single large gemstone. This is particularly practical because the larger-sized central gemstone 11 can endow the cluster setting structure with a deeper luster effect. On the contrary, in the traditional prong-set cluster setting structure, if the side gemstone 12 uses the round brilliant cut, the central gemstone 11 that can be inlaid usually does not exceed 40% of the overall cluster setting diameter. Of course, a larger-sized central gemstone 11 can also be inlaid in the traditional structure, even if the side gemstone 12 is of round brilliant cut, but this will lead to an increase in the gemstone spacing and an expansion of the table height difference between the central gemstone and the side gemstone, thus affecting the aesthetic feeling of the overall inlay appearance and weakening the overall visual effect of simulating a single gemstone.

[0040] The side gemstone 12 with a half-moon or semi-elliptical cut also enables the central gemstone 11 to more easily at least partially overlap the side gemstone 12, thereby covering the prong setting 17 for fixing the side gemstone 12, while also controlling the table height difference between the central gemstone 11 and the side gemstone 12 within a very small range, so as not to damage the overall aesthetic feeling of the cluster setting structure or weaken its visual effect as a single gemstone. Compared with the traditional inlay structure using the round brilliant cut side gemstone 12, the present invention provides a technically simpler and more aesthetically pleasing solution, which can make the central gemstone 11 at least partially overlap the side gemstone 12 and effectively cover the metal part of the prong setting 17, thereby avoiding the metal being exposed to the external view and enhancing the overall visual impression of the inlay structure.

[0041] See Figures 7 to 9 , which shows a second embodiment of the cluster setting structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, a round brilliant cut central gemstone 11 is inlaid on the inlay structure 10, and six side gemstones 12 of the same shape are arranged around the central gemstone 11, and these side gemstones 12 use the half-moon or semi-elliptical cut as described above. In this embodiment, the side gemstones 12 are larger in size, so their luster is also higher than Figures 1 to 4The side gemstones used in the inlay structure shown; relatively speaking, in order to maintain the consistent diameter of the inlay structure 10, the size of the center gemstone 11 is relatively small. In this case, the cost and luster of the center gemstone 11 are usually relatively low. However, since the size difference between the center gemstone 11 and the side gemstones 12 is small, the brightness of each gemstone in the cluster inlay structure can be made more uniform, further enhancing the overall visual effect of simulating a single large gemstone. In addition, in Figures 7 to 9 the illustrated embodiment, the prong setting 17 for fixing the side gemstone 12 is hidden under the pavilion of the center gemstone 11, and only the prong settings 15 and 16 are visible to the naked eye.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to Figure 1 or Figure 7 the cluster inlay structure with a round brilliant cut center gemstone 11 shown. In fact, as Figure 10 A to Figure 10 H show, the center gemstone 11 can also adopt various known cut forms such as oval, heart-shaped, pear-shaped, etc. According to the design of the present invention, the inlay structure can be applied to rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets or other various jewelry ornaments.

[0043] The present invention is also applicable to inlay structures with an open pore pattern, such as Figures 11 to 19 shown and denoted as 110. Different from Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 7 to 9 where the inlay structure 10 shown is a solid conical metal body design, Figures 11 to 19 the inlay structure 110 shown is a hollow conical metal body, its pavilion 122 is provided with a plurality of through-hole patterns, and is provided with a gemstone supporting base 123 for supporting the gemstones 111 and 112 and corresponding inlay slots 124. As Figures 11 to 19 shown, the pavilion of this inlay structure 110 is faceted to simulate the appearance of the gemstone pavilion. The inlay structure 110 can be configured to inlay a cluster inlay structure composed of multiple gemstones, such as Figures 11 to 15 the seven-gemstone cluster inlay shown, or Figures 16 to 19 the nine-gemstone cluster inlay shown. In Figure 15 and Figure 19In the setting structure 110, the central gemstone 111 is not installed to more clearly show the arrangement of the prong settings. Preferably, for the setting structure with seven gemstones, the central gemstone 111 is fixed by three prong settings 115 which are evenly arranged around the notch 124 that supports the central gemstone 111; the side gemstones 112 are jointly fixed by six prong settings 116 arranged at the edge of the setting structure 110 and three prong settings 117. The three prong settings 117 are arranged in an alternating pattern with the prong settings 115 and their height is less than that of the prong settings 115, so that they can be shielded by the pavilion part of the central gemstone 111 when the central gemstone 111 is set on the setting structure 110. For the setting structure with nine gemstones, the central gemstone 111 is fixed by four prong settings 115 evenly arranged around the notch 124; the side gemstones 112 are fixed by eight prong settings 116 arranged at the edge of the setting structure 110 and four prong settings 117 arranged around the notch 124. Here, the prong settings 117 are also arranged in an alternating pattern with the prong settings 115 and their height is lower than that of the prong settings 115. Therefore, when the central gemstone 111 is installed on the setting structure 110, the prong settings 117 can be effectively shielded by its pavilion part.

[0044] The setting structure 110 can be manufactured by existing computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. The advantage of using CNC machine tools is that all the facets of the setting structure 110 can have a high-gloss surface finish. In fact, compared with the traditional lost-wax casting process, which requires additional operations such as facet polishing and cleaning of the structure openings, using CNC machine tools can directly achieve a high-gloss polishing treatment on each facet of the pavilion part, further enhancing the gloss of the metal structure itself, thus strengthening the visual impression of a single large gemstone in the overall setting effect. In addition, the openings provided on the pavilion part of the setting structure can also allow light to penetrate under the gemstones 111 and 112, thus significantly enhancing the overall gloss performance of the cluster setting structure.

[0045] It can be clearly seen from the above description that the present invention has achieved its intended purpose. In particular, by arranging side gemstones with flat cross-sectional parts around the central gemstone in the cluster setting structure, not only can a central gemstone with a diameter accounting for 50% to 60% of the overall cluster setting diameter be set, but also the observer can have the visual impression that the central gemstone covers 40% of the area of the side gemstones. In addition, this design can also form a large enough gap in a technically simpler and more effective way to install strong prong settings for firmly fixing the central gemstone.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with several preferred embodiments, it is obvious that these embodiments are only for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a limitation to the present invention. Those skilled in the art can still make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the technical scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cluster setting structure for jewelry, characterized in that, Comprising: An inlay structure (10) having a central gemstone (11) with a first cut and a plurality of side gemstones (12) arranged around the central gemstone (11), having a second cut different from that of the central gemstone (11) and substantially the same shape; the inlay structure (10) includes a first claw setting structure (15) for fixing the central gemstone (11), and a second claw setting structure (16, 17) for fixing the side gemstones (12), wherein each of the side gemstones (12) is a round brilliant cut gemstone or an oval brilliant cut gemstone with a substantially flat cross-sectional portion (18), and the flat cross-sectional portion (18) has a rounded or pointed edge; the side gemstones (12) are arranged side by side such that the portions with flat cut surfaces surround the pavilion of the central gemstone (11) and are selectively and cooperatively oriented around a central axis perpendicular to the plane of their table to form a gap (21) for inserting and fixing the claw setting of the central gemstone (11); the central gemstone (11) is fixed in the inlay structure (10), and at least a part of its edge overlaps the side gemstones (12) and shields at least a part of the claw setting for fixing the side gemstones (12).

2. The pavé setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side gemstones (12) are gemstones cut in a half-moon or half-oval shape, having an edge (19) that is substantially straight on one side and an arc-shaped edge (20) on the other side, and the edges (19, 20) are connected to each other by an acute-angled edge or a rounded edge.

3. The pavé setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, wherein, The side gemstones (12) are substantially of the same size.

4. The pavé setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, wherein, The central gemstone (11) is a round brilliant cut gemstone, a heart cut gemstone, an oval cut gemstone or a pear cut gemstone.

5. The pavé setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second claw setting structure (16, 17) for fixing the side gemstones (12) includes a first set of claw parts (16) located on the edge of the inlay structure (10), and a second set of claw parts (17) located below the pavilion of the central gemstone (11), such that they are generally not visible to the observer.

6. The multi-stone setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The claw parts of the first claw setting structure (15), and the claw parts of the second claw setting structure (16, 17) that are not shielded by the pavilion of the central gemstone (11), have a generally triangular prism-shaped body, and the top surface and side surfaces of the prism-shaped body are processed to present an appearance with a faceted pattern.

7. The pavé setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, wherein The inlay structure (10) includes a central gemstone (11), the maximum width of which is about 50% to 60% of the maximum width of the overall group of gemstones inlaid in the inlay structure (10).

8. The pavé setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, wherein The inlay structure (10) is made of gold, silver, platinum, palladium or their alloys.

9. The multi-stone setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, wherein The central gemstone (11) and the side gemstones (12) are natural or synthetic gemstones.

10. The cluster setting structure for jewelry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlay structure (10) is mounted on a ring, pendant, earring, necklace, bracelet or any other type of jewelry.

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