Jewel

Abstract

To provide a jewel that can improve the degree of design perfection while allowing variation in intensity of fluorescence when the jewel produces fluorescence in accordance with irradiation with ultraviolet light.SOLUTION: A jewel 11 includes: a support body 14; and diamond stones 13 all supported to the support body 14, the diamond stones 13 be collected while being classified into the identical class relating to intensity of fluorescence in response to be irradiated with ultraviolet light and arranged in the order of gradually decreasing the brightness from first brightness of producing the strongest fluorescence toward second brightness of producing the weakest fluorescence.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a jewelry article comprising a support and a plurality of diamond stones supported on the support. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses jewelry comprising multiple diamond stones that fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The diamond stones' fluorescence is uniformly strong or higher. Under natural light, the diamond stones' brilliance is uniformly white and transparent, and when exposed to ultraviolet light, the diamond stones' brilliance is uniformly blue fluorescent. The wearer of the jewelry can enjoy the new beauty of the jewelry when exposed to ultraviolet light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-124052 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is a well-known non-profit organization that certifies diamonds. GIA classifies diamonds into five levels based on the intensity of their fluorescence: None, Faint, Medium, Strong, and Very Strong. However, because diamonds are natural minerals, the same level does not necessarily mean that the fluorescence intensity is the same. Even if multiple diamonds belong to the same level, when lined up, you may notice variations in the intensity of their fluorescence. Eliminating variations is considered difficult, even for laboratory-grown diamonds. It is not easy to find diamonds that fluoresce with the same intensity when exposed to a single ultraviolet light.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry item that can enhance the degree of perfection of its design while allowing for variations in the intensity of fluorescence when fluorescing in response to ultraviolet light irradiation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of jewelry comprising a support and diamond stones supported on said support, all of said diamond stones being arranged in the same order of intensity in terms of the intensity of fluorescence they exhibit in response to ultraviolet light, with the intensity gradually decreasing from a first brightness which fluoresces most strongly to a second brightness which fluoresces least strongly.

[0007] A plurality of diamond stones are placed on the support. All diamond stones supported on the support fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light irradiation. Because the fluorescence intensity is uniformly graded (e.g., "Strong" or "Very Strong"), the fluorescent color can be generally uniform when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Even if there is technically variation in the fluorescence intensity despite the same intensity grade, the fluorescence intensity gradually decreases from the strongest first brightness to the weakest second brightness, so the variation in fluorescence is not noticeable. A uniform fluorescent color can be ensured. This improves the completeness of the design. Even when switching between natural light and ultraviolet light irradiation, the design can be well maintained as conceived by the designer. Since variation in fluorescence intensity is tolerated here, the range of diamond stone selection is wider than when diamond stones are completely uniform. This improves the accuracy and utilization of diamond stone procurement. This increases the number of jewelry pieces produced relative to the procurement effort. This improves jewelry productivity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide jewelry that enhances the perfection of its design while allowing for variations in the intensity of fluorescence when it fluoresces in response to irradiation with ultraviolet light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a top view and a front view, respectively, schematically illustrating the entire jewelry according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A conceptual diagram showing the five levels of fluorescence intensity established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] 5 corresponds to FIG. 4 and shows the jewelry with the cap removed. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing the entire jewelry according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a jewelry piece 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The jewelry piece 11 includes a frame body 14 that holds a plurality of diamond stones 13 aligned in a row along a reference axis 12. The plurality of diamond stones 13 are commonly supported by the frame body 14, which functions as a single support. Each diamond stone 13 is spherical. All diamond stones 13 supported by the frame body 14 fluoresce blue in response to ultraviolet light. All diamond stones 13 are aligned in the same fluorescence intensity class (e.g., "Strong" or "Very Strong"). As shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with the standards of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the intensity of the fluorescence color is classified into five classes: "None," "Faint," "Medium," "Strong," and "Very Strong." In this example, all diamond stones 13 belong to the "Very Strong" class. The diamond stones 13 belonging to the same intensity class are arranged in decreasing intensities from the most strongly fluorescent first brightness [the diamond stone 13 in the top position] to the least strongly fluorescent second brightness [the diamond stone 13 in the bottom position].

[0012] The frame body 14 includes a first frame 14a extending linearly parallel to the reference axis 12 and a second frame 14b extending linearly parallel to the first frame 14a, defining a cylindrical space 15 coaxial with the reference axis 12 between the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b. A restricting body 14c is fixed to the lower ends of the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b. The restricting body 14c defines the lower end of the cylindrical space 15. The restricting body 14c prevents the diamond stone 13 from falling out of the lower end of the cylindrical space 15. The restricting body 14c interconnects the lower ends of the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b. This connection allows the spacing between the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b to be maintained accurately. However, as long as the spacing between the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b is maintained, the restricting body 14c may be attached to either the first frame 14a or the second frame 14b. The restricting body 14c may be continuous with and integrated into the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b.

[0013] A port body 17 is fixed to the upper ends of the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b, defining a through-hole 16 connected to the upper end of the cylindrical space 15, as will be described later. A pair of ring bodies 18, one on the left and one on the right, are connected to the port body 17. A chain 19 for a necklace or bracelet can be connected to the ring bodies 18. In this way, the jewelry 11 can be used as a pendant or charm. There may be only one ring body 18.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3, when defining the cylindrical space 15, the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b have partial cylindrical surfaces 21 that are in contact with the cylindrical space 15. Here, the partial cylindrical surfaces 21 are divided in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical space 15, but are continuous in the axial direction along the entire generatrix of the cylindrical space 15. This continuity allows the movement of the diamond stone 13 to be well guided throughout the entire axial area of ​​the cylindrical space 15.

[0015] The inner diameter of the cylindrical space 15 is set to match the outer diameter dp of the diamond stones 13. However, the inner diameter of the cylindrical space 15 is set larger than the outer diameter dp of the diamond stones 13 by a difference that allows for axial displacement of the diamond stones 13 within the cylindrical space 15. The smaller the difference, the more linearity of the row is ensured, and the better the appearance of the jewelry 11 can be maintained. The cylindrical space 15 is large enough to accommodate the diamond stones 13 lined up in a row in the axial direction of the reference axis 12.

[0016] The first frame 14a and the second frame 14b form a gap SP in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical space 15 that is smaller than the outer diameter dp of the diamond stones 13. Therefore, the diamond stones 13 are prevented from falling out of the gap SP between the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b. As shown in FIG. 1, the gap SP between the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b extends across the entire row, allowing all diamond stones 13 to be clearly visible, from the lowest diamond stone 13 to the highest diamond stone 13. All diamond stones 13 contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the jewelry 11. Here, the entire row of diamond stones 13 is exposed from the gap SP between the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b in the axial direction. It is desirable to set the gap SP to be smaller than the outer diameter dp and within a range of more than 0.5 mm and not more than 1.0 mm. If the difference between the spacing SP and the outer diameter dp is 0.5 mm or less, the outer diameter dp of the diamond stones 13 may be smaller than the spacing SP if the diamond stones 13 are of irregular size. If the difference between the spacing SP and the outer diameter dp exceeds 1.0 mm, the diamond stones 13 may be excessively hidden by the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b, which may impair the aesthetic appearance.

[0017] The first frame 14a and the second frame 14b are formed with enough rigidity to maintain the spacing SP throughout the entire axial direction. To ensure this rigidity, the first frame 14a, the second frame 14b, and the regulating body 14c can be molded from, for example, platinum, gold, silver, titanium, or other metal materials. Alternatively, the first frame 14a, the second frame 14b, and the regulating body 14c may be molded from a hard ceramic material or a hard resin material. A soft resin material is also acceptable as long as the spacing SP is maintained smaller than the outer diameter dp of the diamond stone 13 throughout the entire axial direction. The port body 17 may be molded from the same material as the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b. The port body 17 may be integrated with the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b. The first frame 14a, the second frame 14b, and the regulating body 14c may be formed from a combination of a hard structure that maintains the spacing SP and a soft resin material that provides flexibility.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the through hole 16 of the port body 17 is arranged coaxially with the cylindrical space 15. An internal thread 22 is engraved at the upper end of the through hole 16 coaxially with the cylindrical space 15. The inner diameter DT of the internal thread 22 is, for example, matched to the inner diameter of the cylindrical space 15. It is sufficient that they match. The inner diameter DT of the internal thread 22 is sufficient as long as it is larger than the outer diameter dp of the diamond stone 13. A play space 23 is defined in the through hole 16 between the upper end of the cylindrical space 15 and the internal thread 22. The play space 23 connects the internal thread 22 to the cylindrical space 15. The play space 23 can be partitioned, for example, into a cylindrical shape coaxial with the cylindrical space 15.

[0019] A cap 24 is inserted into the through-hole 16 of the port body 17. The cap 24 has a male thread 24a that meshes with the female thread 22 and a knob 24b that is coupled to the male thread 24a. The knob 24b extends upward from the male thread 24a. The knob 24b is positioned inside the inner diameter DT of the female thread 22. Here, the knob 24b is formed in a cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the male thread 24a.

[0020] The axial length of the male thread 24a can be set shorter than the axial length of the female thread 22. The inner diameter of the play space 23 is set larger than the outer diameter of the male thread 24a. The axial length of the play space 23 is set larger than the axial length of the male thread 24a. Therefore, the male thread 24a can be received in the play space 23 so as to be linearly displaceable in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the male thread 24a is set larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical space 15. Therefore, the male thread 24a can remain in the play space 23 unless it is engaged with the female thread 22. Here, the male thread 24a is received in the upper ends of the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b.

[0021] Next, the operation of the jewelry 11 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when the cap 24 is removed, the through-hole 16 of the port body 17 is opened. The through-hole 16 functions as a guideway to the cylindrical space 15. The diamond stones 13 are inserted one after another from the upper end of the through-hole 16. Because the cylindrical space 15 has a continuous, uniform circular cross-section, the diamond stones 13 can reliably reach the lower end of the cylindrical space 15. The first frame 14a and the second frame 14b can line up the diamond stones 13 in a single row. The first frame 14a and the second frame 14b hold the diamond stones 13 lined up in a single row within the cylindrical space 15.

[0022] The cap 24 is inserted into the through-hole 16. The cap 24 is driven coaxially with the through-hole 16 around the reference axis 12. To drive the cap 24, the user of the jewelry 11 grips the knob 24b. The male thread 24a of the cap 24 begins to engage with the female thread 22 at a specific angular position around the reference axis 12. Once the male thread 24a engages with the female thread 22, the cap 24 moves down as it rotates. In this way, the user of the jewelry 11 can grip the knob 24b to achieve the coupling of the male thread 24a and the female thread 22.

[0023] When the male thread 24a is screwed in and passes through the female thread 22, the male thread 24a disengages from the female thread 22 and is received in the clearance space 23. The engagement between the male thread 24a and the female thread 22 is released. The male thread 24a can close the upper end of the cylindrical space 15. The cap 24 can hold the diamond stone 13 in the cylindrical space 15. At this time, the male thread 24a begins to engage with the female thread 22 at a specific angular position around the reference axis 12, effectively preventing the male thread 24a from engaging with the female thread 22. Therefore, the cap 24 can be prevented from coming off. The scattering of the diamond stone 13 can be reliably prevented.

[0024] On the other hand, if the male thread 24a is intentionally aligned around the reference axis 12 relative to the female thread 22, the male thread 24a can engage with the female thread 22 from the play space 23. Once engaged, the cap 24 can be removed by driving it around the reference axis 12. The cylindrical space 15 is opened. A user of the jewelry 11 can separate the male thread 24a and the female thread 22 by pinching the knob 24. To engage the male thread 24a, the cap 24 is simply pulled up against gravity and driven around the reference axis 12 at the same time. If the jewelry 11 is turned upside down so that the through hole 16 faces downward, the diamond stones 13 can be ejected one after another from the through hole 16 due to the action of gravity.

[0025] Since the diamond stone 13 is simply housed within the cylindrical space 15, it can be easily replaced by simply attaching or detaching the cap 24. The user can easily replace the diamond stone 13 within the cylindrical space 15. For example, a diamond stone 13 that is transparent under natural light can be replaced with a pink diamond stone 13. Alternatively, in the jewelry 11, instead of the diamond stone 13, other spherically cut gemstones, pearls, or spherically cut glass bodies can be inserted into the cylindrical space 15. The user can enjoy designing the jewelry 11 with various types of spherical jewelry bodies. The spherical jewelry body may be formed not only as a so-called perfect sphere, but also as a polyhedron consisting of many flat surfaces.

[0026] In this embodiment, multiple diamond stones 13 are arranged on a frame body 14. All diamond stones 13 supported by the frame body 14 fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light irradiation. Because the fluorescence intensity is uniformly adjusted to the same intensity level (here, "Very Strong"), the fluorescent color can be generally uniform when exposed to ultraviolet light. Even if there is technically variation in the fluorescence intensity despite the same intensity level, the fluorescence intensity gradually decreases from the strongest first brightness to the weakest second brightness, making the variation in fluorescence inconspicuous. A uniform fluorescent color can be well maintained. This improves the completeness of the design. Even when switching between natural light and ultraviolet light irradiation, the design can be well maintained according to the designer's concept. Because variation in fluorescence intensity is tolerated, the range of diamond stones 13 selection is wider than when diamond stones 13 are completely uniform. This improves the accuracy and utilization of diamond stones 13 procurement. This increases the number of jewelry pieces 11 produced relative to the procurement effort. This improves the productivity of jewelry pieces 11.

[0027] A flexible lining may be attached to the partial cylindrical surface 21 of the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b along the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical space 15. The lining may be a soft resin film, a fiber layer, a paper layer, or the like. Since the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b are made of a flexible material and come into contact with the diamond stone 13 or other spherical jewelry object, the surface of the diamond stone 13 or other spherical jewelry object can be protected from abrasion or rubbing against hard objects.

[0028] In the jewelry 11, the bearing surface that receives the lower end of the cap 24 may be inclined from a horizontal plane perpendicular to the reference axis 12. Such an inclination can tilt the central axis of the male thread 24a relative to the central axis of the female thread 22. This can more effectively prevent the male thread 24a and the female thread 22 from interlocking with each other.

[0029] In this embodiment, the knob 24b of the cap 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the male thread 24a. Therefore, even if the cap 24 rotates around the reference axis 12, the appearance of the cap 24 can be maintained uniformly. Even if the movement of the cap 24 within the through-hole 16 is not restricted, the appearance of the jewelry 11 can be maintained good.

[0030] The female thread 22 does not need to be continuous around the entire circumference. The female thread 22 may be engraved on the first frame 14a and the second frame 14b. In this case, the port body 17 can be omitted. The first frame 14a, the second frame 14b, and the regulating body 14c can be cut (machined) from a single plate material.

[0031] FIG. 6A schematically illustrates jewelry 31 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Jewelry 31 is configured as a ring. Jewelry 31 includes a channel body 34 that supports a number of diamond stones 33 arranged in a row around a reference axis 32. The diamond stones 33 are commonly supported by channel body 34. To support the diamond stones 33, channel body 34 achieves a so-called channel setting. Channel body 34 functions as a single support. Each diamond stone 33 is shaped like an inverted cone. All diamond stones 33 supported by channel body 34 fluoresce blue when irradiated with ultraviolet light. All diamond stones 33 are aligned in the same fluorescence intensity class (e.g., [Strong] or [Very strong]). In this example, all diamond stones 33 belong to the [Very strong] class. Diamond stones 33 belonging to the same intensity class are arranged in decreasing intensities from the most strongly fluorescent first brightness [diamond stone 33 in the top position in Figure 6A] to the least strongly fluorescent second brightness [diamond stone 33 in the bottom position in Figure 6A].

[0032] The channel body 34 has a first rail 34a extending along the annular body around the reference axis 32, and a second rail 34b extending along the annular body in parallel to the first rail 34a and defining a linear channel space 35 around the reference axis 32 between the first rail 34a and the second rail 34b. Fingers can be inserted and removed from the annular body in the axial direction of the reference axis 32. Both ends of the channel space 35 are closed. The first rail 34a and the second rail 34b prevent the diamond stone 33 from falling out from both ends of the channel space 35.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6B, in jewelry 31, diamond stones 33 belonging to the same intensity class may be arranged in a manner that gradually decreases in intensity in a first direction from a first brightness (diamond stone 33 in the middle position in Figure 6B) that fluoresces most strongly to a second brightness (diamond stone 33 in the top position in Figure 6B) that fluoresces least strongly, and may also be arranged in a manner that gradually decreases in intensity in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the first brightness to the second brightness (diamond stone 33 in the bottom position in Figure 6B). In this case, the diamond stone 33 in the top position may be arranged to fluoresce least weakly in the manner that gradually decreases in the first direction, and the diamond stone 33 in the bottom position may be arranged to fluoresce least weakly in the manner that gradually decreases in the second direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 11...Jewelry, 13...Diamond stone, 14...Support body (frame body).

Claims

[Claim 1] A support; All diamond stones supported on the support are arranged in the same order of intensity in terms of the intensity of fluorescence in response to ultraviolet irradiation, with the diamond stones being arranged in an order of intensity gradually decreasing from a first brightness that fluoresces most strongly to a second brightness that fluoresces least weakly; An article of jewelry characterized by comprising:

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