Jewelry converter device

Abstract

A jewelry converter device is provided that allows for a jewelry item, such as a brooch or pin, to be converted into a pendant on a necklace, as worn. The device has a body including a loop portion disposed between two end portions. The loop portion receives of a portion of the necklace therethrough and includes a first side and a second side with a space between. Each end portion has a hole through a portion thereof which receives a portion of a pin stem. The holes may be offset from a common axis to have an angle of intersection of axes that is not zero, e.g., between 0 to 20 degrees from the common axis. The common axis may be a generally horizontal or generally vertical. The loop portion may be provided in a center of the device. The device may be formed from a single piece of material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 63 / 560,869, filed Mar. 4, 2024, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a jewelry converter and, more particularly, a converter that can easily convert a pin or a brooch into a pendant.Description of Related Art

[0003] Jewelry comes in many designs and configurations, ranging from brooches, earrings, necklaces, rings, and many more decorative and ornamental pieces. Often, a piece of jewelry may have designs that are well-suited to be worn not just in the manner prescribed by the piece, but in multiple other manners as well.

[0004] For example, people who possess ornamental brooches sometimes wish to wear those ornaments as pendants. Some brooches come with a pendant bale as a part of the original piece, where the bales are either fixed or with hinges that fold down when not in use. However, other brooches do not have such a pendant bale. To affix a permanent bale requires the skills of a jeweler, the expense of commissioning the modification to the jewelry, and a possible degradation in the value of the piece if it is antique or otherwise exceptional.

[0005] Furthermore, some brooches are made of materials that may either be a challenge to alter or may not be amenable to alteration at all if the integrity of the piece is to be maintained. Certain enameling, or materials such as aged tortoise shell, or metals with stones such as turquoise, may require extra skill and expense to affix a bale, if it is even possible without degradation or damage to the piece. For example, turquoise can change color when subjected to heat. Certain pieces may need to have the stones unset, the brooch modified, and the stones reset and that may or may not be possible. Still other pieces may not even be amenable to alteration without damage. Therefore, it is necessary to create a device that will allow for a simple conversion from a pin to a pendant.

[0006] There have been various efforts over time to create a device that will allow for such a pin-to-pendant conversion. These designs have shortcomings in both function and esthetics. Current devices consist of a solid tube to which a bale is affixed either in a horizontal attitude (for a brooch which has a pin stem oriented in a horizontal position relative to the decorative design on the front) or a parallel attitude (for a brooch which has a pin stem oriented in a vertical position relative to the decorative design on the front). When the device is used on a horizontal pin stem, the tube that goes over the pin allowing for its conversion is not held in place securely in order to prevent the brooch from shifting along the axis. If the pin stem of the brooch is longer than the tube of the converter device the pin shifts from side to side, which is both uncomfortable for the wearer and does not produce the desired cosmetic effect.

[0007] A significant setback in the existing converters like those described above is that the tube through which the pin stem threads does not secure the pin from moving. Thus, if a wide pin, such as a dragonfly, is used with the current devices, the pin will shift from side to side as the user wears it, negatively affecting both aesthetics and comfort.

[0008] Another setback in existing converters is that the bales are large. They stick up too high from the tube to which they are attached such that they are too visible over the decorative brooch. Worse, these items are made from base metal with no design aesthetic so that using such an object, particularly with an expensive, vintage, or elegant item, destroys the esthetic.

[0009] Yet another setback is that the design of the bale does not allow for a larger diameter necklace, e.g., a necklace with a large clasp such as a toggle, or a set of beads to be threaded through, thus limiting the utility of the device. While there are some such devices that have a hinge or clip, that only increases the possibility of mechanical failure, and requires that the device be even larger, reducing the probability that the desired esthetic will be obtained and making it slide about on the chain on which it is threaded more easily, again, making it uncomfortable for the wearer and failing to produce the desired cosmetic effect.

[0010] Therefore, there exists a need for a jewelry converter that can convert pins to pendants, while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.SUMMARY

[0011] Briefly, and in general terms, the disclosure provides a converter for converting pieces of jewelry from one form of jewelry into another. Particularly, the disclosure allows for the conversion of jewelry items that have pins or pin stems, such as brooches, into pendants.

[0012] It is an aspect of this disclosure to provide a device for converting a jewelry item, which includes a pin stem, into a pendant for placement on a necklace. The device includes: a body including a loop portion disposed between two end portions. The loop portion has a first side and a second side, and is configured for receipt of a portion of the necklace therethrough and the first side and the second side having a space therebetween. Each end portion has a hole extending through at least a portion of a length thereof. The holes of / in the end portions are arranged relative to a common axis and wherein each hole is configured to receive a portion of the pin stem of the jewelry item therethrough.

[0013] According to embodiments, axes extending through each of the holes is positioned relative to the common axis to form an angle of intersection of the axes. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle of intersection may be approximately zero. In embodiments, the holes of the end portions are offset from the common axis such that an angle of intersection of axes extending through the holes is not zero. For example, in an embodiment, the angle of intersection is between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 20 degrees. The common axis may be a generally horizontal axis or a generally vertical axis.

[0014] More particularly, by way of example only and not limitation, the jewelry converter can be adapted for use in any type of jewelry that features a pin, such as the pin in a brooch that fits through material holding it in place. The converter fits onto the pin to secure it to the necklace in a manner that does not damage the original piece of jewelry or necklace and does not harm the wearer.

[0015] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the converter is made of a precious metal, such as sterling silver or karat gold. For a brooch with a horizontal pin stem, the device is a single piece of metal which has been formed into a loop in the center that is perpendicular to the two end portions of the device. The loop portion can be solid. The two end portions are each fashioned with a hole running the length of the end through. The corresponding holes are aligned, such that the pin of the brooch fits therethrough.

[0016] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the corresponding holes of the end portions are slightly offset such that friction holds the pin in place and prevents it from shifting side to side, but are not offset so much as to cause damage to the pin stem of the brooch. In this manner, friction keeps the pin in place or position with respect to the necklace, as detailed later.

[0017] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the center loop of the converter defines a spacing sized to enable a necklace to pass therethrough so that the converter can hang securely from the necklace.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment in accordance with the disclosure, the converter is configured for a vertical pin stem. The converter includes a loop portion or section disposed between end portions. The end portions are vertically aligned to accommodate a vertical pin stem. The converter is formed of a single piece of metal fashioned into a curve that looks like a shepherd's hook or a treble clef. Both end portions of the converter device have holes through which the pin is secured after the loop is first placed around the necklace.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a converter device in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the converter device of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the converter device of FIG. 1, depicting the device securing a brooch having a horizontal pin to a necklace according to embodiments herein.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the converter device of FIG. 1, depicting the device securing a brooch having a horizontal pin to a necklace according to embodiments herein.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the converter device of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a converter device in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the converter device of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the converter device of FIG. 6, depicting the device securing a brooch having a vertical pin to a necklace according to embodiments herein.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the converter device of FIG. 6, depicting the device securing a brooch having a vertical pin to a necklace according to embodiments herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, a non-limiting embodiment of a herein disclosed pin-to-pendant jewelry converter device 10 is shown. The device may be used for converting a jewelry item into a pendant for placement on a necklace according to embodiments herein. The converter device 10 of FIG. 1 is designed, in accordance with embodiments, for use with a jewelry item 50, such as a brooch or decorative pin, which has a pin stem 52 (or “pin” as also referred to herethroughout) oriented in a horizontal position, e.g., provided on the back, relative to a decorative design on its front. The device 10 includes a body that has a loop portion 12 with a loop opening 22 disposed between two end portions 14, 16. According to embodiments, the loop portion 12 may be a solid piece of material. In an embodiment, the loop portion 12 may be provided in a center of the device 10. In embodiments, the loop portion 12 may extend generally perpendicular to the end portions 14, 16, such as shown in FIG. 1. The loop portion 12 includes a first side and a second side with a spacing therebetween and / or optional gap 24 (described later below), and is sized to hang from a necklace 40 (FIG. 3, 4). That is, the loop portion 12 is configured for receipt of a portion of the necklace therethrough. The end portions 14, 16 each have a length and each define a hole 18, 20 (respectively) or slots that extends therethrough, or at least through a portion of a length thereof. Each hole 18, 20 has an opening on either side (see FIG. 1) of the length of the corresponding end portion. The holes 18, 20 in the end portions 14, 16 are arranged relative to a common axis and each hole is configured to receive a portion of the pin stem of the jewelry item therethrough. In embodiments, the common axis may be a generally horizontal axis (not shown in the Figures), such that a horizontal pin stem 52 of a pin 50 may be inserted through the holes 18, 20, such as represented in FIG. 4. The corresponding holes 18, 20 may be aligned, such that the pin 52 of the jewelry item / brooch 50 fits through both holes 18, 20 to secure the brooch 50 to the device 10, as seen in FIG. 4, for example. In use, the device 10 may be positioned on a necklace 40 so that at least the portion of the necklace is received within an opening 22 of the loop 12 (or loop opening). Then, the pin 52 of the brooch 50 is passed through both holes 18, 20 and clasped in place (see FIG. 4). Of course, the order of steps for attaching the brooch / jewelry item 50 to the device 10 is not limited and may be performed vice versa (i.e., attaching the jewelry item 50 the device 10, and then threading necklace 40 through the loop portion 12). In either manner, the brooch is secured attached to the necklace, functioning as a pendant (see FIG. 3). In this manner, the converter device 10 turns the pin / jewelry item 50 into a pendant, in a way that harms neither original piece of jewelry.

[0031] As previously mentioned, the loop portion 12 defines a loop opening 22 to receive the necklace, when in use. In an embodiment, the loop portion or body further defines a gap 24 at a base of the loop portion 12, e.g., adjacent the end portions, so that ends of the loop portion are spaced from one another. The gap 24 may have a prescribed width sufficiently sized to enable the necklace 40 to pass therethrough. In this manner, the device 10 may be positioned on the necklace by passing the necklace through the gap 24. In other embodiments, the device may exclude the gap 24, i.e., rather the loop portion 12 and opening 22 may be enclosed, so that the necklace would be threaded through the opening 22.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the device 10 is formed of a single piece of metal (e.g., sterling or karat gold) formed to have a loop portion 12 that is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular and disposed between the two end portions 14, 16 of the device 10. In an embodiment, the loop portion 12 and each end portion 14, 16 of the body are integrally formed. In an embodiment, the body of the device 10 is formed from a single piece of material. In embodiments, the material(s) used to form the body of the device 10—whether single, integral, or formed otherwise—may be, but are not limited to resin(s), plastic(s), and precious metal(s) such as silver, sterling silver, gold (e.g., white, yellow, rose) including 14-karat and 24-karat gold, platinum, palladium, and mixtures thereof, as well as titanium, tungsten, tantalum, cobalt chrome, nickel, and steel (e.g., stainless steel), and / or mixtures thereof. Such materials are exemplary and not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0033] In an embodiment, the common axis is a generally horizontal axis, and the holes 18, 20 in the two end portions 14, 16 extend in substantially horizontal direction. According to one embodiment, an axis extending through each of the holes 18, 20 of the end portions 14, 16 is placed relative to the common axis for forming an angle of intersection A (see, e.g., FIG. 5) of the axes. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle of intersection A may be approximately zero. In an embodiment, the holes 18, 20 and their axes are generally horizontal yet each are offset at an angle from the generally horizontal (common) axis. In embodiments, the holes 18, 20 of the end portions 14, 16 are offset from the common axis such that the angle of intersection A of axes extending through the holes 18, 20 is not zero, or is greater than zero. For example, in an embodiment, the angle of intersection is between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 20 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle of intersection is between approximately 1 degree and approximately 20 degrees. The loop portion 12 may extend substantially perpendicular, i.e., vertically, relative to the two end portions which are generally provided in a horizontal direction (relative to a horizontal axis), in an embodiment.

[0034] As best seen in FIG. 5, the holes 18, 20 each define axial lines (L18, L20), respectively. The loop portion 12 is generally orthogonal to the end portions 14, 16 (L18, L20) in this illustrative embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the holes 18, 20 are not precisely axially aligned. Rather, they are slightly offset by a prescribed angle (i.e., A, the angle of intersection). This slight offset provides friction between the pin 52 and the interior walls of the holes 18, 20 to hold the pin in place and minimizes and / or prevents it from shifting side to side (or other similar movement along the necklace). The offset angle A is not so much as to cause damage to the pin stem 52 of the brooch / jewelry item 50. In this manner, friction keeps the pin in place or position with respect to the necklace that the device is placed on, thereby allowing the user to adjust the pin in a particular position (e.g., placing the device 10 halfway onto the pin stem) and minimize or eliminate horizontal movement (such as sliding or shifting side-to-side) of the decorative pin on the necklace, which makes it more esthetically pleasing and more comfortable to wear. Additionally or alternatively, friction from the offset angle may assist in keeping the jewelry item on the converter if the clasp of the pin were to come undone while being worn, which may reduce the chance that the brooch would become disconnected, and that it would be lost or damaged. In detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the angle (A) is between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 20 degrees, or approximately 1 degree to 20 approximately degrees, or approximately 4 degrees and approximately 15 degrees, or approximately 4 degrees and approximately 6 degrees. In certain but non-limiting embodiments, the holes may be axially aligned along the common axis. In addition, the holes can include friction enhancements to aid in maintaining the pin in place, e.g., soft material, for example, plastic, rubber, or elastomeric material(s), soft cotton, mesh, or a similarly soft or plush material, and / or combinations thereof, according to embodiments.

[0035] With reference now to FIG. 6, another non-limiting embodiment of a pin-to-pendant jewelry converter device 60 is shown, which is configured, in accordance with embodiments, to secure a jewelry item 50A or brooch (see FIGS. 8-9) with a vertically oriented pin 52A, or pin stem, e.g., provided on its back, relative to a decorative design on its front. The device 60 includes a body that has a loop portion 62 with a loop opening 72 disposed between two end portions 64, 66. According to embodiments, the loop portion 12 may be a solid piece of material. In an embodiment, the loop portion 62 may be provided in a center of the device 60. In embodiments, the loop portion 62 may be generally aligned with the end portions 64, 66 and may extend generally parallel thereto. The loop portion 62 includes a first side and a second side with a spacing therebetween and / or optional gap 74 (described later below), and is sized to hang from a necklace 40 (FIG. 8, 9) according to embodiments herein. That is, the loop portion 12 is configured for receipt of a portion of the necklace therethrough. The end portions 64, 66 each have a length and each define a hole 68, 70 (respectively) or slots that extends therethrough, or at least through a portion of a length thereof. Each hole 68, 70 has an opening on either side (see FIG. 7) of the length of the corresponding end portion. The holes 68, 70 are arranged relative to the corresponding end portion. The holes 68, 70 are arranged relative to a common axis and each hole is configured to receive a portion of the pin stem of the jewelry item therethrough. In embodiment, the common axis may be a generally vertical axis (not labeled in the Figures), such that vertical pin stem 52A of a pin 50A may be inserted through the holes 68, 70, such as represented in FIG. 9. The corresponding holes 68, 70 may be aligned, such that the pin 52A of the jewelry item / brooch 50A fits through both holes 68, 70 to secure the brooch 50A to the device 60, as seen in FIG. 9, for example. In use, the device 60 may be positioned on a necklace 40 so that at least a portion of the necklace is received within loop opening 72. Then, the pin 52A of the brooch 50A is passed through both holes 68, 70 and clasped in place (see FIG. 9). Again, the order of steps for attaching the brooch / jewelry item 50A to the device 60 is not limited and may be performed vice versa (i.e., attaching the jewelry item 50A the device 60, and then threading necklace 40 through the loop portion 72). In either manner, the brooch is secured attached to the necklace, functioning as a pendant (see FIG. 8). In this manner, the converter device 10 turns the pin / jewelry item 50A into a pendant, in a way that harms neither original piece of jewelry.

[0036] As previously mentioned, the loop portion 62 defines a loop opening 72 to receive the necklace, when in use. In an embodiment, the loop portion or body further defines a gap 74 at or between a base of the loop portion 72, e.g., adjacent one end portion (64), and the other end portion (e.g., 66), so that a part of the loop portion and end portion (66) are spaced from one another. The gap 74 may have a prescribed width sufficiently sized to enable the necklace 40 to pass therethrough. In this manner, the device 60 may be positioned on the necklace by passing the necklace through the gap 74. In other embodiments, the device may exclude the gap 74, i.e., rather the loop portion 62 and opening 72 may be enclosed, e.g., by placing the other end portion (66) next to the base, so that the necklace would be threaded through the opening 72.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the device 60 is formed of single piece of metal (e.g., sterling or karat gold) formed to have a loop portion 62 disposed between the two end portions 64, 66 of the device, giving the device a shape that generally resembles a shepherd's hook or a treble clef. The loop portion 62 may be substantially parallel or parallel to the end portions 64, 66. In an embodiment, the loop portion 62 and each end portion 64, 66 of the body are integrally formed. In an embodiment, the body of the device 60 is formed from a single piece of material. In embodiments, the material(s) used to form the body of the device 60—whether single, integral, or formed otherwise—may be, but are not limited to resin(s), plastic(s), and precious metal(s) such as silver, sterling silver, gold (e.g., white, yellow, rose) including 14-karat and 24-karat gold, platinum, palladium, and mixtures thereof, as well as titanium, tungsten, tantalum, cobalt chrome, nickel, and steel (e.g., stainless steel), and / or mixtures thereof. Such materials are exemplary and not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0038] In an embodiment, the common axis is a generally vertical axis, and the holes 68, 70 in the two end portions 64, 66 extend in substantially vertical direction. According to one embodiment, an axis extending through each of the holes 68, 70 of the end portions 64, 66 are placed relative to the common axis for forming an angle of intersection A2 (see, e.g., FIG. 6) of the axes. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle of intersection A2 may be approximately zero. In an embodiment, the holes 68, 70 and their axes are generally horizontal yet each are offset at an angle from the generally vertical (common) axis. In embodiments, the holes 68, 70 of the end portions 64, 66 are offset from the common axis such that the angle of intersection A2 of axes extending through the holes 68, 70 is not zero, or is greater than zero. For example, in an embodiment, the angle of intersection A2 is between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 20 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle of intersection A2 is between approximately 1 degree and approximately 20 degrees. The loop portion 72 may extend substantially parallel, i.e., vertically, relative to the two end portions which are generally provided in a vertical direction (relative to a vertical axis), in an embodiment.

[0039] As best seen in FIG. 6, the holes 68, 70 each define axial lines (L68, L70), respectively. The loop portion 62 is generally planar to the end portions 64, 66 (L68, L70) in this illustrative embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the holes 68, 70 are not precisely axially aligned. Rather, they are slightly offset by a prescribed angle (i.e., A2, the angle of intersection). This slight offset provides friction between the pin and the interior walls of the holes 68, 70 to hold the pin in place and prevents it from shifting. The offset angle is not so much as to cause damage to the pin stem 52A of the brooch / jewelry item 50. In this manner, friction keeps the pin in place or position with respect to the necklace that the device is placed on, thereby allowing the user to adjust the pin in a particular position (e.g., placing the device 10 halfway onto the pin stem) and minimize or eliminate vertical movement of the decorative pin, which makes it more esthetically pleasing and more comfortable to wear. Additionally or alternatively, friction from the offset angle may assist in keeping the jewelry item on the converter if the clasp of the pin were to come undone while being worn. The chance that the brooch would become disconnected and that it would be lost or damaged may therefore be reduced or eliminated. In detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the angle (A2) is between approximately 0 degrees and 20 degrees, approximately 1 degree to approximately 20 degrees, or approximately 0 degrees and approximately 12 degrees, or approximately 0 and approximately 5 degrees. In certain but non-limiting embodiments, the holes may be axially aligned along the common axis (e.g., along the vertical axis). In addition, the holes can include friction enhancements to aid in maintaining the pin in place, e.g., soft material, for example, plastic, rubber, or elastomeric material(s), soft cotton, mesh, or a similarly soft or plush material, and / or combinations thereof, according to embodiments.

[0040] The method(s) of forming and / or manufacturing device 10 and / or 60 is not intended to be limiting. In embodiments, the devices may be formed using hand tool(s). machines, and / or mechanical tool(s) for bending, heating, molding, drilling, casting, 3D printing, and / or twisting the respective bodies to form the loop portion and end portions. As previously noted, a single piece of material may be utilized and machined and / or manufactured according to embodiments herein. In embodiments, parts may be formed separately and manipulated to form a single, integral body. The method(s) of manufacturing and / or forming may be selected based on the material(s) used and are not intended to be limiting.

[0041] Accordingly, this disclosure demonstrates embodiments of a converter for converting pieces of jewelry from one form of jewelry into another, without damage to any of the original pieces of jewelry, and allowing for each item to be joined and reused in several ways. Further, the wearer of the jewelry is not harmed. In embodiments, the corresponding holes of the end portions are slightly offset such that friction holds the pin in place and prevents it from shifting side to side, but are not offset so much as to cause damage to the pin stem of the brooch.

[0042] The converter devices enable the pin to be temporarily affixed to a necklace or the like while allowing centering of the pin when worn in addition to allowing balance of the pin stem of such brooches and the like when worn on a necklace. Unlike brooches with pendant bales that are fixed or hinged, the skills of a jeweler are not required for such additions, thus lessening the cost for converting such pieces of jewelry and preventing damage to unique and / or antique items. Further, the size of such bales that are typically added are limited, whereas the loop portion in the disclosed converter devices allows for a variety of widths and types of necklaces (e.g., chains, pearls, strings, etc.) for holding the jewelry item / brooch. Moreover, the converter devices may be made of materials that are complementary to designs and provide an aesthetic to the wearer.

[0043] Although the disclosure has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments and / or various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the disclosure may be provided without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0044] It will thus be seen that the features of this disclosure have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this disclosure and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this disclosure includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for converting a jewelry item, which includes a pin stem, into a pendant for placement on a necklace, the device comprising:a body including a loop portion disposed between two end portions,the loop portion comprising a first side and a second side, the loop portion being configured for receipt of a portion of the necklace therethrough and the first side and the second side having a space therebetween,each end portion comprising a hole extending through at least a portion of a length thereof,wherein the holes of the end portions are arranged relative to a common axis and wherein each hole is configured to receive a portion of the pin stem of the jewelry item therethrough.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the holes of the end portions are offset from the common axis such that an angle of intersection of axes extending through the holes is not zero or is greater than zero.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the angle is between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 20 degrees.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the angle is between approximately 4 degrees and approximately 15 degrees.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the angle is between approximately 4 degrees and approximately 6 degrees.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein the angle is between approximately 0 degrees and 12 degrees.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the angle is between approximately 0 degrees and 5 degrees.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the loop portion is provided in a center of the device.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the common axis is a generally horizontal axis, and wherein the holes of the two end portions extend in substantially horizontal direction yet each are offset at an angle from the generally horizontal axis.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the loop portion extends substantially perpendicular relative to the two end portions.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the loop portion is provided in a center of the device.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the common axis is a generally vertical axis, wherein the holes of the two end portions extend in substantially vertical direction yet each are offset at an angle from the generally vertical axis.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the loop portion extends substantially parallel relative to the two end portions.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein a base of the loop portion includes a gap such that ends of the loop portion are spaced from one another and configured to allow passage of the portion of the necklace therethrough.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the loop portion and each end portion are integrally formed.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body is formed from a single piece of material.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body is formed of a material that is a precious metal selected from the group consisting of: silver, sterling silver, gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, tungsten, tantalum, cobalt chrome, nickel, and steel.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein an angle of intersection of axes extending through the holes is zero.

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