Earring and method of installation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an earring containing a hoop including a single cut; a first end; a second end on a side of the single cut opposite from the first end; a portion of the hoop configured to traverse a piercing; and a portion of the hoop having a largest diameter of the hoop and located opposite of the portion of the hoop traversing the piercing, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be welded together to permanently attach the earring to a piercing of a wearer.

Description

[0001] EARRING AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE SECTION

[0003] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 649,814, filed on May 20, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

[0004] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to carrings and methods of installation thereof.

[0006] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements. It is emphasized that various features may not be drawn to scale and the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. Further, some components may be omitted in certain figures for clarity of discussion.

[0008] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 8-14 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0010] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate exemplary functional and system diagrams, respectively, of a computing system that may be used in conjunction with a welding system of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary’ embodiment of an carring of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure.

[0020] SUMMARY

[0021] The present disclosure relates to an earring including: a hoop including: a single cut; a first end; a second end on a side of the single cut opposite from the first end; a portion of the hoop configured to traverse a piercing; and a portion of the hoop having a largest diameter of the hoop and located opposite of the portion of the hoop traversing the piercing, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be welded together to permanently attach the earring to a piercing of a wearer. In some embodiments, a portion of the hoop that traverses a piercing may be substantially uniform in diameter. The earring may not require a hinge, a screw, or a clasp to attach the earring to the piercing of the wearer. The earring may be made from a metal including a gold, a yellow gold, a white gold, a 14-Karat yellow gold, a 14-Karat white gold, a silver, a steel, a stainless steel, a platinum, a palladium, a titanium, a tungsten, a niobium, and alloys thereof. The earring may have a substantially oblong shape. The earring may have a substantially circular shape. The earring may have a substantially ovular shape. The earring may include a studded region located between the first end and the second end, the studded region including a plurality of prongs and a plurality’ of gemstones. The carring may’ include a hollowed out groove running along at least a portion of an interior side of the earring.

[0022] A diameter of an earring may be largest at an end connecting to the portion of the hoop configured to traverse the piercing. A diameter of the earring may be smallest at the portion of the hoop configured to traverse the piercing. A diameter of the earring may graduate from a smallest diameter to a largest diameter. The earring may have a width-to-length proportion of less than about 0.85. The earring may have a width-to-length proportion ranging between about 0.85 and about 1.15. The earring may have a width-to-length proportion of greater than about 1.15. The hoop may include an 8 mm graduating hoop, a 9 mm graduating hoop, a 10 mm graduating hoop, an 11 mm graduating hoop, a 12 mm graduating hoop, an 8 mm graduating oblong hoop, a 9 mm graduating oblong hoop, a 10 mm graduating oblong hoop, an 11 mm graduating oblong hoop, a 12 mm graduating oblong hoop, a standard chunky graduating hoop, a chunky graduating hoop with one or more gemstone hearts, a chunky graduating hoop with one or more gemstone diamonds, an organic chunky’ graduating hoop, and a graduating pave hoop. The earring may7include at least one of a curved bar, a bar, and a chain. The earring may include one or more holes and one or more gemstones, wherein each hole may be configured to securely fit one gemstone.

[0023] According to some embodiments, a method of installing an earring to a piercing may include: welding, with a welder, a seam to connect a first end of the earring to a second end of the earring, thereby permanently installing the earring to the piercing. The earring may include ahoop including: a single cut; a first end; a second end on a side of the single cut opposite from the first end; a portion of the hoop configured to traverse a piercing; and a portion of the hoop having a largest diameter of the hoop and located opposite of the portion of the hoop traversing the piercing, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be welded together to permanently attach the earring to a piercing of a wearer. The method may include setting a power level for the welder, prior to welding the seam, based whichever metal the earring may be made from. The method may include bending the first end and the second end out of plane; fitting the earring through the piercing; and bending the first end and the second end in plane.

[0024] In some embodiments, an earring may include a hoop with a single cut, wherein a first portion of the hoop traverses a piercing, wherein a second portion of the hoop may be on a first side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a third portion of the hoop may be on a second side of the piercing substantially opposite the single cut, wherein a fourth portion of the hoop may be between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. A fifth portion of the hoop may be a point at which the hoop has a largest diameter, wherein the single cut may be located posterior to the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing may be substantially uniform in diameter. The hoop may begin graduating in diameter approximately about the second portion of the hoop that may be on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the hoop begins graduating in diameter approximately about the third portion of the hoop that may be on the side of the piercing substantially opposite the single cut, wherein the fifth portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter may be located substantially opposite the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The second portion of the hoop that may be on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing may be welded to the fourth portion of the hoop that may be between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing to form a single substantially continuous hoop, wherein an outer edge of the earring may be substantially ovular.

[0025] An earring may include a hoop with a single cut, wherein a first portion of the hoop traverses a piercing, wherein a second portion of the hoop is on a first side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a third portion of the hoop is substantially anterior to the piercing, and wherein a fourth portion of the hoop is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. A fifth portion of the hoop is a point at which the hoop has a largest diameter, wherein the single cut is located posterior to the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing may be substantially uniform in diameter.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Any portion or element of any embodiment (structure, method, etc.) disclosed herein may be combined with any portion or element of any other embodiment (structure, method, etc.) disclosed herein.

[0028] I. Design Overview

[0029] The earring may be cast using solid metals, including 14-Karat yellow gold and 14-Karat white gold, without limitation. In some embodiments, the earring may be a hoop with one or more flush cuts such that a portion of the hoop on one side of the cut is flush against a portion of the hoop on the other side of the cut. In some embodiments, the earring may be a chain threaded through a piercing. In some embodiments, the earring may be a combination of a bar and a chain. In some embodiments, a cut in the earring may be placed so as to stay in place behind the piercing and not slide through the wearer’s piercing. In alternative embodiments, the earring may have two or more cuts. In some embodiments, the earring may be able to hinge open or to be opened by bending the metal of the hoop. In some embodiments, the earring may not have a hinge, screw, or clasp.

[0030] The earring may be able to be opened up by bending with pliers to be installed in a piercing. The earring may then be closed, in some embodiments, by bending with pliers. In some embodiments, a chain may be connected to itself or to attachment points on either side of a bar to create a continuous hoop. In some embodiments, the earring may not be welded shut such that the earring remains removable. In other embodiments, a welding system may be used to "zap" or melt the cut together, bonding one end of the hoop to the other, such that the earring is shut substantially "permanently". An earring that is shut substantially permanently is not easily taken on or off and may require that the earring be cut or otherwise damaged to remove. In some embodiments, the earring may be at least one of the following: permanent, substantially permanent, clasp-less, clasp-free, welded, bound, zapped, semi-permanent, bonded, endless, forever, infinite, etc.

[0031] In some embodiments, the carring may be a hoop of uniform diameter. In some embodiments, the hoop of uniform diameter may have a cut that may be welded shut after installation in a piercing to form a substantially continuous hoop. In some embodiments, the earring may comprise a chain. In some embodiments, the chain may have two free ends that may be attached to each other with an attachment ring after threading the chain through a piercing to form a substantially continuous loop. In some embodiments, the earring may comprise both a bar and a chain. In some embodiments, the hoop of uniform diameter may comprise the entire hoop. In some embodiments, a bar may be a curved bar. In some embodiments, the bar may be a straight bar. In some embodiments, the bar may have attachment points at either end for attaching to a chain.

[0032] In some embodiments, the earring may feature a graduated design to substantially evenly distribute weight throughout the piercing and minimize movement and sliding. The smallest diameter of the earring may be located in the portion of the hoop that goes through the piercing and the largest diameter of the earring may be located at any of various strategic positions on the hoop. The graduated design may gradually increase the diameter of the earring from the portion of earring with the smallest diameter to the portion of the earring with the largest diameter so as to create a continuous line. In some embodiments, the earring may remain fairly static due to the graduation and the cut placement of the carring. In some embodiments, the cut may be placed posterior to the piercing in a precise location. In other embodiments, the cut may be placed anterior to the ear. In some embodiments, graduation may begin immediately after the cut on the portion of the earring on the opposite side of the cut from the portion of the earring that goes through the piercing so that this portion is unable to slide through the piercing. In some embodiments, graduation may begin on the portion of the earring immediately anterior to the ear.

[0033] The portion of the hoop with the largest diameter may provide a bit of weight, so that gravity will pull the portion of the hoop with the largest diameter toward the bottom part of the wearer’s ear. In some embodiments, the portion of the hoop with the largest diameter may be on the bottom earring on the opposite side of the hoop from the portion of the hoop that goes through the ear. Other variations may include graduation at different locations of the earring, including where the largest diameter part may be placed at the front of the ear. In some variations, the earring's overall graduation will distribute weight evenly so that the earring does not slide or tip forward in the ear. In some embodiments, the portion of the earring that traverses the piercing may be any of a variety of gauges, including, but not limited to 16 gauge, 18 gauge, 20 gauge, 22 gauge, 24 gauge, etc. In some variations, the earring may include decorative elements, including one or more gemstones, metal designs, and charms, without limitation. In some embodiments, the gemstones may be, without limitation, natural gems, lab-grown gems, precious stones, semi-precious stones, crystals, cut glass, and / orthe like. Precious stones may include diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, etc. Semi-precious stones may include amethysts, topaz, cubic zirconia, tourmaline, aquamarine, etc. In some embodiments, the earring may include gemstones in varying shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the earring may be studded with metal beads. Studded means that many objects of the same type are arranged across a surface, such as a series of substantially uniform beads affixed to the surface of the carring in a regular pattern. In some embodiments, gemstones may be placed on the earring using any setting technique, including, but not limited to pave setting, bezel setting, etc. In some embodiments, prongs may be used to hold gemstones in place. In some embodiments, gemstones may be set into the earring via a pave setting. In a pave setting, the earring may be studded with a series of prongs placed substantially close to each other and shaped so that they hold gemstones in place such that a series of gemstones forms a substantially unbroken surface of gemstones resembling a paved road. In some embodiments, gemstones may be set into the earring via a bezel setting. In a bezel setting, a rim of metal slightly smaller than the gemstone may be used to hold the gem in place. A rim may be the surface of an earring surrounding a hole. In some embodiments, the rim may be raised, flush with the contours of the earring, etched, etc. In other variations, the earring may also be slightly hollowed out so as to be lighter on the wearer’s ear. In some embodiments, one or more charms may be added to the earring. In some embodiments, the charm will have a connection point that allows the charm to be connected to the earring. In some embodiments the charm will slide directly onto the earring and will not require a jump ring. In some embodiments, a link or ring may be used to attach the charm to the earring. In some embodiments, a link or ring used to attach the charm to the earring may double as a link or ring used to connect the free ends of the earring to each other to form a continuous loop.

[0034] In some embodiments, the outer edge of the earring may be substantially in the shape of a geometric shape. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the earring may be an organic shape. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the earring may be substantially in the shape of a circle. In other embodiments, the outer edge of the earring max’ be an oblong shape. In some embodiments, the portion of the earring with the smallest diameter may graduate on one side and be adjacent to a portion of the earring with a larger diameter on the other side. In some embodiments, the portion of the earring with the smallest diameter may be located adjacent to the portion of the earring with the largest diameter. In some embodiments, the portion of the earring with the smallest diameter may be located adjacent to a portion of the earring a larger diameter and which graduates to the largest diameter before tapering to the smallest diameter. In some embodiments, the earring may show smooth graduation. In some embodiments, the graduation of the earring's diameter may vary such that the diameter increases and decreases at multiple points on the hoop. In some embodiments, the shape of the hoop may undulate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the outer edge of the earring may have an overall shape that may be substantially in the shape of a circular, vertical oblong, or horizontal oblong hoop. If positioned such that the portion of the hoop that goes through the piercing is located at the top of the hoop, an earring's length may be measured by the distance between the top-most outer edge of the hoop and the bottom -most outer edge of the hoop and an earring's width may be measured by the distance between the left-most outer edge of the hoop and the right-most outer edge of the hoop. A width-to-length proportion for an earring may be calculated by dividing the width measurement by the length measurement of the earring. An earring substantially in the shape of a vertical oblong hoop may have a width-to-length proportion of less than 0.85. An earring substantially in the shape of a circular hoop may have a width-to-length proportion of between 0.85 - 1.15, inclusive. An earring substantially in the shape of a horizontal oblong hoop may have a width-to-length proportion of greater than 1.15.

[0036] The earring designs may include a 10mm graduating hoop, a 12mm graduating hoop, an 8mm graduating oblong hoop, a 10mm graduating oblong hoop, a standard chunky graduating hoop, a chunky graduating hoop with one or more gemstone hearts, a chunky graduating hoop with one or more gemstone diamonds, an organic chunky graduating hoop, a graduating pave hoop, a curved bar, a bar, a chain, a symmetrical hoop, and / or the like, and / or any combination of portions of the disclosed designs.

[0037] This application relates to US Design Application No. 29 / 943,163 and US Design Application No. 29 / 943,166, which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

[0038] FIGS. 1-14 illustrate exemplar}' embodiments of an earring of this disclosure having increasing graduation on both sides of the piercing and the largest diameter of the hoop at the bottom of the earring. An earring may have a single cut 110 in the hoop. There may be a portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. The portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120 may be uniform in diameter through the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop on the side of the piercing opposite the single cut 140. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop between the single cut 110 and the piercing 160. In some embodiments, the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130 may be welded to portion of the hoop between the single cut and the piercing 160 at the single cut 110.

[0039] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure having a circular shape with increasing graduation on both sides of the piercing and the largest diameter of the hoop at the bottom of the earring. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the hoop may begin to graduate both at the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130 and at the portion of the hoop on the side of the piercing opposite the single cut 140. In the exemplar}' embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 may be located on the opposite side of the hoop from the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 may be substantially in the shape of a circular hoop. The exemplar}' embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 may have a width-to-length proportion of between 0.85 - 1.15, inclusive.

[0040] FIGS. 8-14 illustrate an exemplary' embodiment of an earring of this disclosure having an oblong shape with increasing graduation on both sides of the piercing and the largest diameter of the hoop at the bottom of the earring. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, the hoop may begin to graduate both at the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130 and at the portion of the hoop on the side of the piercing opposite the single cut 140. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 may be located on the opposite side of the hoop from the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. The exemplary' embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-14 may be substantially in the shape of a vertical oblong hoop. The exemplary' embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-14 may have a width -to-length proportion of less than 0.85.

[0041] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure having a circular shape with increasing graduation beginning on the posterior side of the piercing and the largest diameter of the hoop on the anterior side of the piercing. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the earring may have a single cut 110 in the hoop. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, there may be a portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. The portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120 may be uniform in diameter through the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop between the single cut 110 and the piercing 160. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop anterior to the piercing 1710. The hoop may be studded with one or more prongs 1720. The hoop may have one or more gemstones 1730. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the hoop may begin to graduate at the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 may be located on the anterior side of the piercing, opposite the single cut 110 in the hoop and abutting the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the anterior portion of the hoop 1710 may be studded with a scries of prongs 1720 holding in place a series of gemstones 1730 in a pave setting. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 may be substantially in the shape of a circular hoop. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 may have a width-to-length proportion of between 0.85 - 1.15, inclusive. In some embodiments, the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130 may be welded to portion of the hoop between the single cut and the piercing 160 at the single cut 110.

[0042] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure having a circular shape with increasing graduation beginning on the posterior side of the piercing and the largest diameter of the hoop on the anterior side of the piercing. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the earring may have a single cut 110 in the hoop. In the exemplary' embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, there may be a portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. The portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120 may be uniform in diameter through the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop between the single cut 110 and the piercing 160. The hoop max’ have a portion of the hoop abutting the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 1810. The hoop may have a hollowed out groove 1820 along the interior of the hoop parallel to the graduation of the hoop. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the hoop may begin to graduate at the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 may be located on the anterior side of the piercing. In the exemplary' embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the hoop may decrease in diameter from the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 to the portion of the hoop abutting the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 1810. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 may' be substantially' in the shape of a circular hoop. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 may’ have a width-to-lcngth proportion of between 0.85 - 1.15, inclusive. In some embodiments, the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130 may be welded to portion of the hoop between the single cut and the piercing 160 at the single cut 110.

[0043] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure having a circular shape with increasing graduation beginning on the posterior side of the piercing, the largest diameter of the hoop on the anterior side of the piercing and an undulating shape. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the earring may have a single cut 110 in the hoop. In the exemplary' embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, there may be a portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. The portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120 may be uniform in diameter through the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop between the single cut 110 and the piercing 160. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop anterior to the piercing 1710. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop abutting the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 1810. The hoop may' have a hollowed out groove 1820 along the interior of the hoop parallel to the graduation of the hoop. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the hoop may begin to graduate at the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 may be located on the anterior side of the piercing. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the hoop may decrease in diameter from the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 to the portion of the hoop abutting the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 1810. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the hoop may have irregular contours from a point after graduation begins and throughout the portion of the hoop anterior to the piercing 1710. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 may be substantially in the shape of a circular hoop. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 may have a width -to -length proportion of between 0.85 - 1.15, inclusive. In some embodiments, the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130 may’ be welded to portion of the hoop between the single cut and the piercing 160 at the single cut 110.

[0044] FIGS. 20-21 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure having a circular shape with increasing graduation beginning on the posterior side of the piercing, the largest diameter of the hoop on the anterior side of the piercing, and one or more gemstones set via a bezel rim. In the exemplary’ embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, the earring may have a single cut 110 in the hoop. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, there may be a portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120. The portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 120 may be uniform in diameter through the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop between the single cut 110 and the piercing 160. The hoop may have a portion of the hoop abutting the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 1810. The hoop may have a hollowed out groove 1820 along the interior of the hoop parallel to the graduation of the hoop. The hoop may have one or more rims surrounding one or more holes 2010. The hoop may have one or more gemstones 1730. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, the hoop may begin to graduate at the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 may be located on the anterior side of the piercing. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, the hoop may decrease in diameter from the portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter 150 to the portion of the hoop abutting the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing 1810. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, the one or more rims surrounding one or more holes 2010 may be smaller than the one or more gemstones 1730. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, the one or more gemstones 1730 may be set into the one or more holes surrounded by the one or more rims surrounding one or more holes 2010. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, the one or more rims surrounding one or more holes 2010 may be raised. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, the one or more rims surrounding one or more holes 2010 may be flush with the contours of the hoop. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-21 may be substantially in the shape of a circular hoop. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-21 may have a width-to-lcngth proportion of between 0.85 - 1.15, inclusive. In some embodiments, the portion of the hoop on the side of the single cut opposite from the piercing 130 may be welded to portion of the hoop between the single cut and the piercing 160 at the single cut 110.

[0045] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure having a circular shape and a uniform diameter throughout the hoop. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the earring may have a single cut 110 in the hoop. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, there may be portions of the hoop on either side of the single cut 2210. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the earring may traverse the piercing at any point. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 may be substantially in the shape of a circular hoop. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 may have a width-to-length proportion of between 0.85 - 1.15, inclusive. In some embodiments, the portions of the hoop on the either side of the single cut 2210 may be welded to each other at the single cut 110.

[0046] FIG. 23 illustrates exemplary embodiments of an earring of this disclosure comprising a single chain made up of multiple links that may be threaded through a piercing and closed with an attachment ring. There may be a portion of the chain that traverses the piercing 120. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, the earring may have attachment points on either end of the chain 2310. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, an attachment ring 2320 may be used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to each other. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, a charm 2330 having a connection point 2340 may be added to the chain with an attachment ring 2320. In some embodiments, more than one charm may be added to the chain with one or more attachment rings. In some embodiments, the attachment ring 2320 used to add the one or more charms 2330 to the chain may be the same attachment ring used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to each other. In some embodiments, the attachment ring 2320 used to add the one or more charms 2330 to the chain max’ be an additional attachment ring separate from the attachment ring used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to each oilier. In some embodiments, the attachment ring 2320 used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to each other may be welded shut.

[0047] FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure comprising a bar 2410 and a chain made up of multiple links that may be threaded through a piercing and attached to the bar 2410 with attachment rings. There may be a portion of the chain that traverses the piercing. The earring may have attachment points on either end of the chain 2310. The earring may have attachment points on either end of the bar 2420. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, the bar 2410 may be straight. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, attachment rings 2320 may be used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to attachment points on either end of the bar 2420. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, the bar 2410 may be worn on the posterior side of the piercing, the anterior side of the piercing, or the bottom part of piercing. In some embodiments, one or more charms having connection points may be added to the chain with one or more attachment rings. In some embodiments, the attachment rings 2320 used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to attachment points on cither end of the bar 2420 may be welded shut.

[0048] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an earring of this disclosure comprising a bar 2410 and a chain made up of multiple links that may be attached to the bar 2410 with attachment rings. The earring max- have attachment points on either end of the chain 2310. The earring may have attachment points on either end of the bar 2420. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, the bar 2410 may be curved. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, attachment rings 2320 may be used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to attachment points on either end of the bar 2420. In some embodiments, the portion of the earring that traverses the piercing may be the bar. In some embodiments, the portion of the earring that traverses the piercing may be the chain. In some embodiments, the earring may traverse the piercing at any point. In some embodiments, one or more charms having connection points may be added to the chain with one or more attachment rings. In some embodiments, the attachment rings 2320 used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain 2310 to attachment points on either end of the bar 2420 may be xvelded shut. II. Process Overview

[0049] A welding system may be used. The welding system may include one or more welding machines. In some embodiments, the welding machine may be a pulse arc welding machine, a laser welding machine, etc.

[0050] A pulse arc welding machine may comprise a power supply, a microscope, electrodes, a welding stylus and / or shielding gas. Accessories used with a pulse arc welding machine may include a foot pedal, a microscope arm assembly, microscope eye piece shields, a welding power cord, a shutter cable, grounding clips, a diamond sharpening disk, pliers, wrenches, tweezers, brushes, and / or a shielding gas hose, etc. A pulse arc welding machine may be used by turning on the power supply. An electrode may be assembled into the welding stylus and an alligator clip ground inserted into the welding machine. A welding mode may be chosen. The welding mode may include arc, tack, etc. The welder may adjust various parameters including the energy level, the length of time the energy will run through the electrode, the number of times the welding machine will release energy per second, the level of agitation, the type of ignition, the trigger mode, metal type, application type, etc. When using the arc welding mode, alligator clips may be attached to either side of the same workpiece and the workpiece may be placed close to the welding electrode. The welder may look through the microscope to view the workpiece and use slow, controlled movements to move the workpiece surface substantially perpendicular to the tip of the electrode and slowly touch the workpiece to the tip of the electrode. The weld may be triggered by touch detection, depression of a foot pedal, etc. Microscope eye piece shields may shield the eyes of the welder from light generated during the w eld. Shielding gas may be used to prevent oxygen from entering molten metal during the weld. In some embodiments, shielding gas may be dispensed through the stylus. In some embodiments, the weld may occur in a shielding gas chamber.

[0051] A laser welding machine may comprise a power supply, a laser, a microscope, a welding chamber, and / or shielding gas. One or more of the microscope's eyepieces may have one or more crosshairs. Accessories used w ith a laser welding machine may include a control pedal, a power cord, a leather barrier, a resonator shutter, an infra-red microscope filter, a welding chamber infra-red filter, protective glass slide, wrenches, adapters, focusing support plate, pipes, flanges, and / or a shielding gas hose, etc. A laser welding machine may be used by turning on the power supply. The welder may adjust various parameters including the pow er of the laser pulse, the duration of the laser pulse, the frequency of the laser pulse, the laser pulse waveform, the postgas duration, the welding spot dimension, etc. The workpiece may be placed in the welding chamber. The welder may look through the microscope to view the workpiece and position the workpiece such that the spot to be welded is centered on the crosshairs. The weld may be triggered by depression of a control pedal, etc. An infrared microscope filter may shield the eyes of the welder from leaks of laser radiation along the optical path of the microscope. Shielding gas may be used to prevent oxygen from entering molten metal during the weld. In some embodiments, shielding gas may be dispensed through an outlet that may be controlled by a valve. In some embodiments, the valve may be a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the weld may occur in a shielding gas chamber. In some embodiments, the gas may be dispensed by depressing a pedal, depressing a button, flipping a switch, automatically by programming such dispensing, etc. In some embodiments, the welding machine may be tailored towards use with substantially permanent jewelry. In some embodiments, the welding machine may include eye protection suitable for use in welding objects located on a wrist, a finger, an ankle, a neck, and / or an ear, etc. In some embodiments, the welding machine may include versatile eye protection suitable for use in welding objects located on any body part. In some embodiments, the welding machine may be used with ancillary hand tools that are not connected to the machine. In some embodiments, the instruments, whether attached to the machine or ancillary, may be ergonomically designed for use by welders with smaller body parts and for use on small objects. In some embodiments, the welding machine may have a ranges of power settings more suitable for use with permanent jewelry. In some embodiments, die charging cords and other cables attached to the machines may be flexible to allow for a wide range of movement.

[0052] In some embodiments, the welding machine may be designed to be aesthetically pleasing. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including, but not limited to being available in a variety of colors, being able to be branded, being housed in a decorative container, and / or having sound-minimizing elements such as sound insulation, etc.

[0053] In some embodiments, the welding machine may be portable. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, being light, being compact, being battery -powered, having carrying cases, and / or being easily disassembled.

[0054] In some embodiments, the welding system may include a computing system 1500. The computing system 1500 may include a means of adjusting welding parameters. The computing system 1500 may include a computing device such as a mainframe server, a content server, a communication server, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a handheld computing device, a smart phone, a wearable computing device, a tablet computing device, a virtual machine, a mobile computing device, a cloud-based computing solution and / or a cloud-based service, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the computing system 1500 may employ a touch screen.

[0055] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate exemplary functional and system diagrams of a computing system 1500 that may be used in conjunction with a welding system, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 15 provides a functional block diagram of the computing system 1500, whereas FIG. 16 provides a detailed system diagram of the computing system 1500. As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the computing system 1500 may include a processing unit 1502, a memory unit 1504, an input / output (I / O) unitl506, and / or a communication unit 1508. The processing unit 1502, memory7unit 1504, input / output (I / O) unit 1506, and / or communication unit 1508 may execute one or more modules of endpoint device. The processing unit 1502, the memory unit 1504, the I / O unit 1506, and the communication unit 1508 may include one or more subunits for performing operations. Additionally, each unit and / or subunit may be operatively and / or otherwise communicatively coupled w ith each other and to a network. The computing system 1500 may be implemented on general-purpose hardw are and / or specifically-purposed hardware as the case may be. The processing unit 1502 may control one or more of the memoiy unit 1504, the I / O unit 1506, and the communication unit 1508 of the computing system 1500, as well as any included subunits, elements, components, devices, and / or functions performed by the memory unit 1504, I / O unit 1506, and the communication unit 1508. In some embodiments, the processing unit 1502 may be implemented as one or more computer processing unit (CPU) chips and / or graphical processing unit (GPU) chips and may include a hardware device capable of executing computer instructions. The processing unit 1502 may execute instructions, codes, computer programs, and / or scripts. The instructions, codes, computer programs, and / or scripts may be received from and / or stored in the memory unit 1504, the I / O unit 1506, the communication unit 1508, subunits, and / or elements of the aforementioned units, other devices, and / or computing systems, and / or the like.

[0056] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1502 may include, among other elements, subunits such as a content management unit 1512, a location determination unit 1514, a graphical processing unit (GPU) 1516, and a resource allocation unit 1518. Each of the aforementioned subunits of the processing unit 1502 may be communicatively and / or otherwise operably coupled with each other.

[0057] The content management unit 1512 may facilitate generation, modification, analysis, transmission, and / or presentation of content. Content may be file content, exception event content, content associated with a digital request data object, content associated with a registration object (e.g., a registration data object associated with registering a command or an application for use by the digital assistant), media content, security event content, or any combination thereof. In some instances, content on which the content management unit 1512 may operate includes device information, user interface data, image data, text data, themes, audio data or audio files, video data or video files, documents, and / or the like. Additionally, the content management unit 1512 may control the audio-visual environment and / or appearance of application data during execution of various processes. In some embodiments, the content management unit 1512 may interface with a third-party’ content server and / or specific memory locations for execution of its operations.

[0058] The GPU 1516 may facilitate generation, modification, analysis, processing, transmission, and / or presentation of content described above, as well as any data described herein. In some embodiments, the GPU 1516 may be utilized to render content for presentation on a computing device. The GPU 1516 may also include multiple GPUs and therefore may be configured to perform and / or execute multiple processes in parallel.

[0059] The resource allocation unit 1518 may facilitate the determination, monitoring, analysis, and / or allocation of computing resources throughout the computing system 1500. For example, the computing system 1500 may facilitate a high volume of data to be processed and analyzed. As such, computing resources of the computing system 1500 used by the processing unit 1502, the memory unit 1504, the I / O unit 1506, and / or the communication unit 1508 (and / or any subunit of the aforementioned units) such as processing power, data storage space, network bandwidth, and / or the like may be in high demand at various times during operation. Accordingly, the resource allocation unit 1518 may include sensors and / or other specially -purposed hardware for monitoring performance of each unit and / or subunit of the computing system 1500, as well as hardware for responding to the computing resource needs of each unit and / or subunit. In some embodiments, the resource allocation unit 1518 may use computing resources of a second computing system 1500 separate and distinct from the computing system 1500 to facilitate a desired operation. For example, the resource allocation unit 1518 may determine a number of simultaneous computing processes and / or requests. The resource allocation unit 1518 may also determine that the number of simultaneous computing processes and / or requests meet and / or exceed a predetermined threshold value. Based on this determination, the resource allocation unit 1518 may determine an amount of additional computing resources (e.g., processing power, storage space of a particular non-transitory computer-readable memory medium, netw ork bandwidth, and / or the like) required by the processing unit 1502, the memory unit 1504, the I / O unit 1506, the communication unit 1508, and / or any subunit of the aforementioned units for safe and efficient operation of the computing system 1500 while supporting the number of simultaneous computing processes and / or requests. The resource allocation unit 1518 may then retrieve, transmit, control, allocate, and / or otherwise distribute detennined amount(s) of computing resources to each element (e.g., unit and / or subunit) of the computing system 1500 and / or another computing system.

[0060] The memory unit 1504 may be used for storing, recalling, receiving, transmitting, and / or accessing various files and / or data during operation of computing system 1500. For example, memory unit 1504 may be used for storing, recalling, and / or updating exception event information as well as other data associated with, resulting from, and / or generated by any unit, or combination of units and / or subunits of the computing system 1500. In some embodiments, the memory' unit 1504 may store instructions, code, and / or data that may be executed by the processing unit 1502. For instance, the memory unit 1504 may store code that execute operations associated with one or more units and / or one or more subunits of the computing system 1500. For example, the memory unit 1504 may store code for the processing unit 1502, the I / O unit 1506, the communication unit 1508, and for itself.

[0061] Memory unit 1504 may’ include various ty pes of data storage media such as solid state storage media, hard disk storage media, virtual storage media, and / or the like. Memory unit 1504 may include dedicated hardware elements such as hard drives and / or servers, as well as software elements such as cloud-based storage drives. In some implementations, memory unit 1504 may be a random access memory (RAM) device, adynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, flash memory, read only memory (ROM) device, and / or various forms of secondary storage. The RAM device may be used to store volatile data and / or to store instructions that may be executed by the processing unit 1502. For example, the instructions stored by the RAM device may be a command, a current operating state of computing system 1500, an intended operating state of computing system 1500, and / or the like. As a further example, data stored in the RAM device of memory unit 1504 may include instructions related to various methods and / or functionalities described herein. The ROM device may' be a non-volatile memory device that may have a smaller memory capacity than the memory' capacity of a secondary’ storage. The ROM device may be used to store instructions and / or data that may be read during execution of computer instructions. In some embodiments, access to both the RAM device and ROM device may’ be faster to access than die secondary storage. Secondary storage may comprise one or more disk drives and / or tape drives and may be used for nonvolatile storage of data or as an over-flow data storage device if the RAM device is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storage may be used to store programs that may be loaded into the RAM device when such programs are selected for execution. In some embodiments, the memory unit 1504 may include one or more databases 1610 (shown in FIG. 16) for storing data. For example, depending on the implementation, the one or more databases may be used as the local record repository of an endpoint device. Additionally or alternatively, one or more secondary databases located remotely from computing system 1500 may be used and / or accessed by memory unit 1504.

[0062] The memory unit 1504 may include subunits such as an operating system unit 1526, an application data unit 1528, an application programming interface (API) unit 1530, a content storage unit, data engine 1538, and a cache storage unit 1540. Each of the aforementioned subunits of the memory unit 1504 may be communicatively and / or otherwise operably coupled with each other and other units and / or subunits of the computing sy stem 1500. It is also noted that the memory unit 1504 may include other modules, instructions, or code that facilitate the execution of the techniques described. For instance, the memory unit 1504 may include one or more modules such as a data engine 1538.

[0063] The operating system unit 1526 may facilitate deployment, storage, access, execution, and / or utilization of an operating system utilized by computing system 1500 and / or any other computing system. In some embodiments, the operating system unit 1526 may include various hardware and / or software elements that serve as a structural framework for the processing unit 1502 to execute various operations described herein. The operating system unit 1526 may further store various pieces of information and / or data associated with the operation of the operating system and / or computing system 1500 as a whole, such as a status of computing resources (e.g., processing power, memory’ availability’, resource utilization, and / or the like), runtime information, modules to direct execution of operations described herein, user permissions, security credentials, and / or the like.

[0064] The application data unit 1528 may facilitate deployment, storage, access, execution, and / or utilization of an application used by the computing system 1500 and / or any other computing system. For example, an endpoint device may be required to download, install, access, and / or otherwise use a software application (e.g., web application) to facilitate implementing a digital assistant in a multi-application network, registering a digital command in a multi-application network, generating dynamic context data associated with a digital request data object in a multi-application network, curating data associated with a multi-application network, and generating one or more digital records indicating computing operations and state data within a multi-application network. As such, the application data unit 1528 may store any information and / or data associated with an application. The application data unit 1528 may further store various pieces of information and / or data associated with the operation of an application and / or computing system 1500, such as status of computing resources (e.g., processing power, memory’ availability’, resource utilization, and / or the like), runtime information, user interfaces, modules to direct execution of operations described herein, user permissions, security credentials, and / or the like.

[0065] The API unit 1530 may facilitate deployment, storage, access, execution, and / or utilization of information associated with APIs of the computing system 1500 and / or any other computing system. For example, the computing system 1500 may include one or more APIs for various devices, applications, units, subunits, elements, and / or other computing systems to communicate with each other and / or utilize the same data. Accordingly, the API unit 1530 may include API databases containing information that may be accessed and / or utilized by applications, units, subunits, elements, and / or operating systems of other devices and / or computing systems. In some embodiments, each API database may be associated with a customized physical circuit included in memory unit 1504 and / or API unit 1530. Additionally, each API database may be public and / or private, and so authentication credentials may be required to access information in an API database. In some embodiments, the API unit 1530 may enable a cloud server and an endpoint device to communicate with each other. It is appreciated that the API unit 1530 may facilitate accessing, using a data engine 1538, one or more applications or sen ices on the cloud server and / or network systems.

[0066] The content storage unit 1532 may facilitate deployment, storage, access, and / or utilization of information associated with performance of implementing operations associated with a multi-application network and / or framework processes by the computing system 1500 and / or any other computing system and / or framework processes by computing system 1500 and / or any other computing system. In some embodiments, content storage unit 1532 may communicate with content management unit 1512 to receive and / or transmit content files (e.g., media content, digital request data object content, command content, input content, registration object content, etc.).

[0067] The cache storage unit 1540 may facilitate short-term deployment, storage, access, analysis, and / or utilization of data. In some embodiments, cache storage unit 1540 may serve as a short-term storage location for data so that the data stored in the cache storage unit 1540 may be accessed quickly. In some instances, the cache storage unit 1540 may include RAM devices and / or other storage media types for quick recall of stored data. The cache storage unit 1 40 may include a partitioned portion of storage media included in the memoryunit 1504.

[0068] The I / O unit 1506 may include hardware and / or software elements for the computing system 1500 to receive, transmit, and / or present information useful for performing the disclosed processes. For example, elements of the I / O unit 1506 may be used to receive input from a user of an endpoint device. The I / O unit 1506 may include subunits such as an I / O device 1542, an I / O calibration unit 1544, and / or driver 1546.

[0069] The I / O device 1542 may facilitate the receipt, transmission, processing, presentation, display, input, and / or output of information as a result of executed processes described herein. In some embodiments, the I / O device 1542 may include a plurality of I / O devices. In some embodiments, the I / O device 1542 may include a variety of elements that enable a user to interface w ith the computing system 1500. For example, the I / O device 1542 may include a keyboard, a touchscreen, a button, a sensor, a biometric scanner, a laser, a microphone, a camera, and / or another element for receiving and / or collecting input from a user. Additionally and / or alternatively, the I / O device 1542 may include a display, a screen, a sensor, a vibration mechanism, a light emitting diode (LED), a speaker, a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, and / or another element for presenting and / or otherwise outputting data to a user. In some embodiments, the I / O device 1542 may communicate with one or more elements of the processing unit and / or memory unit 1504 to execute operations associated with the disclosed techniques and systems.

[0070] The I / O calibration unit 1544 may facilitate the calibration of the I / O device 1542. For example, the I / O calibration unit 1544 may’ detect and / or determine one or more settings of the I / O device 1542, and then adjust and / or modify settings so that the I / O device 1542 may operate more efficiently. In some embodiments, the I / O calibration unit 1544 may use a driver 1546 (or multiple drivers) to calibrate the I / O device 1542. For example, the driver 1546 may include software that is to be installed by the I / O calibration unit 1 44 so that an element of the computing system 1500 (or an element of another computing system) may recognize and / or integrate with the I / O device 1542.

[0071] The communication unit 1508 may facilitate establishment, maintenance, monitoring, and / or termination of communications between the computing system 1500 and other computing systems, third party server systems, and / or the like (e.g., between a cloud server and an endpoint device and / or the network systems). The communication unit 1508 may also facilitate internal communications between various elements (e.g., units and / or subunits) of the computing system 1500. In some embodiments, the communication unit 1508 may include a network protocol unit 1548, an API gateway 1550, an encryption engine 1552, and / or a communication device 1554. The communication unit 1508 may include hardware and / or other software elements.

[0072] The network protocol unit 1548 may facilitate establishment, maintenance, and / or termination of a communication connection for the computing system 1500 by’ way of a network. For example, the network protocol unit 1548 may detect and / or define a communication protocol required by a particular netw ork and / or network type. Communication protocols used by the network protocol unit 1548 may include Wi-Fi protocols, Li-Fi protocols, cellular data network protocols, Bluetooth® protocols, WiMAX protocols, Ethernet protocols, power line communication (PLC) protocols, and / or the like. In some embodiments, facilitation of communication for the computing system 1500 may include transforming and / or translating data from being compatible with a first communication protocol to being compatible with a second communication protocol. In some embodiments, the network protocol unit 1548 may determine and / or monitor an amount of data traffic to consequently determine which particular network protocol is to be used for establishing a secure communication connection, transmitting data, and / or performing malware scanning operations and / or other processes described herein.

[0073] The API gateway' 1550 may allow other devices and / or computing systems to access the API unit 1530 of the memory unit 1504 associated with the computing system 1500. For example, an endpoint device may' access the API unit 1530 of the computing system 1500 via the API gateway 1550. In some embodiments, the API gateway 1550 may be required to validate user credentials associated with a user of an endpoint device prior to providing access to the API unit 1530 to a user. The API gateway 1550 may include instructions for the computing system 1500 to communicate with another computing device and / or between elements of the computing system 1500.

[0074] Additional tools used may include one or more pairs of pliers, one or more pairs of gloves, sanitization materials, one or more hair fastening implements, one or more trays, one or more sterilizing implements, body protection, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more pairs of pliers may include needle nose pliers, grounding pliers, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more pairs of gloves may include nitrile gloves, latex gloves, medical examination gloves, and / or the like. The sanitization materials may include sanitizing wipes, commercial cleaning solutions, products containing alcohol, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach, etc. The one or more hair fastening implements may include hair clips, headbands, hair ties, hair bonnets, towels, etc. The one or more sterilizing implements may include ultraviolet light sterilizers, autoclaves, boiling liquid, etc. The body protection may consist of a barrier between the client's body and one or more components of the welding system. In some embodiments, body protection may protect the client's body from sparks and heat from the welding system. In some embodiments, the body protection may be composed of leather. In some embodiments, the body protection may include components, such as earplugs, to dampen the noise of the welding system.

[0075] III. Installation Overview

[0076] Discuss with Client

[0077] Methods for installing the earring may include identifying the piercing in which the client would like the earring installed. The earring may be installed in any piercing, including, but not limited to, piercings in the ear, nose, brow, navel, etc. The age of the selected piercing may then be determined. In some embodiments, the piercing may have been healed for at least one year. Confirmation may be sought as to whether the client wants the earring to be welded or left un-welded. The appropriate size of earring may then be identified. In some embodiments, this is a combination of aesthetic request of the client as well as input from the welder as to what style of earring may fit too tightly.

[0078] Select the Product

[0079] In some embodiments, preparation may be made by setting out an earring tray with installation pliers, an alcohol pad pair, welding body protection, and the selected earring. In some embodiments, confirmation may be sought as to whether the client wants to add any charms to their earring. If the client requests charms, one or more selected charms and the requested earring may be selected to show the client side-by-side for approval on the piercing tray. In some embodiments, the earring may be assembled and the charms added. In some embodiments, earring charms will slide directly onto the earring and will not require a jump ring. In some embodiments, charms may require a jump ring to fit on the earring. In some embodiments, if charm selection requires welding, welding may be done at this point. Pliers may be used to hold the earring and, in some embodiments, one or more charms next to the client’s piercing to confirm that the client is happy with the style, length and other aspects of the earring.

[0080] Install the Earring

[0081] The welding system may be tinned up to an appropriate power level. The appropriate power level may be determined based on factors such as the type of metal being welded and the thickness of the metal being welded. In some embodiments, the welder will raise the power level of the welding system for thicker metal. In some embodiments, the welding system will have preset settings for different metal types, such as gold, sterling silver, gold-filled, platinum, etc. In some embodiments, the welder may test the power level of the welding system on the earring before installation. In some embodiments, the welder may start on a lower power setting and apply the welding system to a portion of the earring, gradually moving to a higher power setting until the metal melts to a degree and at a rate at which the welder is confident that a reasonably successful weld may be produced. The welder may put on a fresh pair of gloves, which in some embodiments may be nitrile gloves. The earring tray may be positioned at the client’s side of the welding station. In some embodiments, the client may use a clip or other hair-fastening implement to pull hair out of the way if needed. One or more alcohol pads may be used to clean off the client’s skin and piercing. The earring baggie may be opened and an additional alcohol pad to cleanse the earring. The earring may be opened widely and slid into the client’s piercing. In some embodiments, the earring may be opened with pliers. In some embodiments, the earring may be slid into the client's piercing from the back of the client’s ear. The welder may then ensure that the selected earring diameter is still appropriate. The appropriate earring diameter may be determined based on factors such as the thickness of the skin around the wearer's piercing, wearer comfort, aesthetic preferences, and / or the like. If the selected carring diameter is not still appropriate, the welder may show the client in the mirror and explain why, remove the earring, select the next size up, put the used earring back in the baggie, and send the used earring in with scrap. The aforementioned steps may be repeated with the larger earring until an appropriately sized earring has been inserted into the piercing. The welder may then close the earring tightly. In some embodiments, the ends of the earring must be touching.

[0082] If the client chooses not to have the earring welded, the earring should be extra tightly closed and the client may be shown the new earring in the mirror to confirm if they are happy with the installation.

[0083] If the client chooses to have the earring welded, the welder may place body protection over the client’s ear. The welder may hold the earring in grounding pliers with one hand, and use the other hand to "zap" or melt the cut in the earring shut using the welding system. In some embodiments, the welder will hit the seam on all sides regardless of how the weld looks after the first zap. Once firmly welded, the welder may run a gloved finger over the seam to make sure there are no sharp or irregular protrusions. If there are, the welder may weld again to meld the sharp or irregular protrusion. In some embodiments, the welder may then use pliers, fingers, and / or the like to straighten out the earring if it was warped during the opening and closing process. Body protection may then be removed. The body protection may be disposed of or saved for reuse. The client may be shown the new earring in the mirror to confirm if they are happy with the installation.

[0084] Exemplary Embodiment of Installation In some embodiments, the method of installing an earring comprising a hoop with an opening using a welding system may involve identifying on a piercing that has been healed for at least one year and selecting an appropriate size of earring based on comfort and aesthetic preference. The method may then involve enabling setting a first power level for the welding sy stem, enabling application of the welding system to a metal of an earring slid into a piercing and increasing the power level for the welding system until an appropriate intensity or speed is reached. The welder may then put on a pair of gloves, use a hair-fastening implement to pull hair away from the piercing, clean the skin and piercing, clean the earring, use pliers to open the earring, slide the earring into the piercing; evaluate the appropriate size of the earring based on comfort and aesthetic preference, use pliers to tightly close the earring, place body protection over the skin, and hold the earring with grounding pliers. The welding system may then be applied to the cut comprised in the earring, thereby closing the opening of the hoop comprised in the earring. The welder may then run a gloved finger over the seam to identify any sharp or irregular protrusions, apply the welding system to the seam until there are no further sharp or irregular protrusions, and straighten any warping of the earring.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An earring comprising: a hoop with a single cut, wherein a first portion of the hoop traverses a piercing, wherein a second portion of the hoop is on a first side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a third portion of the hoop is on a second side of the piercing substantially opposite die single cut, wherein a fourth portion of the hoop is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a fifth portion of the hoop is a point at which the hoop has a largest diameter, wherein the single cut is located posterior to the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is substantially uniform in diameter, wherein the hoop begins graduating in diameter approximately about the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the hoop begins graduating in diameter approximately about the third portion of the hoop that is on the side of the piercing substantially opposite the single cut, wherein the fifth portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter is located substantially opposite the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is welded to the fourth portion of the hoop that is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing to form a single substantially continuous hoop, and wherein an outer edge of the earring is substantially ovular.

2. The earring of claim 1, further having a width-to-length proportion of between approximately 0.85 and approximately 1.15, wherein, if positioned such that the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is located at a top of the hoop, a width of the earring is measured by a first distance between a left-most outer edge of the hoop and a right-most outer edge of the hoop, and wherein, if positioned such that the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is located at the top of the hoop, a length of the earring is measured by a second distance between a top-most outer edge of the hoop and a bottom-most outer edge of the hoop.

3. The earring of claim 1, further having a width-to-length proportion of less than approximately 0.85, wherein, if positioned such that the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is located at a top of the hoop, width of the earring is measured by a first distance between a left-most outer edge of the hoop and a right-most outer edge of the hoop, and wherein, if positioned such that the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is located at the top of the hoop, length of the earring is measured by a second distance between a top-most outer edge of the hoop and a bottom-most outer edge of the hoop.

4. An earring comprising: a hoop with a single cut, wherein a first portion of the hoop traverses a piercing, wherein a second portion of the hoop is on a first side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a third portion of the hoop is substantially anterior to the piercing, wherein a fourth portion of the hoop is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a fifth portion of the hoop is a point at which the hoop has a largest diameter, wherein the single cut is located posterior to the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is substantially uniform in diameter, wherein the hoop begins graduating in diameter approximately about the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the fifth portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter is located substantially opposite the single cut, wherein the third portion of the hoop that is substantially anterior to the piercing is studded with one or more beads, wherein one or more gemstones are secured, to the third portion of the hoop that is substantially anterior to the piercing, using the one or more beads, wherein the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is welded to the fourth portion of the hoop that is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing to form a single substantially continuous hoop, and wherein an outer edge of the earring is substantially ovular.

5. An earring comprising:a hoop with a single cut, wherein a first portion of the hoop traverses a piercing, wherein a second portion of the hoop is on a first side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a third portion of the hoop is on a second side of the piercing substantially opposite from the single cut and substantially abutting the first portion of the hoop that traverses a piercing, wherein a fourth portion of the hoop is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses die piercing, wherein a fifth portion of the hoop is a point at which die hoop has a largest diameter, wherein a sixth portion of the hoop is substantially anterior to the piercing, wherein the single cut is located posterior to the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is substantially uniform in diameter, wherein the hoop begins graduating in diameter approximately about the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the hoop has a substantially hollow groove along an interior of the hoop that begins at about the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing and through the third portion of the hoop that is on the second side of the piercing substantially opposite from the single cut and abuting die first portion of the hoop that traverses a piercing, wherein the hoop decreases in diameter from the fifth portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter to the third portion of the hoop that is on the second side of the piercing substantially opposite from the single cut and substantially abuting the first portion of the hoop that traverses a piercing, wherein the fifth portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter is located on the sixth portion of the hoop that is substantially anterior to the piercing, wherein the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is welded to the fourth portion of the hoop that is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing to form a single substantially continuous hoop, and wherein an outer edge of the earring is substantially ovular.

6. The earring of claim 5,wherein the hoop has irregular contours from approximately about the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing.

7. The earring of claim 5, further comprising: one or more holes, one or more rims surrounding the one or more holes, wherein the one or more rims surrounding one or more holes are smaller than one or more gemstones, wherein the one or more gemstones are set into the one or more holes surrounded by the one or more rims.

8. The earring of claim 7, wherein the one or more rims surrounding the one or more holes are raised.

9. The earring of claim 7, wherein the one or more rims surrounding the one or more holes are substantially flush with the contours of the hoop.

10. An earring comprising: a hoop with a single cut, wherein a first portion of the hoop is on a first side of the single cut, wherein a second portion of the hoop is on a second side of the single cut, wherein the single cut is located posterior to the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the hoop is substantially uniform in diameter, wherein the first portion of the hoop that is on the first side of the single cut is welded to the second portion of the hoop that is on the second side of the single cut to form a single substantially continuous hoop, and wherein an outer edge of the earring is substantially ovular.

11. An earring comprising: a chain with a first attachment point on a first end of the chain and a second attachment point on a second end of the chain, wherein a portion of the chain traverses a piercing, wherein an attachment ring is used to connect the first attachment point on the first end of the chain to the second attachment point on the second end of the chain, wherein the attachment ring used to connect the attachment points on either end of the chain to each other is welded substantially shut to form a single substantially continuous chain.

12. An earring comprising:a bar with a first attachment point on a first end of the bar and a second attachment point on a second end of the bar, and a chain with a first attachment point on a first end of the chain and a second attachment point on a second end of the chain, wherein a portion of the earring traverses a piercing, wherein an attachment ring is used to connect the first attachment point on the first end of the bar to the first attachment point on the first end of the chain, wherein an attachment ring is used to connect the second attachment point on the second end of the bar to the second attachment point on the second end of the chain, wherein the attachment ring used to connect the first attachment point on the first end of the bar to the first attachment point on the first end of the chain and the attachment ring used to connect the second attachment point on the second end of the bar to the second attachment point on the second end of the chain are welded substantially shut to form a single substantially continuous loop.

13. The earring of claim 12, wherein the bar is substantially straight.

14. The earring of claim 13, wherein the portion of the earring that traverses the piercing is on the chain.

15. The earring of claim 12, wherein the bar is curved.

16. The earring of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the carring that traverses the piercing is on the chain.

17. The earring of claim 15, wherein the portion of the earring that traverses the piercing is on the bar.

18. A method of installing an earring comprising a hoop with an opening, using a welding system, the method comprising: enabling setting a first power level for tire welding system, wherein a power level for the welding system is increased until an appropriate intensity or speed is reached, enabling appl ication of the welding system to a seam comprised in the earring, thereby closing the opening of the hoop comprised in the earring, wherein the carring comprises: the hoop with a single cut, wherein a first portion of the hoop traverses a piercing, wherein a second portion of the hoop is on a first side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing,wherein a third portion of the hoop is on a second side of the piercing substantially opposite the single cut, wherein a fourth portion of the hoop is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein a fifth portion of the hoop is a point at which the hoop has a largest diameter, wherein the single cut is located posterior to the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is substantially uniform in diameter, wherein the hoop begins graduating in diameter approximately about the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the hoop begins graduating in diameter approximately about the third portion of the hoop that is on the side of the piercing substantially opposite the single cut, wherein the fifth portion of the hoop that has the largest diameter is located substantially opposite the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing, wherein the second portion of the hoop that is on the side of the single cut substantially opposite from the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is welded to the fourth portion of the hoop that is between the single cut and the first portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing to form a single substantially continuous hoop, and wherein an outer edge of the earring is substantially ovular.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the earring and the piercing are cleaned before installing the earring.

20. An earring comprising: a hoop comprising: a single cut; a first end; a second end on a side of the single cut opposite from the first end; a portion of the hoop configured to traverse a piercing; and a portion of the hoop having a largest diameter of the hoop and located opposite of the portion of the hoop traversing the piercing, wherein die first end and die second end are configured to be w elded together to permanently atach the earring to a piercing of a wearer,wherein the earring does not require a hinge, a screw, or a clasp to attach the earring to the piercing of the wearer, wherein the earring has a width-to-length proportion ranging between about 0.85 and about1.15, wherein a diameter of the earring is largest at an end connecting to the portion of the hoop configured to traverse the piercing, and wherein the diameter of the earring is smallest at the portion of the hoop configured to traverse the piercing.

21. An earring comprising: a hoop comprising: a single cut; a first end; a second end on a side of the single cut opposite from the first end; a portion of the hoop configured to traverse a piercing; and a portion of the hoop having a largest diameter of the hoop and located opposite of the portion of the hoop traversing the piercing, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be welded together to permanently attach the earring to a piercing of a wearer.

22. The earring according to claim 21, wherein wherein the portion of the hoop that traverses the piercing is substantially uniform in diameter.

23. The earring according to claim 21, wherein the earring does not require a hinge, a screw, or a clasp to attach the earring to the piercing of the wearer.

24. The earring according to claim 21 , wherein the earring is made from a metal comprising a gold, a yellow gold, a white gold, a 14-Karat yellow gold, a 14-Karat white gold, a silver, a steel, a stainless steel, a platinum, a palladium, a titanium, a tungsten, a niobium, and alloys thereof.

25. The earring according to claim 21, wherein the earring has a substantially oblong shape.

26. The earring according to claim 21, wherein the earring has a substantially circular shape.

27. The earring according to claim 21, wherein the earring has a substantially ovular shape.

28. The carring according to claim 21, further comprising: a studded region located between the first end and the second end, the studded region comprising a plurality of prongs and a plurality of gemstones.

29. The earring according to claim 21, further comprising a hollowed out groove running along at least a portion of an interior side of the earring.

30. The earring according to claim 21,wherein a diameter of the earring is largest at an end connecting to the portion of the hoop configured to traverse the piercing, wherein the diameter of the earring is smallest at the portion of the hoop configured to traverse the piercing.

31. The earring according to claim 21 , wherein a diameter of the earring graduates from a smallest diameter to a largest diameter.

32. The earring according to claim 21 , wherein the earring has a width -to-length proportion of less than about 0.85.

33. The earring according to claim 21, wherein the earring has a width -to-length proportion ranging between about 0.85 and about 1.15.

34. The earring according to claim 21, wherein the earring has a width-to-length proportion of greater than about 1.15.

35. The earring according to claim 21, wherein the hoop comprises an 8 mm graduating hoop, a 9 mm graduating hoop, a 10 mm graduating hoop, an 11 mm graduating hoop, a 12 mm graduating hoop, an 8 mm graduating oblong hoop, a 9 mm graduating oblong hoop, a 10 mm graduating oblong hoop, an 11 mm graduating oblong hoop, a 12 mm graduating oblong hoop, a standard chunky graduating hoop, a chunky graduating hoop with one or more gemstone hearts, a chunky graduating hoop with one or more gemstone diamonds, an organic chunky graduating hoop, and a graduating pave hoop.

36. The earring according to claim 21, further comprising at least one of a curved bar, a bar, and a chain.

37. The earring according to claim 21, further comprising one or more holes and one or more gemstones, wherein each hole is configured to securely fit one gemstone.

38. A method of installing an earring to a piercing, the method comprising: welding, with a welder, a seam to connect a first end of the earring to a second end of the earring, thereby permanently installing the earring to the piercing, wherein the earring comprises: a hoop comprising: a single cut; a first end; a second end on a side of the single cut opposite from the first end; a portion of the hoop configured to traverse a piercing; and a portion of the hoop having a largest diameter of the hoop and located opposite of the portion of the hoop traversing the piercing, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be welded together to permanently attach the earring to a piercing of a wearer.

39. The method according to claim 38, further comprising:setting a power level for the welder, prior to welding the seam, based whichever metal the earring is made from.

40. The method according to claim 38, further comprising: bending the first end and the second end out of plane; fitting the earring through the piercing; and bending the first end and the second end in plane.

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