Amorphous Alloy Base for Invisible Gemstone Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current invisible setting methods for gemstones are limited by stone geometry, require manual intervention, and can result in scratches, cracks, and aesthetic disruptions, with existing galvanic methods compromising the precious nature of stones.
Innovation Solution
An industrial manufacturing method using a partially amorphous alloy as a single base to attach stones by their culet or crown, with undercuts forming hooks for secure fixation, allowing for precise, cost-effective, and aesthetically flexible stone mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional invisible setting methods (milling, casting, clipping, screwing) are used, then stones can be set, but the nature, geometries and dimensions of the stones are limited and scratches, cuts and cracks occur during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical setting methods (milling, clipping, screwing) with a chemical bonding approach using resin material. The resin is injected into cavities formed in the stone settings and culets, creating a chemical bond that secures the stones without mechanical contact that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces resin material as an intermediary substance between the stone settings and culets. This resin acts as a bonding medium that chemically adheres both surfaces together, eliminating the need for direct mechanical interaction that could harm the precious stones.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention by a setter is used during setting operation, then stones can be set with human skill, but the risk of loss, scratching, cracking or cutting of the stones is permanent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the setting process to be largely automated through resin injection. The resin material self-bonds to the stone surfaces through chemical adhesion, reducing the need for manual manipulation by skilled setters and thereby minimizing the risk of human-caused damage to the stones.
3Ease of manufacture
If galvanic route method is used for invisible setting, then stones can be set, but the deposited conductive layer disrupts the aesthetic effect and makes the object less precious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the galvanic (electrochemical) deposition process with a resin injection and chemical bonding method. This substitution eliminates the need for conductive layer deposition that disrupts the stone's natural appearance, while still achieving secure stone setting through chemical adhesion.
4Productivity
If traditional setting methods are used, then stones can be mounted, but precision and homogeneity of mounting are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical to chemical, using resin material that can flow into and uniformly fill the cavities between stones and culets. This chemical bonding approach enables more homogeneous and precise mounting by allowing the resin to adapt to the exact geometry of each interface through injection and chemical adhesion.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a decorative piece comprising a plurality of stones and a device for fixing the stones relative to each other, the fixing device comprises a single base made of a first material which makes it possible to attach all the stones relative to each other by one of their faces, the kites of stones are mounted edge to edge relative to each other so that said single base is masked, characterised in that the first material is an at least partially amorphous alloy.The invention likewise relates to the method for manufacturing such a piece.The invention relates to the field of jewellery, gemstone articles or timepieces.