Invisible Gemstone Mounting Deformation for Stone Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invisible settings for diamonds and other precious stones face issues with stones falling out due to changes in the setting's shape over time, requiring skilled labor and time for setting and re-setting, and are limited to hard stones in gold mountings, with softer stones or metals leading to breakage or falling off.
Innovation Solution
A separate mounting system is introduced that holds grooved gemstones, allowing for deformation to lock into the setting, eliminating the need for protrusions within the setting and accommodating various materials, including softer stones and metals, by using a holding configuration that distorts to secure the gemstone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional invisible mounting is used where the setting fits into a groove in the stone, then the mounting becomes invisible, but the stone is easily able to fall out when the setting changes shape over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the mounting system into two separate components: a setting and a separate mounting piece. The setting remains fixed in the jewelry item while the separate mounting piece holds the stone and can independently deform to maintain grip. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the setting provides structural support while the mounting piece provides secure stone retention through deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate mounting piece acts as an intermediary between the setting and the stone. It receives the stone with a groove, allows deformation to lock the stone securely, and then transmits the stone to the setting for final positioning. This intermediary component solves the problem by providing a deformation mechanism that isn't constrained by the setting's structural requirements.
2Reliability
If the setting is made tight to prevent stone from falling out, then stone retention is improved, but setting a single stone takes in excess of twenty minutes requiring skilled labor
Solution Approach 1:
The separate mounting piece is pre-formed with a groove and deformation capability before the stone setting process. This preliminary preparation allows the stone to be quickly secured through a simple deformation action rather than requiring time-consuming skilled manual work to create a tight fit. The deformation mechanism is built into the mounting piece in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting piece deforms itself under the stone's weight or through simple tool application to lock the stone securely. This self-deforming mechanism eliminates the need for skilled labor to manually adjust and tighten the setting, dramatically reducing the time required from over twenty minutes to a much faster process.
3Strength
If harder metals are used in the setting, then structural strength is improved, but softer stones break during setting
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the setting from the stone-holding function, the invention allows the setting to be made of hard metal for structural strength while the separate mounting piece, which contacts the stone, can be made of softer material that deforms without breaking the stone. The segmentation isolates the stone-contact function from the structural support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the system: the setting uses hard metal for overall structural strength, while the separate mounting piece uses softer material specifically at the stone-contact region to prevent breakage. This local differentiation of material quality allows both hard stones and soft stones to be securely mounted without breakage.
4Ease of operation
If softer metals are used in the setting, then ease of deformation is improved, but the metal readily distorts and stones fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The separate mounting piece is designed to be the component that deforms, not the setting. This segmentation allows the mounting piece to be made of softer, more deformable material while the setting remains structurally stable. The deformation is localized to the mounting piece which is specifically designed for this function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting piece is designed with dynamic deformation capability - it deforms under load to lock the stone securely, then maintains that deformed shape to provide ongoing retention. This dynamic behavior is built into the mounting piece's structure and material selection, allowing easy initial deformation followed by stable stone retention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures secure and long-lasting invisible settings for gemstones, allowing for the use of flawed or weaker materials and softer metals, reducing the time and labor required for setting and re-setting, while maintaining the aesthetic of an invisible mounting.
Implementation Method 1
The holding configuration may be designed to undergo distortion when fitting into the setting, the distortion lockingly holding the respective mounting to the setting.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting holds a grooved gemstone invisibly to a setting. One end of the mounting has arms or extensions to receive the gemstone and protrusions extending inwardly from the arms to fit in the grooves of the gemstone, the mounting further comprising a holding configuration for holding the mounting to the setting. Insertion of the mounting into the setting may in one version distort the holding configuration and levers the arms to press harder into the groove.