U.S. patent application number 10/282917 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-08 for jewelry ring.
This patent application is currently assigned to HERMES SELLIER. Invention is credited to Hardy, Pierre.
Application Number | 20040003626 10/282917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29712746 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040003626 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hardy, Pierre |
January 8, 2004 |
Jewelry ring
Abstract
A ring is provided and includes a first ring element; a second
ring element; and a third ring element having an opening that
receives the first and second ring elements therethrough such that
the first and second ring elements pivot about the third ring
element. In another aspect, each of the first, second, and third
ring elements is rotatable relative to the others. In one exemplary
embodiment, each of the first, second and third ring elements
comprises a toroidal member.
Inventors: |
Hardy, Pierre; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P. O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-5257
US
|
Assignee: |
HERMES SELLIER
|
Family ID: |
29712746 |
Appl. No.: |
10/282917 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 9/0015
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/15 |
International
Class: |
A44C 009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 8, 2002 |
WO |
DM/061205 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A ring comprising: a first ring element; a second ring element;
and a third ring element having an opening that receives the first
and second ring elements therethrough such that the first and
second ring elements pivot about the third ring element, and each
of the first, second, and third ring elements being rotatable
relative to one other.
2. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first and second ring elements
pivot between an open position and a closed position in which the
first and second ring elements are adjacent one another and
openings formed in the first and second ring elements are
aligned.
3. The ring of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second and third
ring elements has a toroidal shape.
4. The ring of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second ring elements has a first ring setting for carrying a
decorative item.
5. The ring of claim 4, wherein the decorative item comprises a
gemstone.
6. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first ring element includes a
first ring setting for carrying a first decorative item and the
second ring element includes a second setting for carrying a second
decorative item.
7. The ring of claim 6, wherein the first and second decorative
items are selected from the group consisting of a gemstone and a
pearl.
8. A ring comprising: a first toroidal member; a second toroidal
member; and a third toroidal member having an opening that receives
a section of the first and second toroidal members therethrough
such that the first and second toroidal members pivot about the
third toroidal member from an open position to a closed position in
which the first and second toroidal members are adjacent one
another, and wherein each of the first, second, and third toroidal
members is rotatable relative to one another.
9. The ring of claim 8, wherein the third toroidal member is
disposed in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a plane
containing the first toroidal member and a plane containing the
second toroidal member.
10. The ring of claim 9, wherein in the closed position, the plane
containing the first toroidal member is substantially parallel to
the plane containing the second toroidal member.
11. The ring of claim 8, wherein the third toroidal member is
disposed in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a plane
containing each of the first and second toroidal members in an open
position.
12. The ring of claim 8, wherein an inner diameter of the third
toroidal member is slightly greater than a sum of the outer
diameters of the first and second toroidal members.
13. The ring of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first and
second toroidal members has a first ring setting for carrying a
decorative item.
14. The ring of claim 8, wherein the decorative item comprises one
of a gemstone and a pearl.
15. The ring of claim 8, wherein the first toroidal member includes
a first ring setting for carrying a first decorative item and the
second toroidal member includes a second setting for carrying a
second decorative item.
16. The ring of claim 15, wherein the fist and second toroidal
members are selected from the group consisting of a gemstone and a
pearl.
17. The ring of claim 8, wherein the first toroidal member includes
at least two settings that each carry one decorative item and the
second toroidal member includes at least two setting that each
carry one decorative item, whereby rotation of at least one of the
first and second toroidal members alters the visual appearance of
the ring since relative positions of the decorative items are
changed.
18. The ring of claim 8, wherein the third toroidal member is free
to travel along a circumferential length of the first and second
toroidal members while the first and second toroidal members are
received through the opening formed in the third toroidal
member.
19. The ring of claim 8, wherein inner and outer diameters of the
first and second toroidal members are the same.
20. The ring of claim 8, wherein the first toroidal member carries
at least one gemstone of a first type and the second toroidal
member carries at least one gemstone of a second type that is
different from the first type.
21. A ring comprising: a first ring element; a second ring element;
and a third ring element having an opening that receives the first
and second ring elements therethrough such that the first and
second ring elements pivot about the third ring element, and each
of the first, second, and third ring elements being rotatable and a
relative position of the third ring element compared to each of the
first and second ring elements is adjustable such that the third
ring element can move along a substantial circumferential length of
each of the first and second ring elements.
22. The ring according to claim 21, wherein the third ring element
has an inner diameter that is slightly greater than a sum of the
outer diameters of the first and second elements.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention concerns jewelry and more particularly, a
ring having a pair of ring members that are joined together such
that the two ring members are pivotable and rotatable relative to
one another, while maintaining a unitary appearance.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Finger rings have long been worn by both men and women as
decorative jewelry. The decorative nature of a ring is very broad
and rings can be designed in all types of shapes, styles, and
sizes. For example, the ring can have a simple style in that it
only includes a smooth polished surface or the ring can carry a
gemstone (e.g., diamond, ruby or other precious stone) or the like
(e.g., a pearl). In addition, either the outer and/or inner
surfaces of the ring can include an engraving or have some type of
other decorative indicia formed thereon.
[0003] The prior art contains a number of different types of hinged
rings that include at least two portions that are connected by a
hinge at a point along the ring. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,682,768 to Nissenbaum discloses a jewelry ring with hinged ring
segments. The main center ring is split into ornamental halves and
one or more ring segments are hingedly connected to the ring
halves. A wearer can thus selectively rotate the ring segment so
that it is adjacent to either of the ring halves of the main ring
to provide the wearer with a variety of visual appearances.
Unfortunately, the hinge mechanism in this particular patent does
not have aesthetic qualities and is susceptible to damage or
failure since it is a mechanical part.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,241 discloses another hinged finger
ring. This ring also includes at least two members that are
connected together at a point by a hinge. Diametrically opposite
the hinge point, the first member has a clasp hingably connected
thereto and diametrically opposite the hinge point, the second
member has a catch. In a closed position, the clasp engages with
the catch to form a finger ring having a unitary appearance. Once
again, this type of ring uses a mechanical hinge and is rather
unsightly due to the presence of a clasp, etc.
[0005] While the prior art includes a number of different types of
hinged rings, they all function in essentially the same manner and
the various parts of each move in a set manner to permit the rings
to pivot open and shut.
SUMMARY
[0006] A versatile ring is provided and according to one embodiment
includes a first toroidal member, a second toroidal member, and a
third toroidal member having an opening that receives a section of
the first and second toroidal members therethrough. The first and
second toroidal members pivot about the third toroidal member from
an open position to a closed position in which the first and second
toroidal members are adjacent one another. In this closed position,
the first and second toroidal members are fitted onto a wearer's
finger (e.g., the ring finger).
[0007] In another aspect, each of the first, second, and third
toroidal members is rotatable relative to other members, even when
the first and second toroidal members are in the closed position.
The ability to rotate the first and second toroidal members permits
the wearer to easily change the visual appearance of the ring. For
example, at least one of and preferably both of the first and
second toroidal members includes at least one setting for carrying
a gemstone or the like. When each of the first and second toroidal
members carries a gemstone or the like, the relative positions of
the gemstones can be altered by moving one of the first and second
toroidal members. Accordingly, the wearer can decide to position
the gemstones near each other or the wearer can decide to position
the gemstones in different positions where they are spaced apart
from one another by simply rotating one of the first and second
toroidal members relative to the other one.
[0008] The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the
present device will become apparent from the following description
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference numerals designate the same elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a ring according to a first
embodiment and shown being worn on a finger;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the ring of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 1 in
a closed position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 1 in
an open position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a ring according to a
second embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 5 in
a closed position;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 5 in
an open position;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a ring according to a
third embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 8 in
a closed position;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 8 in
an open position;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the ring of FIG. 8 on a
hand with one of the ring elements being manipulated to an
alternative position; and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the ring of FIG. 8 on
the hand after one of the ring elements has been manipulated to the
alternative position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a ring 100 according to a first
embodiment is illustrated. While it is intended for the ring 100 to
be of the type that can be worn on a finger, it will also be
understood that ring 100 can be worn also on a toe. The ring 100
includes a first ring element 110 and a second ring element 120. In
one exemplary embodiment, both the first and second ring elements
110, 120 are toroidal shaped members with each member having an
outer surface 122 and an inner surface 124. While the first and
second ring elements 110, 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 are of the same
or substantially the same size, the first and second ring elements
110, 120 can be of different sizes. The first and second ring
elements 110, 120 can be formed of any number of materials that are
typically used to form finger rings and other jewelry. For example,
the first and second ring elements 110, 120 can be formed of a
metal and preferably each is formed of a precious metal, such as
silver, gold, platinum, etc.
[0022] The first and second ring elements 110, 120 are coupled to
one another by a third ring element 130. The third ring element 130
is of such a construction that it not only securely links the first
and second ring elements 110, 120 but also permits the first and
second ring elements 110, 120 to pivot relative to one another and
further permits rotation of the first and second ring elements 110,
120 relative to one another.
[0023] According to one embodiment, the third ring element 130 is
also a toroidal shaped member having an outer surface 132 and an
inner surface 134. The third ring element 130 can be formed of the
same material as the first and second ring elements 110, 120 or it
can be formed of a different material.
[0024] The inner diameter of the third ring element 130 is slightly
greater than the sum of the outer diameters of the first and second
ring elements 110, 120 so that the first and second ring elements
110, 120 can be received within the inner opening defined by the
third ring element 130. However, the fit of the first and second
ring elements 110, 120 within the third ring element 130 is not an
extreme frictional fit since the third ring element 130 and the
first and second ring elements 110, 120 should be free to move
relative to one another. For example, if the first and second ring
elements 110, 120 are held stationary, the third ring element 130
can move freely circumferentially around the first and second ring
elements 110, 120 as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 in which the
third ring element 130 is shown in a first position in FIG. 2 and
in a second different position in FIG. 4, thereby illustrating the
ability of the third ring element 130 to freely move along the
first and second ring elements 110, 120.
[0025] It will also be appreciated that not only does the third
ring element 130 permit movement of the first and second ring
elements 110, 120 relative to one another, but it also permits the
first and second ring elements 110, 120 to pivot relative to one
another. In FIG. 4, the first and second ring elements 110, 120 are
illustrated in an open position and in FIGS. 1-3, the first and
second ring elements 110, 120 are illustrated in a closed position.
Because the first and second ring elements 110, 120 do not occupy
the entire area that defines the opening of the third ring element
130, each of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 is able to
move in a pivoting manner. This is in part due to the complementary
shapes (e.g., arcuate surfaces) of the sections of the first and
second ring elements 110, 120 that are received within the third
ring element 130.
[0026] It will further be appreciated that the third ring element
130 can move along sections of the first and second ring elements
110, 120 when these elements 110, 120 are in the closed position.
More specifically, the third ring element 130 can move along a
substantial circumferential length of each of the first and second
ring elements 110, 120 when the two are in the closed position. It
will be understood that the settings 140 restrict movement of the
third ring element 130 along the first and second ring elements
110, 120.
[0027] The pivoting action of the first and second ring elements
110, 120 is intended to permit the ring to be positioned between an
open position (FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIG. 3). It is
intended that ring 100 be worn on a single extremity (e.g., a
finger or even a toe if constructed for such use) in the closed
position with the first and second ring elements 110, 120 being
adjacent and in contact with one another. The wearer can therefore
pivot the first and second ring elements 110, 120 to the closed
position prior to inserting a finger through the openings of the
first and second ring elements 110, 120. The ring 100 can also be
placed on a finger by first inserting the finger through one of the
first and second ring elements 110, 120 and then placing this ring
element near the finger tip, while the other of the first and
second ring elements 110, 120 is pivoted so that the finger tip is
received through the opening formed in this finger element. After
the finger extends through both ring elements 110, 120, the ring
100 can then be positioned in a desired location on the wearer's
finger.
[0028] According to one exemplary embodiment, the first and second
ring elements 110, 120 each includes a setting 140 for securely
holding a precious stone (e.g., gemstone) or the like (e.g., a
pearl), generally indicated at 200. However, it will also be
appreciated that only one of the first and second ring elements
110, 120 can include a setting to securely hold a stone or the
like.
[0029] Currently, jewelry settings, such as the setting 140 are
available in many different types and styles. Among the different
sets or settings available are prong sets, bead sets, bezel sets,
channel sets, pave settings, and invisible sets. These can be used
alone or in combination with each other. Each of these settings has
different advantages and the selection of which setting to use
depends upon a number of factors, including the type of ring being
used and the type and size of the stone or the like which is to be
set.
[0030] Currently, prong setting involves securing a stone between
two to six wires (prongs), that extend up from a base that is
usually the shape of the stone. The prongs are notched to follow
the same profile as the stone, so that when the prongs are closed
onto the stone, the notched profile forms around the girdle of the
stone. The strength of the prong depends on the type of metal, how
the metal was heated, how the prong was formed, how the metal was
attached to the design, and how much of a notch was cut. This
process is typically only used with heat resistant stones, such as
diamonds, rubies, or sapphires that are of sufficient quality so as
not to be susceptible to heat expansion stress.
[0031] A second type of setting is a bead setting that involves
setting a stone into a piece of metal just below the surface by
drilling a hole into the metal with a specialized burr that will
allow the stone to sit on a seat, so that the table of the stone
can be positioned just below the surface. The stone is then secured
to the metal by raising a small bead of metal with a steel graver
or similar tool, immediately next to the stone until the bead
contacts the stone, holding it in the seat.
[0032] A third setting called pave setting uses the same process as
bead setting, except that the stones are set in a broader area, as
opposed to traditional bead settings which usually follow a
straight line or involve just a single stone. Both bead and pave
settings often involve stones of 2.5 mm or less. This setting is
very secure. However, the beads still do wear down and can
sometimes snag clothing. Also, the stone is essentially buried into
the metal, causing 50-60% of the stone to be hidden.
[0033] A fourth type of setting is a bezel setting, which is
essentially the same as a prong setting, except that the entire
perimeter of the stone is covered with a thin ribbon of metal. The
bezel is usually a tapered or straight solid tube of an appropriate
diameter so as to be able to have a seat burred into it, so that
the stone will sit on it with enough left to be pushed, hammered,
or otherwise lowered onto the stone to hold it in the bezel. Bezel
settings have a smooth edge all around the stone that will not
snag, and are very secure. However, this setting technique covers
approximately 2/3 of the stone.
[0034] A fifth type of setting is a channel setting. Channel
setting involves setting a stone in a channel between opposing
channel walls. A small seat is cut in each channel wall so that the
corresponding size stone will sit between the walls, suspended
above the base of the channel. The walls are then hammered onto the
edge of the stone until the stone is secure. This type of setting
most often involves stones of 2.5 mm or less.
[0035] A sixth type of setting for stones is an invisible setting
which describes a technique used to set a number of stones together
in rows or patterns, so that there is no perceptible means of
support. The stones have a very small groove, just under the
girdle, on the pavilion. The groove is small enough so as not to be
visible from the top, but large enough to accept a thin piece of
metal. The stones are grouped together into the particular pattern
on top of a lattice form that will accommodate each stone. The
metal is then pushed into the grooves of each stone from the back
of the lattice, securing the stones to the lattice form.
[0036] Currently, the shape or cut of the stone will determine, in
part, how it is to be set. Most shapes can be set in prongs or
bezels, while only rounds and squares can be channel set, only
rounds can be bead or pave set, and only squares can be invisibly
set. These setting methods are generally used for faceted
stones.
[0037] Beads and pearls are set using different setting methods
than those described above since these members usually are set by
first drilling a hole into or through the members. The beads or
pearls can then be glued to a post that is attached to a base.
Another setting method is to drill a hole through the stone, and
pass a wire or cord through the hole, twisting the ends of the wire
together and attaching the resulting loop of wire to a jewelry
piece, such as a ring. A third method currently used to set these
types of stones is to make a cap that covers one end of the
briolette, and then attach the cap to a base using an adhesive.
[0038] It will be understood that the aforementioned setting
techniques are merely exemplary in nature and each of these types
of settings can be incorporated into the ring 100 of the present
application or the ring 100 can be of a simpler design and not
include a stone or the like secured in a setting.
[0039] Advantageously, the third ring element 130 permits the first
and second ring elements 110, 120 to rotate relative to one another
and therefore the position of the settings 140, and more
importantly, the stones 200 or the like that are secured in the
settings 140, can be rotated relative to one another. This permits
the visual appearance of the ring 100 to be altered by the
wearer.
[0040] For example and as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-4, a first pearl 200 is secured by setting 140 of the first ring
element 110 and a second pearl 200 is secured in the setting 140 of
the second ring element 120. As illustrated, the sizes of the two
pearls 200 can be different (see FIG. 1) or in another embodiment,
the two pearls 200 can have the same size. The pearls 200 can be
secured using the traditional technique described above in which a
post is inserted into the pearl 200 to retain the pearl 200. In the
illustrated embodiment, the larger of the pearls 200 can be thought
of as the center or main pearl, while the other smaller one is a
secondary or side pearl.
[0041] Because the first, second, and third ring elements 110, 120,
130 are rotatable relative to one another, the visual appearance of
the ring 100 can be changed since the individual components can be
placed in different positions, thereby altering the visual
appearance of the ring 100. For example, the main pearl 200 can be
positioned in the 12 o'clock position and then the other secondary,
side pearl 200 can be adjusted relative to the main pearl 200. For
example, the side pearl 200 can be positioned close to the main
pearl 200 or it can be placed in other locations where it is spaced
from the main pearl 200 (e.g., a 9 o'clock-11 o'clock position or a
1 o'clock-3 o'clock position).
[0042] It will also be appreciated that the wearer can position the
secondary, side pearl 200 at the 12 o'clock position, while the
larger, main pearl 200 can be positioned at other locations spaced
therefrom. Further, neither the main pearl 200 nor the secondary
pearl 200 has to be positioned at a 12 o'clock position but instead
both can be positioned at other locations offset from the 12
o'clock position.
[0043] Accordingly, the arrangement of the first, second and third
ring elements 110, 120, 130 provides a versatile ring 100 that can
be easily adjusted in a number of different ways to offer different
visual appearances to reflect the individual taste of the wearer at
the moment.
[0044] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate another embodiment in which the ring
100 has different types of gemstones set within settings 140. For
example, the setting 140 of the first ring element 110 can be of a
prong type for carrying a gemstone 400 (e.g., a sapphire stone) and
the setting 140 of the second ring element 120 can be of the same
type or of a different type for carrying a gemstone 200 that is of
the same or a different type compared to the gemstone 200 of the
first ring element 110.
[0045] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another embodiment in which a ring 300
is provided. Ring 300 is similar to ring 100 in that it includes
the first, second, and third ring elements 110, 120, and 130;
however, in this embodiment, there are multiple settings on each of
the first and second ring elements 110, 120. More specifically, the
first ring element 110 includes a first setting 310, which
according to one embodiment is worn in the 12 o'clock position. The
second ring element 120 includes a second setting 320 and a third
setting 330 spaced therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the
second and third settings 320, 330 are positioned less than about
180.degree. from one another (e.g., 120.degree. apart).
[0046] Each of the settings 310, 320, 330 carries a stone or other
decorative item 400, 500. Once again, the settings 310, 320, 330
can be any of the various types of settings that were mentioned
hereinbefore and the stones 400, 500 can be the same or different.
For example, the first setting 310 can carry a first type of stone
400 (e.g., a diamond), while the second and third settings 320, 330
can carry a second type of stone 500 (e.g., a sapphire stone).
Alternatively, all of the settings 310, 320, 330 can carry the same
type of stones. Moreover, the stone 400 in the first settings 310
can be of the same type as one of the stones 500 in either the
second or third settings 320, 330.
[0047] In one exemplary embodiment that is illustrated in FIGS.
8-12, the second and third settings 320, 330 are actually a setting
that includes a number of smaller stones 500. For example, one or
both of the second and third settings 320, 330 can be of a channel
setting type in that one or more sections of the second ring
element 120 are removed to form a trench therein. One or more
stones 500 are then laid into the trench and then held in place
using conventional techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, the
second setting 320 is a first trench type setting and the third
setting 330 is a second trench type setting. As is known, the
trench is formed in the outer surface 122 of the second ring
element 120 along a length thereof. On the opposite inner surface
124 of the second ring element 120, a number of windows 350 are
formed therealong such that the windows 350 open into the trench.
The purpose of the windows 350 is to permit light to pass into the
trench underneath the stones 500 so as to illuminate the stones 500
for a more prominent and spectacular display.
[0048] In the exemplary embodiment, each of the channel settings
320, 330 includes a plurality of stones 500 laid therein.
Typically, all of the stones 500 in one setting 320, 330 will be
all of the same type; however, it will be understood that within a
single setting 320, 330, there can be a number of different stones
laid therein. Further, it will be appreciated that the stones 500
in the second setting 320 can be different from the stones 500 in
the third setting 330.
[0049] In this embodiment, the use of multiple settings and stones
provides the ring 300 with a number of different visual
appearances. More specifically, in one embodiment, the second ring
element 120 is rotated relative to the first ring element 110 such
that one of the channel settings 320, 330 is disposed proximate or
adjacent to the first setting 310. When one of the channel settings
320, 330 is in this position proximate to the first setting 310
(e.g., the 12 o'clock position), the other of the channel settings
320, 330 is generally in the 5 o'clock position, as best shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10. This provides the wearer with one type of visual
ring appearance since the channel setting 320, 330 near the first
setting 310 likely includes different type(s) of stones than the
one that forms a part of the first setting 310.
[0050] If the wearer wishes to alter the visual appearance of the
ring 300, the wearer simply rotates one of the ring elements 310,
320 relative to the other one and this will change the locations of
the stones 400, 500 relative to one another, as generally
illustrated in FIGS. 11-12. For example, the wearer can rotate the
second ring element 320 so that the second and third settings 320,
330 switch their relative positions. This offers a different visual
appearance of the ring since the stone 400 of the first setting 310
is now adjacent or in close proximity to the stones 500 contained
in the other setting 320, 330.
[0051] For example, the second setting 320 can include amethyst
stones 500 and the third setting 330 can include aquamarine stones
500 and the stone 400 of the first setting 310 can be a diamond.
When the wearer rotates the second ring element 320 relative to the
first ring element 310 such that the second setting 320 is adjacent
the first setting 310, the amethyst stones 500 are arranged next to
the diamond 400 and the visual appearance is defined by the purple
amethyst and the sparkling diamond. In contrast, if the wearer
rotates the second ring element 120 relative to the first ring
element 110 such that the third setting 330 is adjacent the first
setting 310, the aquamarine stones 500 are arranged next to the
diamond 400 and the visual appearance is defined by the slight
bluish tint of the aquamarine stones and the sparkling properties
of both the aquamarine stones and the diamond.
[0052] Furthermore, if the wearer wishes for the diamond 400 to be
displayed by itself, then the wearer can adjust the second ring
element 120 so that neither of the second and third settings 320,
330 is next to the diamond 400. It will be appreciated that there
are a considerable number of different arrangements that can be
provided by either manipulating one or both of the rings elements
110, 120.
[0053] Thus, the rings disclosed herein are versatile in that the
visual appearance of each ring can be easily changed by altering
the position of the gemstones or other decorative items that are
carried on the ring elements. For example, the wearer can opt to
arrange the ring elements so that the topmost section of the ring
includes a number of gemstones or the wearer can arrange the ring
elements so that the gemstones are more spaced out around the
entire circumference of the ring.
[0054] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *