JEWELRY PIECE WITH A MAGNETIC CLOSURE FOR AN INTERCHANGEABLE ORNAMENT

Abstract

A jewelry piece having a body or housing that defines a cavity sized and shaped to removably receive an interchangeable ornament and a cover or back connected to the body, such that the jewelry piece may be opened or closed. The body and cover magnetically and mechanically engage when the jewelry piece is closed to secure the ornament without the need for excessive force or an additional tool. The magnetic engagement is accomplished by magnets that are located opposite each other when the jewelry piece is closed. The mechanical engagement is accomplished by interlocking mating elements that combine to define a bail when the jewelry piece is closed.

Claims

1. A jewelry piece for an ornament, the jewelry piece comprising: a housing comprising a housing first bail mating section, the housing defining a cavity for receiving the ornament, the housing open at opposing ends with an open top end having a portion that abuts an upper portion of the ornament when the ornament is received in the housing so as to display a crown of the ornament in an open top of the housing; a cover comprising a cover first bail mating section, the cover coupled to an open bottom end of the housing to be moveable to a closed position overlying at least a portion of a bottom end of the housing; where the ornament is held in abutment against a housing top end when the housing first bail mating section and the cover first bail mating section interlock to form a first bail when the cover is in the closed position; and where the housing further comprises a second bail located approximately opposite the first bail when the cover is in the closed position.

2. The jewelry piece of claim 1, where the housing first bail mating section comprises a first housing bail mating element and a second housing bail mating element; and where the first housing bail mating element and the second housing bail mating element together define a space that is sized and shaped to accommodate the cover first bail mating section when the cover is in the closed position.

3. The jewelry piece of claim 2, where the first housing bail mating element, the second housing bail mating element, and the cover first bail mating section each define an opening; and the opening defined in the first housing bail mating element, the opening defined in the second housing bail mating element, and the opening defined in the cover first bail mating section align and together form an opening in the first bail when the cover is in the closed position.

4. The jewelry piece of claim 1, where the housing first bail mating section comprises a first housing bail mating element and a second housing bail mating element; and where the cover first bail mating section is inserted into a space between the first housing bail mating element and the second housing bail mating element to form the first bail when the cover is in the closed position.

5. The jewelry piece of claim 4, where the first housing bail mating element, the second housing bail mating element, and the cover first bail mating section each define an opening; and the opening defined in the first housing bail mating element, the opening defined in the second housing bail mating element, and the opening defined in the cover first bail mating section align and together form an opening in the first bail when the cover is in the closed position.

6. The jewelry piece of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic closure having at least one magnet.

7. The jewelry piece of claim 6, where the magnetic closure is located proximate the first bail.

8. The jewelry piece of claim 1, the housing further comprising a housing magnet; the cover further comprising a cover magnet; and where the housing magnet and the cover magnet are magnetically coupled when the cover is in the closed position.

9. The jewelry piece of claim 8, where the housing magnet is located proximate the housing first bail mating section and the cover magnet is located proximate the cover first bail mating section.

10. The jewelry piece of claim 1, where the housing cavity is sized and shaped to substantially conform to a size and a shape of the ornament.

11. The jewelry piece of claim 1, the cover open at opposing ends, with an open top end having a portion that abuts a lower portion of the ornament when the ornament is received in the housing so as to display a portion of the ornament in an open bottom end of the cover.

12. The jewelry piece of claim 1, where the housing and the cover are substantially annular; and a circumference of the bottom end of the housing is greater than a circumference of the cover.

13. The jewelry piece of claim 1, where the housing is coupled to the cover by a hinge, and a length of the hinge is less than a length of the housing and a width of the hinge is less than a width of the housing.

14. The jewelry piece of claim 1, where a portion of the cover abuts a lower portion of the ornament when the cover is in the closed position.

15. The jewelry piece of claim 1, further comprising a support member substantially contained in a channel defined in the cover, a portion of the support member abutting a lower portion of the ornament when the cover is in the closed position.

16. A setting for an ornament, the setting comprising: a body defining a void for removably receiving the ornament and comprising a body first coupling member, an open top, a bottom, and a perimeter wall connecting the top and the bottom; a back hingedly connected to the body and comprising a back first coupling member; where the body first coupling member comprises a first body coupling element and a second body coupling element, and where the first body coupling element, the second body coupling element, and the back first coupling member each define an opening; where the setting is in a locked position when the body first coupling member and the back first coupling member engage to form a first bail and the opening defined in the first body coupling element, the opening defined in the second body coupling element, and the opening defined in the back first coupling member are positioned so as to form an opening in the first bail; where the setting is moveable to an unlocked position when the body first coupling member and the back first coupling member disengage; where a portion of the ornament is visible through the open top of the body when the ornament is received in the body and the setting is in the locked position; and where the body further comprises a second bail located approximately opposite the first bail when the setting is in the locked position.

17. The setting of claim 16, where the back first coupling member is positioned in a space between the first body coupling element and the second body coupling element to form the first bail when the setting is in the locked position.

18. The setting of claim 16, further comprising a magnetic closure having at least one magnet; and where the magnetic closure is located proximate the first bail.

19. The setting of claim 16, the body further comprising a body magnet located proximate the body first coupling member; the back further comprising a back magnet proximate the back first coupling member; and where the body magnet and the back magnet are magnetically coupled when the setting is in the locked position.

20. A jewelry piece for an ornament, the jewelry piece comprising: a housing comprising a housing magnet and a housing first bail mating section, the housing defining a cavity for receiving the ornament, the housing open at opposing ends with an open top end having a portion that abuts an upper portion of the ornament when the ornament is received in the housing so as to display a crown of the ornament in an open top of the housing; a cover comprising a cover magnet and a cover first bail mating section, the cover coupled to an open bottom end of the housing to be moveable to a closed position overlying at least a portion of a bottom end of the housing; where the housing first bail mating section comprises a first housing bail mating element and a second housing bail mating element; where the ornament is held in abutment against a housing top end when the cover first bail mating section is positioned in a space between the first housing bail mating element and the second housing bail mating element to form a first bail when the cover is in the closed position; where the housing magnet and the cover magnet are magnetically coupled when the cover is in the closed position; and where the housing further comprises a second bail located approximately opposite the first bail when the cover is in the closed position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece for an interchangeable ornament in a closed position, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0051] FIG. 2 is a front view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a back view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 4 is a side view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 5 is a top view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 6 is a side view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1, with the addition of an exemplary ornament;

[0056] FIG. 7 is a side view of the exemplary ornament of FIG. 6;

[0057] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the jewelry piece for an interchangeable ornament of FIG. 1 in a partially open position, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0058] FIG. 9 is a front view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 8;

[0059] FIG. 10 is a back view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 8;

[0060] FIG. 11 is a side view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 8;

[0061] FIG. 12 is a top view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 8;

[0062] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the jewelry piece for an interchangeable ornament of FIG. 1 in a fully open position, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0063] FIG. 14 is a front view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 13;

[0064] FIG. 15 is a back view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 13;

[0065] FIG. 16 is a side view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 13;

[0066] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece for an interchangeable ornament in a closed position, in accordance with a first additional embodiment of the invention;

[0067] FIG. 18 is a front view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 17;

[0068] FIG. 19 is a back view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 17;

[0069] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece, shown as a pendant, for an interchangeable ornament, in accordance with a second additional embodiment of the invention;

[0070] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece, shown as a pendant, for an interchangeable ornament, in accordance with a third additional embodiment of the invention;

[0071] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece, shown as a necklace, for an interchangeable ornament, in accordance with a fourth additional embodiment of the invention;

[0072] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece, shown as a bracelet, for an interchangeable ornament, in accordance with a fifth additional embodiment of the invention;

[0073] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece, shown as earrings, for an interchangeable ornament, in accordance with a sixth additional embodiment of the invention;

[0074] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece for an interchangeable ornament in a partially open position, in accordance with a seventh additional embodiment of the invention;

[0075] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 25 in a fully open position;

[0076] FIG. 27 is a top view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 25 in a partially open position;

[0077] FIG. 28 is a front view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 25 in a closed position;

[0078] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 25 in a closed position;

[0079] FIG. 30 is a front view of a jewelry piece for an interchangeable ornament in a closed position, in accordance with an eight embodiment of the invention;

[0080] FIG. 31 is a back view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 30;

[0081] FIG. 32 is a side view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 30, with the addition of an exemplary ornament;

[0082] FIG. 33 is a top view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 32;

[0083] FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 30 in a partially open position, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0084] FIG. 35 is rear perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 30;

[0085] FIG. 36 is a side view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 30;

[0086] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece, shown as a necklace, for an interchangeable ornament, in accordance with a ninth additional embodiment of the invention; and

[0087] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece, shown as a bracelet, for an interchangeable ornament, in accordance with a tenth additional embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] With reference to FIGS. 1-16, in a preferred embodiment, jewelry piece 100, shown as a substantially round pendant, comprises two sections: a body or housing 200 and a cover or back 300. The body 200 is coupled to the cover 300 by a hinge 400, enabling jewelry piece 100 to open and close with limited rotational movement.

[0089] Note that the jewelry piece of the invention is not limited to a pendant. In additional embodiments, the jewelry piece 100 may include, but is not limited to, a necklace, bracelet, earrings, brooch, pin, or watch. Note also that the jewelry piece 100 is not limited to a round shape. In additional embodiments, the jewelry piece 100 may be substantially any shape, and is not limited by the shape of the ornament 500.

[0090] In preferred embodiments, jewelry piece 100 is primarily composed of formable precious metals, such as gold or silver. In additional embodiments, jewelry piece 100 may be formed of other precious metals including but not limited to platinum; base metals, including but not limited to copper, tin, or zinc; stainless steel; metal alloys; plastics; bone, wood, stone, or other non-precious metals. Jewelry piece 100 is preferably manufactured by casting, but may also be manufactured by machining, soldering, die striking or a combination thereof, or may be formed by hand, or any other suitable method of manufacturing or production.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 1-16, the jewelry piece body 200 is substantially annular and comprises a top surface 210, a bottom surface 220, and a contiguous sidewall 230 that connects the top surface 210 to the bottom surface 220. The body 200 further defines an internal space or cavity 240 for removably receiving an ornament 500. Body cavity 240 is preferably adapted and configured to conform to the shape of the ornament 500, and thus firmly secure the ornament 500 and prevent it from rattling in the cavity 240 when the jewelry piece 100 is closed, as further described below. In additional embodiments, jewelry piece body 200 and body cavity 240 may be substantially any suitable shape or size.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, ornament 500 is a gem stone. In additional embodiments, the ornament 500 may include, but is not limited to, a precious stone, semi-precious stone, imitation stone, coin, and other small token. Note also that the shape of the ornament 500 may be substantially any shape, including but not limited to marquis, round, trillion, oval, pear or tear drop, square, octagon, emerald, baguette, antique cushion, heart-shape, briolette cabochon, faceted, and princess cut. In addition, the ornament 500 may be substantially any material, including not limited to diamond, ruby, sapphire, or any other precious or semi-precious jewelry stone, glass, crystal, pearl, mother-of-pearl, man-made stones, simulated stones, and laboratory-created stones. In additional embodiments the ornament may include precious metals, including but not limited to gold, silver, or platinum, or non-precious metals, including but not limited to stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze or nickel. In alternate embodiments the ornament may be monogrammed or etched or otherwise embellished. The ornament may also include of a plurality of any one material, for example, a set of stones, or may include a combination of any of these materials. There are no restrictions on the size of the ornament 500. In the example jewelry piece 100 shown in FIGS. 1-16, a substantially round pendant, the diameter of ornament 500 is preferably 10 or 12 millimeters.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, and with further reference to FIG. 2, the top surface 210 of the body 200 defines a first opening 212 and a rim 214 that extends substantially circumferentially around the first opening 212. With further reference to FIG. 14, the bottom surface 220 of the body 200 defines a second opening 222. The ornament 500 is inserted into the body cavity 240 through the second opening 222 in the bottom surface 220, such that the top or crown 510 of the ornament 500 abuts and may be viewed through the first opening 212 in the top surface 210, as shown in FIG. 6. The rim 214 of the top surface 210 contacts with at least a portion of the top or crown 510 of the ornament 500, and is adapted and configured to prevent the ornament 500 from falling out of the body cavity 240 through the first opening 212 in the top surface 210.

[0094] As also shown in FIG. 2, the top surface 210 of the body 200 defines a groove or channel 216 that extends substantially circumferentially around the rim 214. Channel 216 may be used to hold any type of decorative object, including but not limited to a chain 600 or small stones (not shown).

[0095] In an alternate embodiment, the channel may be empty. With reference to FIGS. 17-19, jewelry piece 1100 is substantially similar to jewelry piece 100, and comprises a body or housing 1200 and a cover or back 1300, which are coupled together by a hinge 1400. Both jewelry pieces 100 and 1100 accept an ornament 500 and 1500, respectively. The two jewelry pieces 100 and 1100 differ only in their respective body top surfaces, 210 and 1210, respectively. In jewelry piece 1100, the grove or channel 1216 is empty, and does not contain any decorative objects.

[0096] In an additional, alternate embodiment, the jewelry piece may not comprise a channel. With reference to FIG. 20, jewelry piece 2100 is substantially similar to jewelry piece 100, and comprises a body or housing 2200 and a cover or back 2300, which are coupled together by a hinge 2400. Both jewelry pieces 100 and 2100 accept an ornament 500 and 2500, respectively. The two jewelry pieces 100 and 2100 differ only in their respective body top surfaces, 210 and 2210, respectively. In jewelry piece 2100, the top surface 2210 does not comprise a channel, but instead defines an uninterrupted planar surface.

[0097] In all of these embodiments, the body top surfaces 210, 1210 and 2210 may optionally comprise other decorative treatments, including but not limited to etching or embossing, or adding decorative chains or stones.

[0098] With further reference to FIGS. 3, and 8-16, the cover 300 is substantially annular and comprises a top surface 310, a bottom surface 320, a contiguous sidewall 330 connecting the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320, and a lip 340. The lip 340 is substantially perpendicular to the sidewall 330 and is adapted and configured to contact the bottom surface 220 of the body 200 when the jewelry piece 100 is closed.

[0099] With further reference to FIGS. 1-4, cover 300 is preferably adapted and configured such that it is not visible when the jewelry piece 100 is viewed from the front or the side, to minimize exterior evidence of the interchangeability of the ornament 500. In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3, cover bottom surface 320 has a circumference that is smaller than the circumference of body bottom surface 220.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the top surface 310 of the cover 300 defines a first opening 312. As shown in FIG. 10, the bottom surface 320 of the cover 300 defines a second opening 322. The first opening 312 and the second opening 322 are adapted and configured to allow light to enter the body cavity 240. If the ornament 500 is sufficiently translucent, openings 312 and 322 are adapted and configured to allow light to pass through the ornament.

[0101] In alternate embodiments, the first opening 312 and the second opening 322, both in the cover 300, may be eliminated, and both the cover top surface 310 and the cover bottom surface 320 may be continuous planar surfaces. This alternate embodiment may be used, for example, when the ornament 500 is not sufficiently translucent to allow light to pass.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, the cover 300 further defines a groove or channel 350 that extends substantially circumferentially around the first opening 312 of the top surface 310. With further reference to FIG. 8, a support member 360 substantially fills the channel 350 and protrudes slightly above the horizontal plane of top surface 310. Support member 360 is adapted and configured to contact the bottom 520 of the ornament 500 when jewelry piece 100 is closed, and pushes the ornament 500 against the top surface rim 214 to secure the ornament 500 in the body cavity 240. Support member 360 is preferably made of silicone, to prevent scratching or otherwise damaging the ornament 500 and clear silicone is preferred for aesthetic reasons. In alternate embodiments, support member 360 may be made of any compressible material that functions to hold the ornament 500 in place, such as rubber.

[0103] Jewelry piece 100 comprises a magnetic closure that is adapted and configured to secure the ornament 500 in place when the jewelry piece 100 is closed. With further reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the body 200 and the cover 300 each define a small cavity 218 and 318, respectively, each adapted to hold a magnet, 219 and 319, respectively, of opposite polarity and of substantially the same size and shape as the cavity. The magnets 219 and 319 are preferably permanently affixed, and not removable by the wearer of the jewelry piece 100. The two magnets 219 and 319 are located substantially directly opposite each other when the jewelry piece 100 is closed, preferably proximate the top of the jewelry piece 100. Cavities 218 and 318, and magnets 219 and 219, are not limited to a round shape, and may be substantially any shape.

[0104] When the cover 300 is closed against the body 200, the two magnets 219 and 319 engage and, by magnetic coupling, are adapted and configured to keep the jewelry piece 100 closed. The jewelry piece 100 is opened by pulling the cover 300 away from the body 200, thus releasing the magnets 219 and 319 from each other.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the magnets 219 and 319 are covered or encased to prevent rust and erosion. For example, the magnets 219 and 319 may be covered with nickel, copper, gold, silver, zinc, stainless steel, any other suitable metal, or a combination of these. In an alternate embodiment, there may be only one magnet, and the opposing cavity may contain a metal element that is attracted to a magnet, such as any metal that contains iron, cobalt, or nickel.

[0106] Note that the magnets 219 and 319 may be a ferrite magnet, an alnico magnet, a rare-earth neodymium magnet, a rare earth-samarium cobalt magnet, or a sintered neodymium-iron-boron compound, or other suitable magnets. The magnets 219 and 319 are preferably rare-earth neodymium magnets, which provide substantially powerful magnetic fields relative to their size.

[0107] The required dimensions and magnetic force for the magnets 219 and 319 depend on a number of variables, including the dimensions and weights of the jewelry piece and the pre-determined force necessary to uncouple the magnets by using only the user's fingers, and without the use of an additional tool. Determining the required dimensions and magnetic force for the magnets based on such variables falls within the ability of one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0108] With further reference to FIGS. 1-6, 8-16, and 21, jewelry piece 100 further comprises a bail 700, preferably located proximate the top of the jewelry piece 100 and longitudinally opposite the hinge 400.

[0109] Bail 700 comprises a body mating section 720 and a cover mating section 730. As shown in FIGS. 1, 8, 16 and 21, when the jewelry piece 100 is closed, the body mating section 720 and the cover mating section 730 mechanically engage to form bail 700 and define an opening 710 that is adapted and configured to allow a chain or cord 800 to be inserted, to form a pendant necklace 3000. The jewelry piece may be opened, and the ornament replaced, only if the chain or cord 800 has been removed from the opening 710. Jewelry piece 100 may be opened by pulling back on the bail cover mating element 731, described below, while holding the jewelry piece body 200.

[0110] In an alternate embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 22, jewelry piece 100 may be used with a chain, cord, or string of beads or other decorative elements 810, all of which may be comprised of any suitable material, to form a necklace 3100. In this embodiment, a clasp 820, such as a lobster clasp, toggle clasp, or spring ring clasp, may be used to removably couple chain or cord 810 to bail 700. The jewelry piece may be opened, and the ornament replaced, only when the clasp 820 is decoupled from the bail 700. The distal end of the jewelry piece may include a second bail 830 that is permanently affixed to the opposing end of the chain 810. This second bail 830 does not open. In a similar, additional embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 23, a short chain or cord 840 may be used with jewelry piece 100, clasp 820, or any other suitable materials, and second bail 830 to form a bracelet 3200. As with the pendant necklace 3100 shown in FIG. 22, the second bail 830 of bracelet 3200 does not open.

[0111] In an additional embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 24, jewelry piece 100 may be used with a clip 840 to form earrings 3300. In this embodiment, any suitable securing mechanism, including but not limited to a clip or clasp 840, may be used to removably couple bail 700 from an earring mechanism 850. The jewelry piece may be opened, and the ornament replaced, only when the clip 840 is decoupled form the bail 700.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 8-11, cover mating section 730 is preferably integral to the cover 300 and comprises a single mating element 731. Cover mating section 730 also defines an opening 733.

[0113] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11-16, body mating section 720 is preferably integral to the body 200, and comprises two substantially identical mating elements 721a and 721b. Body mating elements 721a and 721b each define an opening 723a and 723b, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, mating elements 721a and 721b are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another, such that openings 723a and 723b are in alignment

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the mating elements 721a, 721b, and 731 are loops or rings having a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, mating elements 721a, 721b, and 733 may have any substantially contiguous shape. In a preferred embodiment, openings 723a, 723b, and 733 define a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, openings 723a, 723b, and 733 may define any substantially contiguous shape.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12-15, the space or opening between the body mating elements 721a and 721b is sized and shaped to accommodate the cover mating element 731. As shown in FIG. 1, when the jewelry piece 100 is closed, the cover mating element 731 is inserted into the space or opening between the body mating elements 721a and 721b, thus interlocking to form bail 700. Further, when the jewelry piece 100 is closed, openings 723a, 723b, and 733 together form bail opening 710. As shown in FIG. 21, bail opening 710 is adapted and configured to allow a chain or cord 800 to be inserted through it.

[0116] The combination of the magnets 219 and 319, and the bail 700, are adapted and configured to provide two levels of security for jewelry piece 100, to prevent jewelry piece 100 from opening and thus prevent the ornament 500 from falling out.

[0117] In an additional preferred embodiment, the bail may further include a tab or protrusion to facilitate opening the jewelry piece and/or a covering or facing to provide additional structural support. With reference to FIGS. 25-29, jewelry piece 4100 is substantially similar to jewelry piece 100 and comprises a body or housing 4200 and a cover or back 4300, which are coupled together by hinge 4400. Both jewelry pieces 100 and 4100 are adapted and configured to accept an ornament, as described above. The two jewelry pieces 100 and 4100 differ only in their respective bails, 700 and 4700, respectively.

[0118] In jewelry piece 4100, bail 4700 comprises a body mating section 4720 and a cover mating section 4730. When the jewelry piece 4100 is closed, the body mating section 4720 and the cover mating section 4730 mechanically engage to form bail 4700 and define an opening 4710 to allow a chain or cord to be inserted through it. As with bail 700, bail 4700 is preferably located proximate the top of the jewelry piece 4100 and longitudinally opposite the hinge 4400.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 25, 26 and 28, cover mating section 4730 is preferably integral to the cover 4300 and comprises a single mating element 4731. Cover mating section 4730 also defines an opening 4733 and a protrusion or tab 4731a, which is preferably located proximate the top of jewelry piece 4100. Jewelry piece 4100 may be opened by pulling back on the protrusion or tab 4731a, while holding the jewelry piece body 4200.

[0120] With further reference to FIGS. 25-28, body mating section 4720 is preferably integral to the body 4200. Body mating section 4720 comprises two substantially identical mating elements 4721a and 4721b and a covering or facing 4721c. Body mating elements 4721a and 4721b each define an opening 4723a and 4723b, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, mating elements 4721a and 4721b are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another, such that openings 4723a and 4723b are in alignment. Covering or facing 4721c is located between, and preferably integral with, mating elements 4721a and 4721b.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the mating elements 4721a, 4721b, and 4731 are loops or rings having a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, mating elements 4721a, 4721b, and 4731 may have any substantially contiguous shape. In a preferred embodiment, openings 4723a, 4723b, and 4733 define a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, openings 4723a, 4723b, and 4733 may define any substantially contiguous shape.

[0122] With further reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the space or opening defined by body mating elements 4721a and 4721b and covering or facing 4721c is sized and shaped to accommodate the cover mating element 4731. When the jewelry piece 4100 is closed, the cover mating element 4731 is inserted into the space or opening defined by the body mating elements 4721a and 4721b and the covering or facing 4721c, thus interlocking to form bail 4700. In a preferred embodiment, cover mating element 4731 is not visible from the front of jewelry piece 4100 when jewelry piece 4100 is closed, as it is obscured by covering or facing 4721c. Covering or facing 4721c also functions to provide structural support for body mating elements 4721a and 4721b.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, body mating elements 4721a and 4721b and covering or facing 4721c are manufactured as a single component, but this is not a limitation of the invention. In additional embodiments, covering or facing 4721c may be manufactured as a separate component and added or removed as needed.

[0124] The use of a second bail is further shown in FIGS. 30-38. In this additional embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 30-33, jewelry piece 5100 is similar to jewelry pieces 100 and 4100 in that jewelry piece 5100 comprises a body or housing 5200 and a cover or back 5300, which are coupled together by hinge 5400. As with jewelry pieces 100 and 4100, jewelry piece 5100 is configured to accept an ornament 5500, similar to ornament 500, as described above. Jewelry piece 5100 further comprises a first bail 5700, which may be substantially the same as bail 700 of jewelry piece 100 or substantially the same as bail 4700 of jewelry piece 4100.

[0125] As with bail 700 and bail 4700, and as shown in FIGS. 32 and FIGS. 34-36, first bail 5700 is preferably located proximate the top of jewelry piece 5100 and longitudinally opposite hinge 5400, and comprises a first bail body mating section 5720 and a first bail cover mating section 5730. When the jewelry piece 5100 is closed, the first bail body mating section 5720 and the first bail cover mating section 5730 mechanically engage to form first bail 5700 and define a first bail opening 5710 that is adapted and configured to allow a chain or cord to be inserted.

[0126] First bail cover mating section 5730 is preferably integral to the cover 5300 and comprises a single first bail cover mating element 5731. First bail cover mating section 5730 also defines an opening 5733. First bail cover mating section 5730 may also comprise a protrusion or tab 5731a that is preferably substantially similar to the tab 4731a of jewelry piece 4100.

[0127] First bail body mating section 5720 is preferably integral to the body 5200, and comprises two substantially identical first bail body mating elements 5721a and 5721b. First bail body mating elements 5721a and 5721b each define an opening 5723a and 5723b, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, first bail body mating elements 5721a and 5721b are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another, such that first bail body openings 5723a and 5723b are in alignment.

[0128] As with jewelry piece 100 and jewelry piece 4100, first bail body mating elements 5721a, 5721b, and first bail cover mating element 5731 are loops or rings having a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, first bail body mating elements 5721a, 5721b, and first bail cover mating element 5731 may have any substantially contiguous shape. In a preferred embodiment, first bail body openings 5723a, 5723b, and first bail cover opening 5733 define a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, first bail body openings 5723a, 5723b, and first bail cover opening 5733 may define any substantially contiguous shape.

[0129] As with jewelry piece 4100, and as shown in FIG. 34, first bail body mating section 5720 may also comprise a first bail covering or casing 5721c located between, and preferably integral to, first bail body mating elements 5721a and 5721b. In this embodiment, first bail cover mating element 5731 is not visible from the front of jewelry piece 5100 when jewelry piece 5100 is closed, as it is obscured by first bail covering 5721c. First bail covering 5721c also functions to provide structural support for first bail body mating elements 5721a and 5721b.

[0130] As with jewelry piece 100 and jewelry piece 4100, the space or opening defined by first bail body mating elements 5721a and 5721b and first bail casing or covering 5721c is sized and shaped to accommodate the first bail cover mating element 5731. When the jewelry piece 5100 is closed, the first bail cover mating element 5731 is inserted into the space or opening defined by the first bail body mating elements 5721a and 5721b and thus interlocking to form first bail 5700. Further, when the jewelry piece 5100 is closed, first bail body openings 5723a, 5723b, and first bail cover opening 5733 together form first bail opening 5710.

[0131] Jewelry piece 5100 differs from jewelry pieces 100 and 4100 in that jewelry piece 5100 has a second bail 5800 that is preferably located at the distal end of jewelry piece 5100, approximately opposite first bail 5700, and proximate hinge 5400, as shown in FIGS. 30-32. Second bail 5800 is preferably integral to body or housing 5200.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, second bail 5800 is a loop or ring having a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, second bail 5800 may have any substantially contiguous shape. In a preferred embodiment, second bail 5800 defines a second bail opening 5810. Second bail opening 5810 preferably defines a substantially oval or circular shape. In alternate embodiments, second bail opening 5810 may define any substantially contiguous shape.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, second bail 5800 is substantially similar in size and shape to first bail 5700, and second bail opening 5810 is substantially similar in size and shape to first bail opening 5710, although these are not limitations of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, second bail 5800 is different from first bail 5700 in that second bail 5800 does not open. In an additional embodiment, second bail 5800 may be substantially the same as first bail 5700. In additional alternate embodiments, second bail 5800 may be substantially the same as bail 700 of jewelry piece 100 or substantially the same as bail 4700 of jewelry piece 4100.

[0134] In alternate embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 37, jewelry piece 5100 may be used with a chain, cord, or string of beads or other decorative elements 6110, all of which may be comprised of any suitable material, to form a necklace 6100. As shown in FIG. 37, one end of chain 6110 is coupled to first bail 5700, while the opposite end of chain 6110 is coupled to second bail 5800. In a preferred embodiment, a first clasp 6120, such as a lobster clasp, toggle clasp, or spring ring clasp, may be used to removably couple chain or cord 6110 to first bail 5700, and a second clasp 6130 such as a lobster clasp, toggle clasp, or spring ring clasp, may be used to removably couple chain or cord 6110 to second bail 5800. In an alternate embodiment, chain or cord 6110 is permanently affixed to second bail 5800. In additional embodiments, a chain, cord, string of beads or other decorative element 6110 may be inserted through both the first bail 5700 and the second bail 5800 to form a necklace 6100.

[0135] In a similar, additional embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 38, jewelry piece 5100 may be used with a short chain, cord, or string of beads or other decorative elements 6210, all of which may be comprised of any suitable material, to form a bracelet 6200. As shown in FIG. 38, one end of chain 6210 is coupled to first bail 5700, while the opposite end of chain 6210 is coupled to second bail 5800. In a preferred embodiment, a second clasp 6220, such as a lobster clasp, toggle clasp, or spring ring clasp, may be used to removably couple chain or cord 6210 to first bail 5700, and a second clasp 6230 such as a lobster clasp, toggle clasp, or spring ring clasp, may be used to removably couple chain or cord 6210 to second bail 5800. In an alternate embodiment, chain 6210 is permanently affixed to second bail 5800. In additional embodiments, a chain, cord, string of beads or other decorative element 6210 may be inserted through both the first bail 5700 and the second bail 5800 to form a bracelet 6200.

[0136] Hinge 400 is preferably a barrel hinge. In alternate embodiments, hinge 400 may be a spring hinge, cylindrical hinge, or any other suitable hinge or closure that allows jewelry piece 100 to open and close. With reference to FIG. 2, hinge 400 is adapted and configured to minimize exterior evidence of the interchangeability of the ornament 500, and is not visible from the front of the jewelry piece 100. As shown in FIG. 3, when coupled to both the cover bottom surface 320 and the body bottom surface 220, the length and width of hinge 400 do not exceed the circumference of body bottom surface 220. Hinges 1400, 2400, 4400 and 5400 are preferably substantially the same as hinge 400.

[0137] With reference to FIGS. 21-24, and 37-38, and in additional embodiments, the jewelry pieces of the invention may be part of a collection of jewelry pieces adapted and configured to accept the same interchangeable ornament. For example, necklaces 3100 and 6100, and bracelets 3200 and 6200 may accept the same size and shape ornament, or set of ornaments of different materials or colors. Further, two or more of the jewelry pieces in a collection may be worn at the same time, with each jewelry piece having a matching ornament, or with the jewelry pieces having coordinating or complementary ornaments. For example, pendant necklace 3000 may be worn together with earrings 3300, with pendant necklace 3000 having a diamond ornament and earrings 3300 having coordinating ruby ornaments, or with both pendant necklace 3000 and earrings 3300 having matching sapphire ornaments. Note that all of these embodiments may include additional adornments, including but not limited to etching, embossing, tassels, chains, and decorative stones or beads.

[0138] While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.