GB2375034A

GB2375034A - A hollow metal jewellery ring

Info

Publication number: GB2375034A
Application number: GB0116545A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carl George Winn
Original assignee: C W JEWELLERY MANUFACTURERS LT
Current assignee: C W JEWELLERY MANUFACTURERS LT
Priority date: 2001-05-04
Filing date: 2001-07-06
Publication date: 2002-11-06
Also published as: GB0110964D0; GB0116545D0

Abstract

A hollow metal jewellery ring and method of making the ring comprises a plurality of discs shaped in such a manner so that they may be joined to form a ring. Preferably the ring is made of two discs 12, 14 shaped by stamping and joined along their circumference by welding or soldering 16. A planer annular washer (32, Fig 3) may be interposed between the two discs as a strengthening member to increase the crush resistance of the ring particularly in the radial direction. The strengthening member may lie flush with (30, Fig 3), be recessed in relation to or stand proud (76, Fig 7) of the inner circumferential surfaces of the discs. A mixture of resins (82, Fig 8) and/or enamels and/or gemstones (114, Fig 11) may be placed in holes (112, Fig 11) or wells formed at spaced intervals around the outer surface of the strengthening member or hollow parts of the ring. The ring may be worn on fingers, toes or used as a pendant on a chain.

Description

Title: Jewellery Ring Description of Invention

This invention relates to jewellery rings, in particular, although not t : l exclusively, to jewellery rings that are designed to be worn on human digits, for y example fingers, thumbs or toes.

Conventionally, jewellery rings are made from a solid precious metal and are heavy and expensive. Rings can be formed from a lighter base metal and coated or plated with a precious metal, but the coating can wear off.

There is a need for an alternative way of making cheaper, durable rings, particularly from precious metals.

This invention provides a method of making a hollow metal jewellery

ring comprising : shaping a plurality of discs in a manner such that they can be Z :) ZD joined to form a ring; and joining the plurality of discs. Preferably the plurality of discs comprises two discs.

The discs may be shaped by any convenient process, and preferably the discs are shaped by stamping. They may then be joined by, for example, welding or soldering, to form the ring. Any convenient method of joining the discs may be used. In a preferred embodiment, however, the discs are joined along their circumferences by an electrical welding process such as that detailed in GB 2 341 533.

Decorative patterns, such as messages, are frequently a feature of conventional rings. Conveniently, this invention enables such patterns to be provided into the discs, as part of the stamping or other process that shapes the discs. This reduces the number of steps required for the manufacture of a jewellery ring.

Advantageously the method further comprises joining a strengthening member to a disc. Additionally or alternatively the strengthening member may be interposed between a pair of discs. The strengthening member is arranged to increase the crush resistance of the ring.

The method may further comprise forming holes or wells in the

strengthening member. These may be formed during the shaping process.

1. z Z=l tn These holes or wells may be pierced in the strengthening member or if, for example, the strengthening member is cast, may be formed during the casting process. The holes or wells may be formed axially and/or radially. They are preferably spaced at intervals around the strengthening member.

Conventionally, decorative material such as resins or gemstones can be set into jewellery rings. The method may further comprise filling holes or wells formed in the strengthening member with resin and ! or enamel. The holes or wells may take the form of settings for receipt of gemstones.

The method may further comprise enamelling one or more portions of the ring.

This invention also encompasses a hollow metal jewellery ring. The ring may comprise a single loop. It may be designed to be worn on a single digit, for example, the thumb. Since the bulk of its matter is disposed towards its outer surface, such a ring is light and easy to wear.

The surface of the ring may be etched, stamped, or otherwise patterned.

The ring ma\ comprise a plurality of joined discs. Preferably the ring comprises two joined discs. The discs are preferably general !) annular, and

joined circumferential !). Many and various shapes and sizes are possible, but preferably the discs have a substantially"C"'shaped cross section, and are generally rotationall) symmetrical about their axis. A pair of such joined discs resembles a conventional single band ring, such as a wedding ring.

The discs may be joined along the entire length of their circumferences, or only along one or more portions thereof. Indeed, the discs may actually be separable and joined simply by being worn on the same digit.

Most rings, particularly, but not exclusively, those worn on the fingers, can be subjected to significant forces whilst worn which may mark, scratch or dent the ring. Advantageously the jewellery ring further comprises a strengthening member, arranged to increase the radial crush resistance of the ring.

This development recognises that the forces on the ring whilst worn are predominantly in a radial direction. Adding a strengthening member has been found to increase the crush resistance of the ring and, in particular, to increase it preferentially in a radial direction. A hard wearing item of jewellery may thus be formed that. being substantially hollow, is light, inexpensive, and pleasant to wear.

Preferably the strengthening member comprises an annular disc co-axial with the discs forming the ring. When the ring is formed from a plurality of discs the strengthening member may have an outer circumferential surface that is flush with an outer circumferential surface of each disc. Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface of the strengthening member may stand proud of, or be recessed in relation to the outer circumferential surfaces of the discs.

The strengthening member preferably comprises one or more holes

and/or wells. These reduce its \\eight. The holes and/or wells are preferably p spaced at intervals around the strengthening member.

The holes and'or wells may be filled with resin or enamel. The wells may form settings for receipt of gemstones.

The strengthening member is preferably manufactured from the same metal as the discs forming the rest of the ring. The ring is preferably made from a precious metal.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; FIGURE 1 shows schematically a perspective view of one embodiment of a jewellery ring; FIGURE 2 shows schematically a section view through a portion of the jewellery ring of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 shows schematically a perspective view of a second embodiment of a jewellery ring, having a strengthening member; FIGURE 4 shows schematically a section through the embodiment of

Figure 3 ; tn FIGURE 5 shows schematically a plan view of the strengthening member of Figures 3 and 4; FIGURE 6 shows schematically a perspective view of a third embodiment of a jewellery ring, which is formed as two separable halves; FIGURE 7 shows schematically a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a jewellery ring. having added decoration; FIGURE 8 shows schematically an axial section through the embodiment of Figure 7; and FIGURE 9 shows schematicall) a plan view of the strengthening member of Figures 7 and 8, during its manufacture.

One embodiment of a jewellery ring 10 is shown in Figure 1. The ring comprises two discs 12, 14 which are joined together at welds 16 around their inner and outer circumferences. Each disc 12,14 is rotationally symmetrical, about the axis of the discs, generall) annular and, in this embodiment, each comprises a mirror image of the other through the plane in which they are joined i. e. a section through welds 16.

Figure 2 shows schematically a section view through a portion of the ring. Each disc comprises a smooth, curved,"C"shape, with in this embodiment, an outer leg 18 of the C shape being more rounded than an inner

leg 20 of the C. This inner leg 20 forms a relatively steep angle with the 4D "spine"22 of the C. In the embodiment shown the angle is around 100 degrees, but many other shapes are possible.

The discs 12,14 are conveniently welded together (or otherwise joined) at the end of the legs 18,20 of the"C". When so joined, the discs 12,14 may resemble a conventional single band ring, such as a wedding ring.

The method of making the ring 10 will now be described. The discs 12, 14 are stamped from a planar blank. The blank is typically made from a precious metal, for example gold, but it could be a base metal coated with a precious metal. Stamping is a highly reproducible process and thus the discs 12,14 can be made substantially identical to each other, if required.

Two discs 12,14 are joined along their inner and outer circumferences by an electrical welding process, detailed further in GB 2 341 533. This produces a strong bond between the discs 12,14 without the welds 16 being particularly visible on the external surface of the jewellery ring 10.

The ring is then polished and/or ground. which removes any excess material. This is particularly important around the welds 16.

A second embodiment of a jewellery ring is shown in Figures 3,4 and 5.

This ring 30 has a strengthening member 32 interposed between and joined to a first disc 34 and a second disc 36. The ring is still substantially hollow.

The strengthening member 32 is arranged to increase the crush resistance of the ring, particularly in a radial direction. The ring 30 may be subjected to significant radial forces when worn, and the strengthening member 32 acts to support the discs 34. 36 and enables the ring 30 to resist radial stresses. In this embodiment the discs 34,36 are supported across their largest radial dimension. The mechanical advantage thus provided means that the strengthening member 32 can be axially thin and relatively light.

The discs 34,36 are generally similar in shape to those previously described, while in shape the strengthening member 32 generally comprises a planar annular washer.

In the assembled ring 30 the strengthening member 32 is co-axial with and circumferentially joined to each disc 34,36. The join extends around whole length of the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the strengthening member 32. The outer circumferential surface of the strengthening member 32 is flush with the outer circumferential surface of each disc 34,36. The inner circumferential surface of the strengthening member 32 is also conveniently flush with the inner circumferential surfaces of the discs

34, 36. This enables the ring 30 to be a smooth fit on the digit on which it is C7 worn.

The strengthening member 32 is produced from a planar blank by stamping (although it could be cast or otherwise shaped). The discs are formed by stamping, as previously described.

The strengthening member 32 is then positioned between the discs 34, 36, and then joined to them by welding as previously described. Using the electrical welding process detailed in GB 2 341 533 means that the less visible weld produced does not draw attention to the presence of the strengthening member 32. Thus. in this embodiment, the ring 30 resembles a conventional single band ring. and the strengthening member 32 is concealed.

The strengthening member need not necessarily be concealed, however.

-)'-"' Figure 6 shows a ring 60 otherwise similar to the previously described embodiment but comprising two separable halves 62, 64. In this ring 60 each half is identical and comprises a disc, shaped similarly to those previously

described and joined to a strengthening member 66. Each strengthening z : Z : p member is welded to each half disc as previously described.

Each combination of a disc and a strengthening member form a half-ring 62,64 with a"D"axial section. Two such half rings can be worn on a single digit, the effect resembling a conventional single band ring.

Decorative patterns 68, including messages, can be formed on the external radial surface of the or each strengthening member 66. This surface is hidden when two such half rings are worn, but becomes exposed, revealing the pattern or message, when the half rings 62,64 are separated.

The outer circumferential surface of the strengthening member can also be used to provide embellishment. Figures 7,8, and 9 show schematically a third embodiment of a ring 70. As with previous embodiments, the ring comprises two discs, a first disc 72 and a second disc 74. Interposed between these is a strengthening member 76.

At its outer circumferential surface the strengthening member 76 stands proud of (but it could alternatively be recessed in relation to) the outer circumferential surfaces of the upper disc 72 and the lower disc 74. This effect is highly decorative in itself, and provides a rim 78 into which further components of the ring 70 can be set, conveniently in wells 80 formed in the rim 78. Resin-based decorations 82, or other such embellishments are placed at spaced radial intervals around the rim 78.

The strengthening member is made from the same metal as the discs.

The weight of the strengthening member is reduced in this embodiment b) holes 84 formed in it., As sho\\n in Figure 9 these are cylindrical, although they may take any other shape, and regularly spaced around the annulus. The holes 84 reduce the weight of the strengthening member 76 but do not substantially compromise its resistance to radial stresses. When the strengthening member 76 is stamped, holes 84 are pierced in its body, either simultaneously or following the shaping operation. If the strengthening member is cast the holes 84 may be formed as part of the casting process.

In this embodiment, radial decoration settings 80 are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the strengthening member 76. Figure 9 shows schematically a top view of the strengthening member showing the wells 80 which are filled with resinous material. An alternative embodiment, the strengthening member of which is shown in Figure 11, is suitable for the incorporation of gemstones and is discussed further below.

Figure 10 shows schematically a section through a different embodiment of a ring according to the invention. The ring 100 comprises two discs 102,

104 and a strengthening member 106. In this embodiment the strengthening 9t member is made of titanium rather than gold, (or whatever metal the discs are made of), and it is wedged inside the two discs 102,104. The discs are then joined along their circumferences, The strengthening member 106 is thus completely concealed.

Figure 11 shows schematically a top view of a strengthening member for an alternative embodiment of a jewellery ring. This strengthening member 110 has undercut slots 112 spaced at intervals around its outer circumference. The slots 112 provide space for gemstones 114 to be incorporated into the ring. The ring is assembled by welding one disc (similar to those previously described) to one side of the strengthening member 110. The gemstones 114 can then be pushed into the slots 112 from the other side of the strengthening member 110. The other disc is then welded onto the second side of the strengthening member 110, fixing the gemstones 114 in place.

The reader will appreciate that many variations and/or additions can be made on any of the jewellery rings outlined above without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, preferably the ring is generally circular, but it may be oval or square in radial section. It may form a complete loop or loops about the finger (s) or toe (s), or it may comprise only part, usually a substantial part, of the loop. The shape of the discs could be angular rather than a rounded "c" in

section. The strengthening member could be made from a variety of cross-

sections, for example"X","r\"I"and/or"+".

Also the rino, need n Also the ring need not be rotationally symmetrical about its axis, but rather could be wider and/or deeper at one side to form a'"front"of the ring when worn.

Preferably the ring is made from gold, but it could be made from silver, platinum or other precious metals or alloys thereof. Alternatively the ring could be made from a base metal and coated in a precious metal.

The strengthening member can be made from any suitably strong material, including base metals such as titanium, or plastics materials.

Adornment or additions to the ring, particularly gemstones (whether preset or not) may be added to the hollow parts of the ring instead of or as well as to the strengthening member. There may be a mixture of resins and/or enamels and/or gemstones.

Although the ring has been described in relation to two, circumferentially joined discs, there could be a larger number of discs and they could be stacked, or the ring could otherwise extend in an axial direction. When the ring is a plurality of discs the ring may comprise a plurality of strengthening members each of which may be interposed between the or each pair of discs. The or each strengthening member could conveniently comprise the means by which the or each pair of discs are joined.

In terms of its, manufacture the outer "0" shaped parts of the ring could be cast, and the inner strengthening disc may be either stamped or cast.

The order of many of the manufacturing steps can be interchanged, and 9 1 further steps could be introduced. For example a portion or portions of the ring could be enamelled before or after assembly.

Rings made according to the method of the invention may be for use as a pendant on a chain. Rings worn as pendants might appropriately have on them some sentimental wording, e. g."love always". In such use the ring would look

very much like a wedding ring being worn as a pendant, as is quite often done, but obviously without the expense involved. Rings for use as pendants may also be much smaller, and for example too small for wear on a finger.

In the present specification"comprise"means"includes or consists of and"comprising"means"including or consisting of.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following c t7l claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process I for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A method of making a hollow metal jewellery ring comprising : shaping ZD a plurality of discs in a manner such that they can be joined to form a ring; and joining the plurality of discs.

2. A method according to Claim 1 in which the plurality of discs comprises two.

3. A method according to any preceding claim in which the discs are shaped by stamping.

4. A method according to Claim 3 in which decorative patterns are stamped

in the discs, as part of the stamping process that shapes the discs.

1

5. A method according to any preceding claim in which the discs are joined by welding or soldering.

6. A method according to any preceding claim in which the discs are joined along their circumferences.

7. A method according to any preceding claim in which a strengthening member is interposed between a pair of discs.

8. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising joining a strengthening member to a disc.

9. A method according to any Claim 7 or Claim 8 further comprising

forming holes or wells spaced at intervals around the strengthening member.

0 t-7

10. A method according to Claim 9 in which the holes or wells are formed substantially axially and/or radially.

11. A method according to any one of Claims 9 or 10 further comprising C) c filling the holes or wells thus formed with resin and/or enamel.

12. A method according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the holes or F7 wells take the form of settings for receipt of gemstones.

13. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising enamelling one or more portions of the ring.

14. A hollow metal jewellery ring.

15. A ring according to Claim 14 in which the surface of the ring is etched, stamped, or otherwise patterned.

16. A ring according to Claims 14 or 15 in which the ring comprises a plurality of joined discs.

17. A ring according to Claim 16 in which the ring comprises two joined discs.

18. A ring according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 in which the discs are C) 1-1 preferably generally annular, and joined circumferentially.

19. A ring according to any one of Claims 16 to 18 in which the discs have substantially a"C"shaped cross section.

20. A ring according to any one of Claims 16 to 19 in which the discs are generally rotationally symmetrical about their axis.

21. A ring according to any one of Claims 16 to 20 further comprising a strengthening member, arranged to increase the radial crush resistance of the ring.

22. A ring according to Claim 21 in which the strengthening member comprises an annular disc co-axial with the discs forming the ring.

23. A ring according to either Claim 21 or 22 in which the strengthening member has an outer circumferential surface that is flush with an outer circumferential surface of each disc.

24. A ring according to either Claim 21 or 22 in which the outer circumferential surface of the strengthening member stands proud of, or is recessed in relation to the outer circumferential surfaces of the discs.

25. A ring according to any one of Claims 22 to 27 in which the strengthening member comprises one or more holes and/or wells, spaced around it.

26. A ring according to Claim 25 in which the holes and/or wells are filled with resin or enamel.

27. A ring according to Claim 25 in which the wells form settings for the receipt of gemstones.

28. A ring according to any one of Claims 21 to 27 in which the strengthening member is manufactured from the same metal as the discs.

29. A ring according to any one of Claims 15 to 30 in which the ring is made from a precious metal.

30. A method of making a hollow metal jewellery ring as illustrated in C :) Z7 Figures 1 to 9, substantially as hereinbefore described.

31. A hollow metal jewellery ring substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9.