WO2014177149A1

WO2014177149A1 - Jewellery or bijouterie links and bijouterie or jewellery made of the links

Info

Publication number: WO2014177149A1
Application number: PCT/DK2013/050121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lise AAGAARD
Original assignee: Trollbeads A/S
Priority date: 2013-04-29
Filing date: 2013-04-29
Publication date: 2014-11-06
Also published as: TW201509337A

Abstract

Jewellery or bijouterie links (1, 2, 3) and jewellery or bijouterie product comprising one or more links and use of the links. The links comprise one or more ring members (5', 5'') having a catch (4) formed integrally in the ring member(s) (5', 5''). The catch is formed by at least one end of the ring member (5) being cut off obliquely thereby forming at least one first surface (6', 7'), which are angled at an angle μ in relation to each other and wherein the angle β of the oblique surface in relation to the plane of the ring (5' 5', 5'') is smaller than the angle μ. Preferably, the link further comprises a second surface (6'', 7'') wherein the first and second end surfaces of each ring end are angled in an angle β in relation to each other, wherein the angle β is smaller than the angle μ. Hereby, the links can be assembled into a chain, necklace or bracelet, since each link is provided with a catch (4), thereby rendering a conventional lock superfluous. In addition, the links can be assembled and disassembled at any two adjacent links when applied to e.g. a wrist or a neck as a bracelet or a necklace.

Description

Jewellery or bijouterie links and bijouterie or jewellery made of the links Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to jewellery or bijouterie links.

The present invention also relates to jewellery or bijouterie products, such as chains, bracelets or necklaces comprising one or more links.

In addition, the present invention relates to use of the links in a jewellery or bijouterie product, such as chains, bracelets or necklaces.

Background of the Invention

A trend in the jewellery market, during the last decades, is to provide jewellery, which can be individualized or customized by the person who wears it according to his or her wishes.

Typically, such customizable jewellery or bijouterie comprises a bracelet or a necklace and so called charms comprising a small pendant with a ring or a catch attached thereto. The ring or the catch can be attached to the bracelet or the necklace. The wearer can then decide to apply a number of different charms in order to create an individual look of the jewellery or bijouterie according to his or her preferences.

Another example of such customizable jewellery or bijouterie comprises series with different beads which are simply drawn onto the bracelet or pendant. An example of such a jewellery series is sold under the name Trollbeads®.

The necklace or the bracelet of the above mentioned jewellery series is typically a chain with a catch, or a necklace or a bracelet made of one or more strings of small beads, leather, rubber, textiles etc. Alternatively the charms or beads are e.g. applied to a ban- gle. These jewellery series each provide many possible variations depending on the wearer's choice of necklace and/or bracelet and the charms or beads that are applied to the bracelet or necklace. However, they all depend on the wearer to select a necklace or a bracelet in order to start to collect the different charms or beads to apply to the neck- lace or the bracelet.

Thus, there is still a need for alternative jewellery or bijouterie, which can be varied by the wearer in order to create an individual look of the jewellery or bijouterie according to his or her preferences, and which does not depend on the selection of a necklace or a bracelet in order to create the individual look of the j ewellery or bij outerie.

Another example is to provide jewellery having links as e.g. disclosed in US 2010/281918 (Al). The links are connected to each other and their relative position is revolvingly constrained to each other by means of a pin. The links can be attached to each other by providing at least one of the links with a movable locking device, or a catch, so that the link can be opened and connected to another link and thereby provide a chain, bracelet or necklace. These links suffer from several drawbacks. Firstly, the jewellery can not be adapted to the wearer's wishes in any other way than by adjusting the length of the chain, bracelet or necklace. Secondly, these links have a mechanical locking mechanism, which comprise movable parts and which can break quite easily.

Object of the Invention

The present invention eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art jewellery or bijouterie products mentioned above and provides a series of links e.g. by different links having different designs which can be combined into a jewellery or bijouterie product, such as a chain, necklace or a bracelet.

The links comprises an integrally formed catch which enables the links to be assembled into a chain, necklace or a bracelet and enables the user to create an individual look of the jewellery or bijouterie depending on the choice of links used. The integrally formed catches in each link enable the links to be assembled into a chain, necklace or a bracelet simply by attaching one link to another link, or to a chain of links without using any tools and without using a separate bracelet, necklace or chain to apply the links to.

Thus, the links provide an opportunity to create alternative jewellery or bijouterie, which can be varied by the wearer in order to create an individual look of the jewellery or bijouterie according to his or her preferences, and which does not depend on the selection of a necklace or a bracelet in order to create the individual look of the jewel- lery or bij outerie.

In addition, in case the user wishes to remove one of the links and insert another link into the chain, necklace or bracelet it can be done easily by removing the link in question and insert the new link by means of the integrally formed catch.

Thus, it is possible to open the necklace or bracelet by separating two adjacent links at any point in the chain of links in order to apply it to or remove it from the wearer's neck or wrist respectively. This also eliminates the need for separate locks, e.g. in a bracelet or a necklace.

Description of the Invention

These objects are achieved by a jewellery or bijouterie link having a catch, said link comprising a ring member having two opposing end surfaces forming the catch, wherein at least a first end surface is cut off obliquely thereby forming an angle μ with the opposite end surface, and wherein the angle β of the oblique surface in relation to the plane of the ring member is equal or smaller than the angle μ between the end surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment both end surfaces of the ring member are cut off obliquely which results in the links being easier to position correct in relation to each other when assembling the links into a chain, necklace or bracelet. These objects are also achieved by a preferred embodiment of the links in which the end or the ends of the ring further comprises a second obliquely cut end surface forming the angle β in relation to the first obliquely cut surface and that the second surface faces away from the first surface.

Hereby, a link is obtained, which is easier to produce in a casting process, and which provides symmetry in the catch region. In addition, the links are even more easily positioned correctly in relation to each other when assembled into a chain, necklace or bracelet. In addition, the links can be assembled without risking to damage the catch region of the links since the first and second surfaces in the catch region of one link simply slides against the first and second surfaces in the catch region of another link when the links are assembled into a chain, necklace or bracelet.

The optimal geometry of the catch region of the link is obtained when the angle β is preferably up to 90°, such as 30°-90° or such as 70°-90°, preferably 80°-90° or most preferred 90° or approximately 90°.

Similarly, an optimal geometry of catch region of the link is obtained when the angle μ is up to 135°, such as 90°- 110° or preferably 90°- 100° or more preferred 90° or approx- imately 90°.

When the first or second oblique surfaces form an angle a of 10° -80°, or preferably 25°-65°, or more preferred 30°-60° or most preferred 45 ⁰ or approximately 45° in rela- tion to the plane of the ring member, it is likewise easier to position the catch regions of two links relative to each other when assembling the links into a chain, necklace or bracelet.

In another embodiment, the first and second surfaces are planar or substantially planar, whereby the surfaces slide more easily against each other when assembled into a chain, necklace or bracelet. In yet another embodiment, the jewellery or bijouterie link comprises a first ring member extending in a first plane (X-Y) and a second ring member attached to the first ring member and extending in a second plane (X-Z) wherein first and second planes form an angle in relation to each other. By providing a double link, it is possible to provide further variations in the jewellery or bijouterie product, e.g. by being able to combine single links and double links.

It is possible to vary the angle between the first and second ring member in order to obtain different looks on the jewellery or bijouterie. At an angle of 90° or substantially 90°, there will be no twisting of the resulting chain of links. When this angle is less than 90° a twisted look on the resulting chain of links will be obtained, and the degree of twisting depends on the angle between the first and the second ring member. A suitable angle for obtaining the desired twisted look on the chain, bracelet or necklace is preferably between 60° and 90°, such as from 70° and up to 90° or preferably from 80° and up to 90°, in particular from 85° and up to 90° .

In yet another embodiment of the jewellery or bijouterie link, the second ring member comprises an alternative lock formed integrally into the link, e.g. a carabiner lock comprising a latch operated by a lever. The alternative lock simply catches into any ring member of a link in the chain in order to lock the chain bracelet or necklace. In case the user frequently applies and subsequently takes the bracelet or the necklace off, the wear on the catches in each of the links resulting from daily use is reduced significantly compared to the procedure for assembling and disassembling the links into a chain, necklace or bracelet using the integrally formed catch.

It is preferred that the ring members of the links according to the present invention are oval, substantially oval, circular, or substantially circular, or in polygonic form, such as square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal or the like, and more preferred in oval or substantially oval form, because it results in the chain, neck- lace or bracelet resting more pleasantly against the users wrist or neck or any other body part on which the jewellery or bijouterie is worn. The oval ring members, or similarly longitudinal ring members, also result in that the links in the chain, necklace or bracelet will naturally assume the longitudinal position in the chain, i.e. a position in which their longitudinal axis X-X follows the length of the chain, necklace or bracelet. Therefore, it is also preferred that the catch is formed into the ring members at a portion of the ring member corresponding to the shortest diameter of the e.g. oval ring member in order to reduce that two adjacent links are accidentally detached from each other during use.

In addition, the present invention solves the above mentioned problems and provides the above mentioned advantages by providing a jewellery or bijouterie product comprising one or more links according to the present invention. The jewellery or bijouterie product is preferably forming a chain, a bracelet or a necklace.

In addition, the present invention solves the above mentioned problems and provides the above mentioned advantages by providing the use of one or more jewellery or bijouterie links according to the present invention in a jewellery or bijouterie product, such as a chain, a bracelet or a necklace.

Description of the Drawing

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing in which Fig. la shows a perspective view of a first embodiment, a single link, of the jewellery or bijouterie link according to the invention,

Fig. lb shows a perspective view of a second embodiment, a double link, of the jewellery or bijouterie link according to the invention,

Fig. lc shows an end view, i.e. in direction of the axis X-X, of the double link, shown in fig. lb,

Fig. Id shows a perspective view of a third embodiment, a double link having an alter- native catch, of the jewellery or bijouterie link according to the invention, Fig. le shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment in which only one end of the ring member has one obliquely cut surface,

Fig. If shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment in which each end of the ring member has one obliquely cut surface,

Fig. 2a-2d shows, in perspective view, the assembly of the links according to the invention into a chain, bracelet, necklace or the like, Fig. 2e shows, in perspective view, the assembly of links as shown in fig. le into a chain, bracelet, necklace or the like,

Fig. 2f shows a schematic cross view through the catch region during assembly of two links as shown in fig. 2e,

Fig. 2g shows a schematic cross view through the catch region during assembly of two links as shown in fig. 2a-d,

Fig. 2h shows, in perspective view, the assembly of links as shown in fig. If into a chain, bracelet, necklace or the like,

Fig. 3a shows a side view of a chain, bracelet, necklace or the like, comprising single links according to the invention, Fig. 3b shows a side view of a chain, bracelet, necklace or the like, comprising double links according to the invention including a link comprising an alternative catch, and

Fig. 3c shows a side view of the chain, bracelet, necklace of fig. 3b indicating the closure of the chain, necklace or bracelet using the link comprising the alternative catch. Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. la- If shows a number of possible embodiments of jewellery or bijouterie links according to the present invention, in short called links below.

Figs. la, le, and If show a link 1 according to the invention in its simplest form. This link comprises a ring member 5 extending substantially in a plane defined by axis X and Y. By a ring member 5 is meant a ring shaped element having a cut extending through the ring material, and is e.g. formed as a rod, cylinder or the like being bent into ring shape or by casting a similarly shaped link. The rod/cylinder or the like forming the ring member 5 has a diameter d, see figs, la and lc. The link 1 has a catch 4 formed integrally in the ring member 5. The catch 4 is formed at the cut through the ring 5 as described in detail below in relation to fig. le, If, and lb.

Another embodiment of the link according to the present invention is shown in fig. lb. The link 2 in fig. lb has two ring members 5', 5" attached to each other and may thus be called a double link 2. The double link 2 comprises a first ring member 5' extending in a first plane X-Y, i.e. the plane X-Y passes through the centre line at a distance of d/2 of a cross view of the first ring member 5' as indicated in figs, lb and lc, and a second ring member 5" firmly attached to the first ring member 5' and extending in a second plane X-Z. The first plane X-Y and the second plane X-Z forms an angle a, see fig. lc, in relation to each other. The angle a (fig. lc) is preferably approximately 90° whereby the two ring members 5' and 5" are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other and the links are essentially perpendicular to each other when assembled into a chain, necklace or bracelet as shown in figs. 3b and 3c. In case it is desired to obtain a twisted chain, necklace or bracelet the angle a may vary from 70°- 110°, preferably 80°- 100°, in particular 85-95° or most preferred 90° or approximately 90°. As an example a twisted chain can be obtained, in which six double links provide a 90° twist, when the angle (a) between the first 5' and the second ring member 5" is approximately 75°, i.e. the axes Y-Y and Z-Z are offset at an angle of 75°. At an angle of 90° or approximately 90° there will be no twisting of the resulting chain, necklace or bracelet. The double link 2 may e.g. be made by forming two individual ring members 5' and 5", which are welded together or formed directly into a double link 2 by casting.

The catch 4 will be explained while referring to fig. lb, but it should be noted that the catch 4 is formed as described below, but is not necessarily identical in all links 1, 2, 3 according to the invention, which results in that single links 1 (fig. la, le), double links

2 (fig. lb), and locking links 3 (fig. Id) can be combined in any desired manner.

The catch 4 in a ring member 5, 5', 5" is e.g. formed providing at least one end 6, 7 of the ring member 5, 5', 5" being cut off at an angle to form one or more angled surfac- es, 6'-6" and 7'-7", respectively, at one or both ends of the ring member 5, 5', 5" (see fig. la, lb, le, and If). In the most simple form of the catch region 4, see fig. le, one end of the ring member 5 has an obliquely cut surface 6 which forms an angle μ (see figs, le, Id, 2e-2g) with the opposite end surface 7 and wherein the angle β of the oblique surface 6 in relation to the plane X-Y; X-Z of the ring member 5, 5', 5" is equal to or smaller than the angle μ between the end surfaces 6, 7. The oblique surfaces 6, of two links then slide against each other when assembled into a chain, necklace or bracelet as seen on fig 2e. Preferably both ends 6,7 of the ring member 5 comprise an obliquely cut surface 6,7, as shown in fig If and 2h, which results in that the links 1, 2,

3 are more easily positioned correctly in relation to each other when assembling the links 1, 2, 3 into a chain, necklace or bracelet.

Preferably, each end of the ring member 5, 5', 5" has at least two angled surfaces 6'- 6", 7'-7", as shown in figs, la, lb, Id, and 2a-2d. The angled surfaces thus forms a wedge like end on the ring member 5, 5', 5", which has an edge 8 pointing towards the edge 8 at the other end of the ring member 5, 5', 5" . The edges 8 at the ends are preferably parallel and substantially in the same distance from the ring's central plane X-Y or X-Z, respectively, and thus form a narrow gap between the opposing edges 8 which may provide the necessary tolerance in the catch 4 in order to ensure easy connection or disconnection of the links 1, 2, 3, as described below.

This results in a catch 4 in each link 1, 2, 3, which can be easily connected to any other link 1, 2, 3 to form a chain, necklace or bracelet, as described further below, since the links are easily positioned in relation to each other. Alternatively, any two neighbouring links are easily disconnected from each other, e.g. in order to attach/detach the bracelet or necklace from the wrist or neck or in order to attach an extra link to the chain, necklace or bracelet or to substitute any link with a new link 1, 2, 3. This also results in that the links 1, 2 can be used in any desired combination of single links 1 and/or double links 2 and/or a lock link 3.

Each end of the ring member 5, 5', 5" has at least one first surface 6', T extending in a plane, A-Y or B-Y, respectively, at an angle a in relation to the plane, X-Y or X-Z, respectively, of the ring member 5, 5', 5". Thereby, the planes, A-Y or B-Y of the first opposing surfaces 6', 7' on each end of the ring 5, 5', 5" form an angle μ in relation to each other. These first surfaces 6', T are preferably substantially perpendicular to each, i.e. the angle μ is preferably 90° or approximately 90°, although another angle between the first surfaces 6', 7' is possible, e.g. up to 135°, such as 90°- 110° or 90°- 100°

The value of the angle μ may also depend on the on the value of the angle β described below as the sum of μ and β is 180° when both ends of the ring member 5, 5', 5" each comprises two obliquely cut surfaces 6', T and 6", 7", respectively, see figs. la-Id, 2a-2d, and 2f.

Preferably, the catch 4 in the ring members 5, 5', 5" further comprises a second surface 6", 7", which extends from the edge 8 at each end of the ring member 5, 5', 5" in a plane, B-Y, or A-Y respectively such that each second surface 6", 7" faces away from their respective first surface 6', T and wherein the planes A-Y; B-Y of the first and second surfaces form an angle β in relation to each other, which is up to 90 °, such as 30°-90° or such as 70°-90°, preferably 80°-90° or most preferred 90° or approximately 90°. The angle a of the plane A-Y or B-Y in relation to the plane of the ring member 5, 5', 5", X-Y or X-Z respectively, may be between 10° -80°, or preferably 25°-65°, or more preferred 30°-60° or most preferred 45° or approximately 45°. In a particularly preferred embodiment the angles β and μ are 90° or approximately 90° and the angle a is 45° or approximately 45° whereby the links are most easily assembled into a chain, bracelet or necklace, since two links can be easily positioned in substantially perpendicular manner in relation to each other prior to assembling. In addition, the user need not consider how to position the obliquely cut surfaces, 6, 7 cor- rectly in relation to each other in order to be able to assemble any two links 1, 2, 3 into a chain, bracelet or necklace.

The first and second surfaces, 6'+6", 7'+ 7", respectively, are preferably planar or substantially planar, whereby the surfaces slide easily against each other when resulting in that the links are to assemble into a chain, necklace or bracelet, as shown in figs 3a- 3c.

In another embodiment of the link 3, see fig. Id, an alternative lock 9 is formed integrally into a double link resembling the link 2 at fig. lb. Preferably, the alternative lock 9 is similar to a conventional lock comprising a spring (not shown) biased latch (10) operated by a lever (11). A first ring member 5' as described above is provided with the carabiner lock 9, in which the hook 5"' and the latch 10 of the carabiner lock 9 is preferably designed to resemble the second ring member 5" of the double link shown in fig. lb. This "lock link" 3 can be used in order to provide a conventional lock 9 at one end of a chain of links 1, 2 forming a bracelet or a necklace, e.g. as shown in figs. 3b and 3c. The carabiner lock 9 simply catches into any ring member 5, 5', 5" of a link in the chain in order to lock the bracelet or necklace. In case the user frequently applies and subsequently takes the bracelet or the necklace off, the wear on the catches 4 in each of the links 1, 2 resulting from daily use is reduced significantly compared to the procedure for connecting the links 1, 2 into a chain, necklace or bracelet using the integrally formed catch 4 as a lock as described below. The catches 4 in all links 1, 2, 3 are preferably identical, which results in that single links 1, double links 2 and lock links 3 can be combined in any desired manner. In addition, the first and/or second ring members (5, 5', 5") is/are preferably oval or substantially oval, circular or substantially circular or of polygonic form, such as square, rec- tangular, pentagonal hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal or the like.

It is preferred that the first and second ring members (5, 5', 5") are oval or substantially oval, because it results in the chain, necklace or bracelet resting more pleasantly against the users wrist or neck or any other body part on which the jewellery or bijou- terie is worn. The oval ring members, or similarly longitudinal ring members, also result in that the links 1,2, 3 in the chain, necklace or bracelet will naturally assume the longitudinal position in the chain, i.e. a position in which their longitudinal axis X-X follows the length of the chain, necklace or bracelet, see fig 3a-3c. Therefore, it is preferred that the catch 4 is formed into the ring members 5, 5', 5" at a portion of the ring mem- ber 5, 5', 5" corresponding to the shortest diameter of the oval ring member, i.e. at or near axis Y-Y or Z-Z, in order to reduce that two adjacent links 1, 2 are accidentally detached from each other during use.

The assembly of a chain of links 1, 2, 3 using the integrally formed catch 4 is described with reference to figs. 2a-2e and 2h. Two links A, B are held substantially perpendicularly to each other with their respective catches 4 facing towards the other link A, B, see fig. 2a. Then, the catches 4 of links A and B will engage when the links A, B are pressed against each other as indicated by the arrows C and D, see fig. 2b. Since the cut outs in the catch 4 of the first link A corresponds to the shape of the wedge formed at the ends of the ring member of the other link B, the surfaces 6', 6", and 7', 7" (see reference signs at fig. lb) of link A will slide against the corresponding surfaces 6', 6", and 7', 7" of link B, as shown in fig. 2c until the links are fully attached to each other as seen in fig. 2c. In fig. 2c, the ring member 5' of link A grips the ring member 5" of link B. Fig. 2d shows the links A and B in their final positions in the chain of links forming a chain, bracelet or a necklace.

As can be seen in fig. 2c and 2d, as well as in figs. 3a-3c each link can move freely in relation to the adjacent links in the chain. The jewellery links 1, 2, 3 are preferably made from precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum or alloys thereof, e.g. bronze e.g. by casting. Alternatively, titanium or steel alloys conventionally used for jewellery or bijouterie may be used or other con- ventionally metals or metal alloys used in bijouterie may be used. In addition, it may be possible to use synthetic materials, such as plastic or rubbers as conventionally used in jewellery. Suitable plastics are relatively hard and stiff, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide or nylon, polyvinylchloride (PVC). As mentioned above, the links 1, 2, 3 can be used in a jewellery or bijouterie product comprising one or more links as described above, such as a chain, a bracelet or a necklace.

In the figures, the links are shown in their most simple form or shape. It is of course possible to create a series of differently designed links as variations over these basic forms. As an example each end of the ring member 5, 5', 5" may be provided with additional two oblique surfaces (not shown) which extend in planes substantially perpendicular to the edge 8 of each end of the ring member 5, 5', 5" . In this case, these surfaces may thus form angles corresponding to the angles of the first and/or second surfaces 6', 6", 7'+ 7" in case that the additional surfaces are to be used as alternatives to the surfaces of the catch 4 defined by the first and second surfaces 6'+6",7'+ 7" . Alternatively the ends of the ring member 5, 5', 5" may be provided with two or more additional oblique surfaces and the angle of these additional surfaces may be chosen arbitrarily in order to obtain a desired look on the ends of the ring members 5, 5', 5".

The links 1, 2, 3 may of course also be varied by using different metals for the individual variations of the links, by combining different metals in each link, by their surface treatment, and/or by applying pearls, gems, stones etc. to decorate the links as otherwise known by the person skilled in designing and making jewellery. Thereby, the wearer is able to select different links and thereby create an individual design for his or her chain, bracelet or necklace. The terms substantially, essentially, approximately or about, e.g. substantially oval, should all be understood as encompassing deviations within normal levels of tolerances accepted by the skilled person when making hand made or cast jewellery, as well as, shapes, forms, angles etc. which resembles the related forms, angles etc. when inspect- ed visually.

Claims

1. Jewellery or bijouterie link (1, 2, 3) having a catch (4), said link comprising a ring member (5, 5', 5") having two opposing end surfaces (6, 7) forming the catch (4), wherein at least a first end surface (6) is cut off obliquely thereby forming an angle μ with the opposite end surface (7) and wherein the angle β of the oblique surface (6) in relation to the plane (X-Y; X-Z) of the ring member (5, 5', 5") is equal or smaller than the angle μ between the end surfaces (6,7).

2. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to claim 1, wherein both end surfaces (6, 7) are cut off obliquely.

3. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the end or the ends of the ring (5, 5', 5") further comprises a second obliquely cut end surface (6", 7") forming the angle β in relation to the first obliquely cut surface (6', 7') and that the second surface (6", 7") faces away from the first surface ( 6', 7').

4. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to any of the claims l-3,wherein the angle μ is up to 135°, such as 90°- 110° or 90°- 100°, or preferably 90° or approximately 90°.

5. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to any of claims 1-4 wherein the angle β is up to 90 °, such as 30°-90° or such as 70°-90°, preferably 80°-90°or most preferred 90°or approximately 90°.

6. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to any of claims 1-5 wherein the first and second surfaces form an angle a of 10-80°, or preferably 25°-65°, or more preferred 30°- 60° or most preferred 45° or approximately 45° in relation to the plane (X-Y; X-Z) of the ring member (5).

7. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to any of claims 1-6 wherein the first and second surfaces (6', 6", 7', 7") are planar or substantially planar.

8. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to any of the claims 1-7 comprising a first ring member (5') extending in a first plane (X-Y) and a second ring member (5") attached to the first ring member (5') and extending in a second plane (X-Z) wherein first and second planes forms an angle (a) in relation to each other.

9. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to claim 8 wherein the angle (a) is 60° -120°, such as 70°- 110°, preferably 80°- 100°, in particular 85° -95° or most preferred 90° or approximately 90°.

10. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the second ring member (5") comprises an alternative lock (9) formed integrally into the link (3).

11. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to claim 10 wherein, the alternative catch (9) is a carabiner catch comprising a latch (10) operated by a lever (11).

12. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to any of the claims 1-11 wherein the first and/or second ring members (5, 5', 5") are oval, substantially oval, circular, or substantially circular, or polygonic form, such as square, rectangular, pentagonal hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal or the like.

13. Jewellery or bijouterie link according to claim 12 wherein the first and/or second ring members (5, 5', 5") is oval or substantially oval.

14. Jewellery or bijouterie product comprising one or more links according to any of the claims 1-13.

15. Jewellery or bijouterie product according to claim 13, forming a chain, a bracelet or a necklace.

16. Use of one or more jewellery or bijouterie links according to any of claims 1-13 in a jewellery or bijouterie product, such as a chain, a bracelet or a necklace.