WO2015025265A1

WO2015025265A1 - Ornamental articles

Info

Publication number: WO2015025265A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/063962
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sik Ki CHENG
Original assignee: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company Limited
Priority date: 2013-08-19
Filing date: 2014-08-19
Publication date: 2015-02-26
Also published as: TW201521627A

Abstract

An ornamental assembly (10) comprises a first ornamental part (120) and a second ornamental part (140). The first ornamental part (120) comprises a first ornamental body defining a first plane and a first latching part. The second ornamental part (140) comprises a second ornamental body defining a second plane and a second latching part. The first ornamental part (120) and the second ornamental part (140) are joined at a hinge joint (130) such that the first ornamental part (120) and the second ornamental part (140) are relatively rotatable about a hinge axis (138) to move between a first configuration and a second configuration. The hinge axis (138) is defined by the hinge joint (130). The first latching part and the second latching part are to cooperate to form a latching device in a latching configuration when in the first configuration and a latching device in a releasing configuration when in the second configuration.

Description

ORNAMENTAL ARTICLES

FIELD

[001 ] The present disclosure relates to ornamental assemblies and articles, and more particularly to wearable ornamental articles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to ornamental articles having detachable parts.

BACKGROUND

[002] Ornamental articles that are configurable into different forms are beneficial and advantageous. For example, ornamental articles may be configured to carry different types of accessories according to personal preferences or occasion, or without an accessory when so desired.

[003] It would be desirable if ornamental articles having novel means for attaching accessories, especially valuable accessories, can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[004] The disclosure will be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:-

Figure 1 is a first side view of an example ornamental article according to the present disclosure,

Figure 1 A is a second side view of the example ornamental article of Figure 1 ,

Figure 1 B is a top plan view of the ornamental article of Figure 1 ,

Figure 1 C is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken along section A-A' of Figure 1 B,

Figure 1 D is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken along section B-B' of Figure 1 B,

Figures 1 D1 and 1 D2 are respectively enlarged perspective and elevation views showing the cut top portion of Figure 1 D,

Figure 1 D3 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a bottom portion of Figure 1 D with inner ring separated from the outer ring, Figure 1 E is a perspective view showing the ornamental article of Figure 1 when the movable parts are in a first aligned configuration,

Figure 1 F is a perspective view showing the ornamental article of Figure 1 when the movable parts are in a second out of alignment, configuration and at 90° relative to each other,

Figure 1 G is a perspective view showing the ornamental article of Figure 1 when the movable parts are out of alignment at an angle between 0° to 90°,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ornamental article of Figure 1 depicting schematically a surface generated by revolution of the inner ring member about a hinge connecting the inner and outer ring members,

Figure 2A is a top plan view of the ornamental ring of Figure 1 with a first quadrant adjacent the hinge connecting the inner and outer ring cut away to reveal a transverse cross section of the inner and outer rings,

Figure 2B schematically depicts relative rotation between the inner and outer ring portions of Figure 2A about the hinge when transitioning between aligned and non-aligned configuration,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of Figure 1 F with mounting base separated,

Figures 4A and 4B are respectively first side elevation and second side elevation views of an example ring according to the present disclosure with a cut diamond mounted on the mounting base and attached to the main body,

Figures 4C and 4D are top plan views of the ring of Figure 4A and 4B respectively with the mounting base and with and without the cut diamond,

Figure 4E is a perspective view of Figure 4A without holding a cut diamond and has its mounting base separated,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another example ring according to the present disclosure and depicting another example latching mechanism,

Figure 5A is a perspective view of Figure 5 depicting the inner ring at an angle to the outer ring at which the base setting is released from the latching mechanism,

Figures 5B and 5C are respectively enlarged views of Figures 5 and 5A depicting the latching mechanism and the base setting, Figure 6 is a perspective view of another example ring according to the present disclosure showing the inner and outer ring members in an aligned configuration with a mounting base latched on its main body,

Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are respectively a top plan view, a first side elevation view and a second side elevation of the ring of Figure 6 at the aligned configuration,

Figure 6D is a perspective view of the example ring of Figure 6 with the inner and outer ring rotated out of the aligned configuration, and

Figure 6E is a top plan view of Figure 6D.

DESCRIPTION

[005] An ornamental assembly 10 depicted in Figures 1 , 1 A and 1 B comprises a main body 100 and a mounting base 200 that is mounted on the main body 100. The main body 100 comprises an inner member 120 and an outer member 140 that is in abutment with the inner member 120, as depicted in Figures 1 C and 1 D. Each of the inner member 120 and the outer member 140 is made of a precious metal such as silver, gold, platinum or their alloys. The inner and outer members 120 and 140 may be made of the same or different materials, or the same precious material with different alloy compositions.

[006] The inner and outer members 120 and 140 are connected by a hinge joint 130 that is shown in more detail in Figures 1 D1 , 1 D2 and 1 D3. The hinge joint 130 comprises a hinge shaft 132 on one axial end and a hinge boss 134 at another axial end. The hinge shaft 132 projects upwardly from the outer surface of the inner member 120 and extends upwardly through a hinge aperture formed on the outer member 140. The hinge boss 134 is formed at a location that is directly or diametrically opposite the hinge shaft 132 and projects downwardly to engage with the outer member 140. The downwardly projected hinge boss 134 provides a pivotal support in the form of a boss contact to connect the inner and outer members 120 and 140 and to facilitate rotation of the inner member 120 relative to the outer member 140 about a hinge axis 138. The hinge axis 138 is defined collectively by the hinge shaft 132 and the hinge boss 134. The hinge boss 134 comprises a rounded head that projects into inner surface of the outer member 140 as depicted in Figures 1 C, 1 D and 1 D3.

[007] A latching bar 136 extending in a direction which is transverse or orthogonal to the hinge axis 138 is formed at the upper end of the hinge shaft 132 that is distal from the inner member 120. The latching bar 136 is provided to facilitate latching of the mounting base to the main body 100 and releasing therefrom to be explained. The latching bar 136 and the hinge shaft 132 collectively define a T-shaped latching member that integrally formed with the inner member 120 as depicted in Figures 1 B, 1 C, 1 D, 1 D1 andl D2.

[008] The inner member 120 is elongate and comprises an arcuate member which extends arcuately from the hinge shaft 132 towards the boss and then extends arcuately from the hinge boss 134 and extends arcuately back towards the hinge shaft 132 to form an inner aperture defining arcuate inner member 120. This inner aperture is adapted to facilitate user wearing or attachment of the main body 100 to another article such as a necklace. The inner member 120 includes an inner surface 124 which faces and defines the inner aperture, and an opposite facing outer surface 122 that faces away from the inner aperture. The outer surface 122 is arcuate and partial spherical.

[009] The outer surface 122 of the inner member 120 extends in a first circular direction with the hinge shaft 132 and the hinge boss 134 on opposite diametric ends, the inner member also extends in a second circular direction in the direction of rotation to define a partial spherical surface. The first circular direction is orthogonal to the second circular direction. This partial spherical surface extends longitudinally between the hinge shaft 132 and the hinge boss 134 to define an arcuate length of the inner member 120. The partial spherical surface also extends transversely in the direction of rotation to define an arcuate width of the inner member 120 and defining a second curvature. The arcuate length has a first curvature in the longitudinal direction and the arcuate width has a second curvature in the transverse direction or the direction of rotation. In this example, the first and second curvatures are identical or substantially identical such that both the arcuate length and arcuate width portions on the outer surface 122 of the inner member 120 are part of a common spherical surface. The centre of this common spherical surface is at the centre of a circle defined by the length of the outer surface 122 of the inner member 120. The centre of this common spherical surface is also at the centre of rotation as depicted in Figure 2B.

[0010] The arcuate width of the inner member 120 gradually decrease as the inner member 120 extends from the hinge shaft 132 towards the hinge boss 134 so that the main body 100 has a more streamlined and aesthetic pleasing lateral outline, as depicted in the side elevation views of Figures 1 A and 1 D. A spherical surface as depicted schematically in Figure 2 will be generated by the outer arcuate surface 122 of the inner member 120 when the inner member 120 is made to rotate about the hinge axis 138, as depicted schematically in Figure 2B.

[001 1 ] As shown in the partially cut away diagram of Figures 2A and 2B, the outer surface 122 of the inner member 120 has a convexly curved arcuate profile in a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of rotation. The curvature of this convexly curved profile is the curvature of the circle of rotation generated by rotation of the outer surface 122 of the inner member 120 about the axis of rotation. The inner surface 124 of the inner member 120 also has a convexly curved cross- sectional profile facing the inner aperture. This convexly rounded inner surface 124 of the inner member 120 is beneficial to provide enhanced user comfort as this inner surface 124 is typically adapted for user wearing. The convexly curved outer 122 and inner 124 surfaces 122124of the inner member 120 collectively define an inner member 120 having a substantially rounded cross-sectional profile along its arcuate length.

[0012] The outer member 140 is elongate and comprises an arcuate member which extends arcuately from the end where the hinge shaft 132 protrudes towards the location where the hinge boss 134 engages and then extends arcuately back from the hinge boss 134 end to the hinge shaft end to form a loop defining arcuate outer member 140. The outer member 140 comprises an inner surface 144 that is in abutment with the outer surface 122 of the inner member 120 when the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are aligned to form an aperture defining ring or a band body and a pair of opposite facing surfaces. The outer surface 142 of the outer member 140 has a rounded cross-sectional profile for a smooth feel and appearance.

[0013] An arcuate receptacle for complementarily receiving the outer surface 122 of the inner member 120 is formed on the inner surface 144 of the outer member 140. The receptacle is elongate and has a partial spherical profile extending in the direction of rotation and orthogonal to the direction of rotation that is complementary to the partial spherical surface on the outer surface 122 of the inner member 120. The receptacle is adapted the corresponding surfaces on the receptacle and the inner member 120 will enter into complementary engagement when the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are aligned in abutment to form a ring- or band-like body.

[0014] When the inner and outer members are aligned or in the aligned configuration as depicted in Figures 1 to 1 D, an axial plane of the inner member 120 which passes through the rotation axis and an axial plane of the outer member 140 which passes through the rotation axis are coplanar. When in the aligned configuration, the inner and outer members 120 and 140 collectively define a rounded overall cross-sectional profile as depicted in Figures 2A and 2B. In order to have a smooth edge transition between the inner and outer members 120 and 140 when in the aligned configuration, the arcuate widths of the inner and outer members 120 and 140 at the location where they abut are the same or substantially the same. When in the aligned configuration, the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are edge aligned so that the arcuate width defining lateral edges of the inner member 120 and the arcuate width defining lateral edges of the outer member 140 are correspondingly aligned with the counterpart edges in abutment.

[0015] As the outer surface 142 of the outer member 140 has a rounded cross-sectional profile and the inner surface 124 of the inner member 120 has a rounded cross-sectional profile, the ring- or band-like body which is collectively formed by alignment of the inner and outer members 120 and 140 has an overall smooth and rounded cross-sectional profile for user comfort and aesthetic.

[0016] A receptacle on the outer member 140 and an outer surface 122 on the inner member 120 each of which has a partial spherical surface and the partial spherical surfaces are complementarily shaped are advantageous since the two members can rotate in and out of alignment smoothly while the corresponding surfaces are in abutment or engagement.

[0017] As depicted in Figures 1 E, 1 F and 1 G, the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are rotatable relative to each other to move into a plurality of configurations. For example, the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are rotatable from the aligned configuration of Figure 1 E to the configuration of Figure 1 F where the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are orthogonal to each other, and the configuration of Figure 1 G when the relative angle between the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are beyond orthogonal to each other (with the rotational limiting mounting base detached). In general, the relative angle could be between 0° to 180°. The mounting base limits the range of the relative angles in this example to be between 0° to 90° as depicted in Figures 1 E, 1 F and 1 G. The inner and outer members 120 and 140 collective define a cage-like structure when at a relative angle to each other. When the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are at an angle, especially when orthogonal to each other, the cage-like structure will be supported by a stand formed by lower portions of the inner and outer members 120 and 140. [0018] While the inner member 120 is mounted to the outer member 140 by a hinge in the examples herein, it should be appreciated that the hinge is not essential and is provided to keep the inner and outer members 120 and 140 in connection. The inner and outer members 120 and 140 may be structured such that they are detachable from each other where appropriate. For example, the inner and outer members 120 and 140 may be supported by a pair of hinge bosses 134 on opposite diametric ends of the inner member 120 such that the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are relatively rotatable about a rotational axis defined by the pair of hinge bosses 134 and are detachable as and when desired.

[0019] The inner aperture is sized to receive a finger of a wearer where the main body 100 is configured as an ornamental ring. When configured as a bracelet, the inner aperture is sized to receive the wrist or arm of a wearer.

[0020] The mounting base 200 is for attaching or mounting an ornamental item such as a gemstone to the main body 100, and may be referred to as a setting base. The mounting base 200 typically includes a setting for holding a piece of gemstone but only the base portion is shown in Figures 1 , 1 D1 and 1 D2 for ease of illustration. Referring to Figures 1 , 1 A, 1 B, 1 D1 , 1 D2, 1 E and 1 F,a latching receptacle is formed on the base portion of the mounting base 200 to provide a connection interface between the mounting base 200 and the main body 100. The latching receptacle comprises a recess 202 and a latching aperture 204 defined on the recess 202. The latching receptacle is adapted such that the latching receptacle permits though passage of the latching bar 136 when aligned in a predetermined relative orientation and the recess 202 will block passage of the latching bar 136 when away from that predetermined orientation. In this example, the latching aperture 204 is elongate and follows the outline of the latching bar 136 so that the latching bar 136 can pass though the latching aperture 204 when the longitudinal axes of the latching aperture 204 and the latching bar 136 are in alignment but not when they are out of alignment. The recess 202 has a pair of fan shaped recess sectors and the fan shaped recess sectors are distributed on opposite sides of the centre of the latching aperture 204 in a mirror symmetric manner. The fan shape recess sectors are devised to permit the latching member to rotate within an angular range relative to the latching receptacle. The angular range is set by the edge of the fan shaped recess sectors and is 90° in the example of Figure 1 B.

[0021 ] As depicted in Figure 3, an elevated platform is formed on a cut and flattened portion on the hinge shaft end of the outer member 140 and surrounds the hinge aperture. This elevated platform has the same footprint as the latching bar 136 and a thickness such that the upper surface of the elevated platform will be flush with the upper surface on the recess portion when the setting base 200 is mounted onto the main body 100 upon insertion through the elevated platform. The mounting base 200 will be latched onto the main body 100 after the insertion and by subsequent rotation of the latching bar 136 relative to the latching receptacle.

[0022] In an example as depicted in Figure 4E, the elevated platform is replaced by a pair of upwardly projecting pins. The pins are disposed on diametric opposite sides of the hinge shaft 132 and corresponding apertures are defined on the recess 202 to permit passage of the pins through the latching receptacle such that when the latching bar 136 are rotated into a latching position, the transverse ends of the latching base 200 rest on the pins to cooperatively lock the latching receptacle in place.

[0023] In the example of Figures 1 E and 3, the latching bar 136 is at the latching position to retain the mounting base 200 when the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are aligned and at a releasing position when the inner and outer are orthogonal to each other. This arrangement provides a useful security measure so that the mounting base, on which there may be mounted a diamond or a precious stones, will be locked on and fastened to the main body 100 when worn on the finger or wrist of a user, but releasable when the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are at a non-wearing configuration.

[0024] In the example, the latching bar 136 can be set to be at the latching position to retain the mounting base 200 when the inner and outer members 120 and 140 are orthogonal to each other and at a releasing position when the inner and outer are aligned.

[0025] In an example as depicted in Figures 4A to 4D, the mounting base 200 includes the latching receptacle and a holding device 210 for holding a diamond 220. The holding device 220 is formed as a jewellery setting suitable for carrying a diamond or other precious stones. In this example, the jewellery setting is integral to the mounting base 200 and projects upwardly from the base portion to form the jewellery setting. The main body is the same or substantially the same as that of Figures 1 and 3 and the description on the main body is incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] In another example ornamental article 20 depicted in Figure 5, 5A to 5C, the outer member of the ornamental article 20 is non-continuous and is broken at a location corresponding to the location where the hinge aperture is defined on the ornamental article 10. The hinge shaft projects upwardly through the broken portion and a pair of hooks is formed at the broken end of the main body. The hooks are opposite facing with each of the hooks faces away from the broken portion. The hooks are urged towards each other but resilience of the outer member. When the mounting base is mounted into the hooked portion of the outer member, the hooked portion and the mounting base are arranged such that the hooks are urged against the latching bar. When the latching bar is rotated such that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the plane of the outer member as depicted in Figure 5B, the ends on the longer side of the latch bar will push the hooks away from each other to engage with the latching receptacle, thereby latching the mounting base on the main body. On the other hand, when the latching bar is rotated such that its longitudinal axis is orthogonal to the plane of the outer member as depicted in Figure 5C, the resilience of the outer member will push the hooks towards each other to disengage with the latching receptacle, thereby releasing the mounting base from the main body.

[0027] In another example as depicted in Figures 6 and 6A to 6E, the latching mechanism comprising the mounting base and the elevated platform is the same as that of Figure 1 E and 3. In this example, the main body is slightly different and comprises a first member and a second member that are hinged together such that the first and second members are rotatable between a latching configuration and a releasing configuration. When the first and second members are orthogonal to each other as depicted in Figure 6D and 6E, the latching mechanism is in a latching state. When the first and second members are rotated to be side aligned as depicted in Figures, 6, 6A, 6B and 6C, the latching mechanism is released. When the first member and the second member are side aligned, corresponding side surfaces on the first and second members will be in abutment. For example, opposite facing side surfaces on the first and second members at the orthogonal or cage-like configuration of Figure 6D will be brought into abutment when rotated towards each other to enter into a side aligned state of Figure 6C. A side surface in this example means a surface adjacent an aperture defined inner surface or a surface between the inner and outer surfaces. There is disclosed an ornamental assembly, the ornamental assembly comprising a first ornamental part and a second ornamental part which are relatively movable about a hinge axis. The first ornamental part may comprise a first ornamental body defining a first plane and a first latching part and the second ornamental part may comprise a second ornamental body defining a second plane and a second latching part. The first ornamental part and the second ornamental part are joined at a hinge joint such that the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part are relatively rotatable about a hinge axis to move between a first configuration and a second configuration, the hinge axis being defined by the hinge joint. The first latching part and the second latching part are to cooperate to form a latching device in a latching configuration when in said first configuration, the latching device being in a releasing configuration when in said second configuration.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first ornamental body and the second ornamental body cooperate to define a ring-shaped or band-shaped structure when in said aligned configuration or first configuration.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first latching part includes a first latching bar and the second latching part includes a second latching bar, each of the first and second latching bars extending orthogonal to the hinge axis; and wherein the first and second latching bars are movable between a stacked and aligned configuration and a crossed configuration when the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part rotate between the first and second configurations.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first latching bar is parallel to the first plane and the second latching bar is parallel to the second plane such that the instantaneous relative angular orientation between the first latching bar and the second latching bar is determined by the instantaneous relative angle between the first plane and the second plane.

[0031 ] In some embodiments, the stacked and aligned configuration corresponds to one of the first or the second configurations and the crossed configuration corresponds to the other one of the first or the second configurations.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first and said second latching parts are at a non-zero angle to each other when said first and second ornamental parts are at said latching configuration.

[0033] In some embodiments, the hinge joint includes an axial shaft projecting from said first the first ornamental body and extending through the second ornamental body to connect with the first latching part.

[0034] In some embodiments, an ornamental assembly according to the disclosure may combine with a holding device to form an ornamental article, wherein a holding device is latched to the latching device when the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part are in the first configuration and is releasable from the latching device when in the second configuration. [0035] In some embodiments, the holding device comprises a mounting base and a receptacle defining a base setting for holding a jewellery item, the mounting base defining an aperture shaped to permit passage of said latching device when in the stacked and aligned configuration but not when in the crossed configuration.

[0036] In some embodiments, an angular position limiting device to limit the range of allowable relative angular rotation between said first and second ornamental parts is formed on the mounting base, and the range of allowable relative angular rotation including within 90, 100, 1 10, or 120 degrees.

[0037] In some embodiments, cooperative position limiting devices are formed on the mounting base to retain the first latching part in a predetermined position corresponding to said first configuration and/or said second configuration.

[0038] In some embodiments, a tightening device is formed on the mounting base to gradually increase tightening or strength of latching when said first and second ornamental parts gradually moves towards said first configuration and/or said second configuration.

[0039] There is also disclosed an ornamental article comprising a base assembly and an attachment device, wherein the base assembly comprises a first component part and a second part which are rotatable relative to each other between a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein the attachment device is fastened to the base assembly in the first configuration and releasable from the base assembly in the second configuration.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first and second component parts are connected by a hinge such that the first and second component parts are rotatable about a hinge axis 138 defined by the hinge between the first and second configurations.

[0041 ] The above examples have been provided to assist understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to be used to restrict its scope. It should be appreciated that variations or modifications can be applied to the examples without loss of generality.

Claims

1 . An ornamental assembly comprising a first ornamental part and a second ornamental part, wherein the first ornamental part comprises a first ornamental body defining a first plane and a first latching part and the second ornamental part comprises a second ornamental body defining a second plane and a second latching part, wherein the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part are joined at a hinge joint such that the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part are relatively rotatable about a hinge axis to move between a first configuration and a second configuration, the hinge axis being defined by the hinge joint; and wherein the first latching part and the second latching part are to cooperate to form a latching device in a latching configuration when in said first configuration, the latching device being in a releasing configuration when in said second configuration.

2. An ornamental assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the first ornamental body includes a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion, the first arcuate portion extending away from the hinge joint to define the first plane and the second arcuate portion extending away from the hinge joint to define the second plane; and wherein the hinge axis is a commons axis shared by the first plane and the second plane.

3. An ornamental assembly according to Claim 2, wherein the first plane and the second plane are movable between an aligned configuration at which the first plane and the second plane are aligned or overlapped and a non-aligned configuration at which the first plane and the second plane are at an angle by relative rotation between the first ornamental body and the second ornamental body about the hinge axis.

4. An ornamental assembly according to Claim 3, wherein the angle between the first plane and the second plane is to change from 0 to 90 degrees when the first ornamental body and the second ornamental body rotates about the hinge axis.

5. An ornamental assembly according to any preceding Claims, wherein the first ornamental body and the second ornamental body cooperate to define a ring-shaped or band-shaped structure when in said aligned configuration or first configuration.

6. An ornamental assembly according to any preceding Claims, wherein the first ornamental body and the second ornamental body cooperate to define a cage-shaped structure when in said non-aligned configuration or second configuration.

7. An ornamental assembly according to any preceding Claims, wherein the first ornamental body and the second ornamental body include complementary shaped surfaces which are movable into complementary abutment upon relative rotation between the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part.

8. An ornamental assembly according to any preceding Claims, wherein the first latching part includes a first latching bar and the second latching part includes a second latching bar, each of the first and second latching bars extending orthogonal to the hinge axis; and wherein the first and second latching bars are movable between a stacked and aligned configuration and a crossed configuration when the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part rotate between the first and second configurations.

9. An ornamental assembly according to Claim 8, wherein the first latching bar is parallel to the first plane and the second latching bar is parallel to the second plane such that the instantaneous relative angular orientation between the first latching bar and the second latching bar is determined by the instantaneous relative angle between the first plane and the second plane.

10. An ornamental assembly according to Claims 8 or 9, wherein the stacked and aligned configuration corresponds to one of the first or the second configurations and the crossed configuration corresponds to the other one of the first or the second configurations.

1 1 . An ornamental assembly according to any preceding Claim, wherein said first and said second latching parts are at a non-zero angle to each other when said first and second ornamental parts are at said latching configuration.

12. An ornamental assembly according to any preceding Claims, wherein the hinge joint includes an axial shaft projecting from said first the first ornamental body and extending through the second ornamental body to connect with the first latching part.

13. An ornamental article comprising an ornamental assembly according to any preceding Claim and a holding device, wherein a holding device is latched to the latching device when the first ornamental part and the second ornamental part are in the first configuration and is releasable from the latching device when in the second configuration.

14. An ornamental article according to Claim 13, wherein the holding device comprises a mounting base and a receptacle defining a base setting for holding a jewelry item, the mounting base defining an aperture shaped to permit passage of said latching device when in the stacked and aligned configuration but not when in the crossed configuration.

15. An ornamental article according to any of Claims 13 or 14, wherein an angular position limiting device to limit the range of allowable relative angular rotation between said first and second ornamental parts is formed on the mounting base, and the range of allowable relative angular rotation including within 90, 100, 1 10, or 120 degrees.

16. An ornamental article according to any of Claims 13 to 15, wherein cooperative position limiting devices are formed on the mounting base to retain the first latching part in a predetermined position corresponding to said first configuration and/or said second configuration.

17. An ornamental article according to any of Claims 13 to 16, wherein a tightening device is formed on the mounting base to gradually increase tightening or strength of latching when said first and second ornamental parts gradually moves towards said first configuration and/or said second configuration.

18. An ornamental article according to any of Claims 13 to 17, wherein said first and said second ornamental parts cooperate to form a rigid arcuate band which defines a circular or substantially circular through aperture when in said first configuration, said through aperture being adapted for wearing by a user.

19. An ornamental article according to any of Claims 13 to 18, wherein said first and said second ornamental parts are made of a precious metal.

20. An ornamental article according to any of Claims 13 to 19, wherein said article is wearable and configured as a bracelet, a pendant, a ring, and/or other wearable ornaments.