WO2016054479A1 - Jewelry with added functionality - Google Patents

Abstract

Described are jewelry units (52) including a gemstone (62), and an artificial light assembly (10) coupled to the jewelry unit. The artificial light assembly includes at least a light board (14) positioned within a housing (12). Apertures (60) within the housing and the jewelry unit are positioned so that light emitted from the light source passes through the housing and reaches a back surface of the gemstone.

Description

JEWELRY WITH ADDED FUNCTIONALITY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority benefits from U.S.

Provisional Application Serial No. 62/058,956 ("the '956 application"), filed on October 2, 2014, entitled Fine Jewelry with Added Functionality. The '956 application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention relates to improvements for illuminated jewelry, and more specifically, relates to an article of jewelry having enhanced optical effects created by a light source within the article of jewelry.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Fine jewelry is typically made with precious materials such as sterling silver, gold, diamonds, semi-precious gemstones and pearls. It is distinct from costume jewelry, which tends to be made from inexpensive, commonplace materials and typically retails for under $100. In recent years, however, innovative designers have begun to treat materials once considered inappropriate for fine jewelry - titanium or steel, for example - with the same respect they give to platinum and gold, suggesting that the definition of fine jewelry is undergoing a revision. Fashion jewelry can include a mix of materials that include elements and materials found in pieces of fine jewelry but at more affordable price ranges (below $500 retail).

[0004] Sold in specialty retail stores, including chain stores, department stores, big box clubs, independent jewelers, and online retailers, fine jewelry covers a vast range of jewels and gemstones. It can refer to bridal jewelry, such as engagement rings and wedding bands, or it can refer to jewelry made by designers with a unique artistic vision. [0005] Fine jewelry often costs quite a bit more than costume jewelry, but not always.

Designers have begun offering more affordable versions of existing pieces by, for example, using silver rather than white gold, bringing prices down but still allowing them to market their pieces as fine jewelry. As retail prices go below $500, the lower end of the fine jewelry price range is sometimes referred to as fashion jewelry.

[0006] In general, a jewel or gemstone is a mineral or optical compound that is not opaque to light. In some cases, the jewel or gemstone is cut into specific angles and facets so that light falling upon the jewel or gemstone is refracted, internally reflected, and returned to the front so that the jewel or gemstone sparkles or scintillates. In certain cases, the pattern of refraction and reflection within the jewel or gemstone may change the color of the light emitted. In most cases, the jewels or gemstones are designed so that the light passes in and back out of the front of the jewel or gemstone, not from the front to the back.

[0007] Because conventional fine and fashion jewelry requires a certain amount of external light to sparkle or scintillate, the desired optical effects and colors of the jewels or gemstones are not achieved when the external light is not sufficiently bright. Likewise, when there is no movement between the external light source and the fine or fashion jewelry, there is no optical effect even if the external light source is sufficiently bright.

[0008] It is known to incorporate artificial light into jewelry to enhance the appearance for inexpensive imitation jewels that cannot achieve the natural brilliance of fine and fashion jewelry and which are marketed as costume or low-cost jewelry. In many cases, these applications are limited to costume or low-cost jewelry because the electrical aspects of powering such a light source are bulky and not easily incorporated into a jewelry piece, particularly a fine or fashion jewelry piece. There have been attempts to locate the power source, such as a battery, within the clasp and having the wiring pass through the chain portion between the pendant and the clasp, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,367,684. While housing the technical components and/or the battery in the clasp as opposed to the pendant may be desirable in certain cases, the downside with this design is that the design used to electrically connect the pendant to the clasp does not have the look of a conventional pendant attached to a chain as one would expect with most fine and fashion jewelry.

[0009] Another issue with providing a light source behind the jewel is that the light source can create a "spot" on the jewel, rather than having the light diffused across the entire stone as is the case with natural external light.

[0010] Thus, it is desirable to provide a piece of fine jewelry having artificial illumination so that the fine jewelry has the same aesthetic appeal in different light environments without creating a noticeable spot on the jewel, while also concealing the light source within a conventional fine jewelry design.

SUMMARY

[0011] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention" and "the present invention" used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

[0012] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an article of jewelry comprises a jewelry unit comprising a gemstone, and an artificial light assembly coupled to the jewelry unit, wherein the artificial light assembly comprises at least a light source positioned within a housing, wherein apertures within the housing and the jewelry unit are positioned so that light emitted from the light source passes through the housing and reaches a back surface of the gemstone.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the housing further comprises a light board and a power source. The housing may be configured to electrically isolate the power source from the jewelry unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source is adjustable. The article of jewelry may further comprise at least one light sensor whose output is used to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source. The article of jewelry may also further comprise at least one controller configured to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source based on a time of day.

[0015] The jewelry unit and the housing may be configured so that the light source and the back surface of the gemstone are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 0.01 mm to 10 mm.

[0016] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an article of jewelry comprises a jewelry unit comprising a metal design with at least one decorative aperture, and an artificial light assembly coupled to the jewelry unit, wherein the artificial light assembly comprises at least a light source positioned within a housing, wherein the housing comprises an aperture positioned proximate the light source so that light emitted from the light source passes through the aperture of the housing and reaches a back surface of the metal design with the at least one decorative aperture, which is configured to permit at least some of the light emitted from the light source to shine through the at least one decorative aperture.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the article of jewelry further comprises a gemstone positioned over an additional aperture in the metal design.

[0018] The article of jewelry may further comprise a mechanical control electronically connected to the light source, wherein at least a portion of the mechanical control is positioned outside the housing so that it is accessible by a wearer when worn.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the housing further comprises a light board and a power source. The housing may be configured to electrically isolate the power source from the jewelry unit.

[0020] The jewelry unit and the housing may be configured so that the light source and the back surface of the metal design with the at least one decorative aperture are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 0.01 mm to 10 mm.

[0021] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an article of jewelry comprises a jewelry unit comprising a gemstone, an artificial light assembly coupled to the jewelry unit, wherein the artificial light assembly comprises at least a light source positioned within a housing, the housing comprising an aperture positioned proximate the light source so that light emitted from the light source passes through the aperture and reaches a back surface of the gemstone, and a diffusion element positioned over the aperture of the housing so that the light is consistently diffused over the back surface of the gemstone.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the diffusion element is formed of at least one of mother of pearl disks, diffusion paper, and plastic. [0023] In certain embodiments, the housing further comprises a light board and a power source, wherein the housing is configured to electrically isolate the power source from the jewelry unit.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source is adjustable. The article of jewelry may further comprise at least one light sensor whose output is used to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source. The article of jewelry may also further comprise at least one controller configured to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source based on a time of day.

[0025] The jewelry unit and the housing may be configured so that the light source and the back surface of the gemstone are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 0.01 mm to 10 mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a top view of an artificial light assembly, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a side view of the artificial light assembly of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery for use with the artificial light assembly of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 4 is an unfolded top and bottom view of a light board of the artificial light assembly of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 5 are top views of exemplary diffusers for use with the artificial light assembly of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a jewelry unit, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, coupled to the artificial light assembly of Figure 1. [0032] Figure 7 is a top view of the jewelry unit of Figure 6 suspended from a conventional chain and with the artificial light assembly of Figure 1 installed and illuminated under bright external light conditions.

[0033] Figure 8 is another a top view of the jewelry unit of Figure 6 suspended from a conventional chain and with the artificial light assembly of Figure 1 installed and illuminated under bright external light conditions.

[0034] Figure 9 is another a top view of the jewelry unit of Figure 6 suspended from a conventional chain and with the artificial light assembly of Figure 1 installed and illuminated under low external light conditions.

[0035] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a jewelry unit, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, coupled to the artificial light assembly of Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 11 is a top view of the jewelry unit of Figure 10.

[0037] Figure 12 is a side view of the jewelry unit of Figure 11.

[0038] Figure 13 is a top view of a jewelry unit, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, coupled to the artificial light assembly of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 14 is a side view of the jewelry unit of Figure 13, showing the path of light emitted from the artificial light assembly.

[0040] Figure 15 is a rear view of the jewelry unit of Figure 13 and artificial light assembly of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0042] The described embodiments of the invention provide artificial light for jewelry. While the artificial light assembly is described for use with a fine jewelry piece, it is by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the artificial light assembly may be used in any type of jewelry or other otherwise as desired.

[0043] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in

Figure 1-15, an artificial light assembly 10 comprises a housing 12 that is configured to receive a light board 14 and a battery 16. In certain embodiments, the housing 12 may be configured to house a light source 46 separately, and the light board 14 and the battery 16 may be located in a separate housing within a clasp. In yet other embodiments, the housing 12 may be configured to house the light source 46 and the light board 14 together, while the battery 16 may be located in a separate housing within the clasp. In any embodiments where the light source 46, light board 14, and/or battery 16 are housed separately, they may be electrically connected wirelessly or via any suitable electrical pathway established between the components.

[0044] The light board 14 comprises a first substrate 18 and a second substrate 20.

As used herein, "substrate" means a laminated or nonlaminated structure that can be used to support mechanically, and as the case may be to connect electrically, electronic components using electrically conductive pathways such as conductive signal traces etched onto or into, or otherwise formed on or in, dielectric or nonconductive portions of the substrate. An example is a printed circuit board that includes an insulated portion with signal traces formed thereon. Substrates may contain multiple layers of insulated material that separate layers of conductive pathways; in such structures, pathways of different conductive layers can be connected to each other using vias or other inter-layer connections. Substrates may include pads for surface mounting electronic components, and/or they may contain through-holes or vias for allowing electrical connection between components or pathways on one side of the substrate to components or pathways on the other side of the substrate. Insulating layers may be dielectric material of any conventional composition. Traces or other pathways may be etched, patterned or otherwise formed on or in the substrate according to any number of conventional methods.

[0045] One or more electronic components 22 may be mounted or affixed to one or both substrates 18, 20. In certain embodiments, at least some of the electronic components 22 mounted on the first substrate 18 may be connected electrically to at least some components 22 mounted on the second substrate 20 by a flexible film cable 24.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the first substrate 18 also includes a first substrate first side 26 and a first substrate second side 30, whereas second substrate 18 includes a second substrate first side 28 and second substrate second side 32.

[0047] In some embodiments, as best illustrated in Figure 4, the electronic components 22 may include a controller 44, a light source 46, and other electronic components. A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that electronic components 22 may include but are not limited to any desired dies, chip on board devices, flash or other mass memory devices, integrated circuits, signal processors, semiconductor devices or substrates, and/or discrete components such as, for example, capacitors, resistors, transformers, signal processors, diodes, non-packaged devices, inductors, FETs, or other devices capable of being mounted to the first substrate 18 or the second substrate 20 in connection with embodiments of the invention to carry out any desired purpose or to provide functionality of whatever desired sort. Such devices may also include high-speed digital logic or other devices, such as dynamic random access memory, static random access memory, application specific integrated circuits, accelerometers, microphones, speakers, other transducers or electromechanical devices, solar cells, optical receivers or transmitters, radio frequency circuits or devices (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®), chronology circuits, pressure transducers, or any other desired component, again to carry out any desired purpose or to provide functionality of whatever desired sort.

[0048] As best shown in Figure 4, the first substrate first side 26 and the second substrate first side 28 primarily accommodate the electronic components 22 and traces or other pathways that interconnect at least some of electronic components 22, whereas the first substrate second side 30 and the second substrate second side 32 primarily include battery contacts 50 that are configured to electrically connect with a positive side and a negative side, respectively, of the battery 16 as described in more detail below. The substrates 18 and/or 20 may if desired take the form of thin semiconductor substrates to reduce the ultimate width of the artificial light assembly 10 or for other purposes.

[0049] Electronic components 22 may be in electrical communication with each other wirelessly (such as via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®) and/or via electrical pathways on either or both sides of substrates 18 and 20, as well as, if desired, pathways in internal conductive layers (not shown) of substrates 18 and 20. Battery contacts 50 may be in electrical communication with components 22 using any or all of such conductive pathways. The components 22 on the first substrate 18 and the components 22 on the second substrate 20 may be in electrical communication with each other wirelessly (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®) and/or via the flexible film cable 24. The flexible film cable 24, sometimes known as flexible flat cable, or "FFC", may be any type of electrical cable that is both flat and flexible. For example, the flexible film cable 24 may be a miniaturized form of ribbon cable and may include a flat and flexible film base with multiple metallic conductors sandwiched between that base and a second flexible plastic film layer. As in the case of substrates 18 and 20, the flexible film cable 24 may include multiple layers of conductors insulated between layers of flexible plastic film. The flexible film cable 24 may be connected to the first substrate 18 and the second substrate 20 using conventional flexible film cable connectors, pads for solder connection, or as otherwise desired. Preferably, the connection of the flexible film cable 24 to the first substrate 18 and the second substrate 20 is sufficiently robust to allow the connections and the cable 24 to withstand folding of the first substrate 18 onto the second substrate 20 to form a stacked version of the artificial light assembly 10.

[0050] The battery 16 may be a typical watch battery or button cell, as shown in

Figure 3, which has a cylindrical body that is typically 5 to 20 mm in diameter and 1 to 6 mm in height, wherein the bottom body forms a positive terminal of the battery 16, and an insulated top cap forms a negative terminal of the battery 16. In further embodiments, the battery 16 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape including square, rectangle, other rectilinear shapes, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, other polygonal shapes, oval, elliptical, or other rounded shapes. In certain embodiments where the battery 16 and light board 14 are both located in the housing 12, to connect the battery to the light board 14, the light board 14 is folded around the battery 16 so that the positive battery contact 50 is in electrical contact with the positive terminal of the battery 16, and the negative battery contact 50 is in electrical contact with the negative terminal of the battery 16.

[0051] Once the light board 14 is in electrical connection with the battery 16, the electronic components 22 are operative, which includes the light source 46. The light source 46 may be a light emitting diode or other illuminating device, which may emit white, colored, or multi-colored light as needed or desired. The light source 46 may be positioned on the first substrate first side 26 or the second substrate first side 28, depending on the orientation of the circuitry associated with the battery 16. In any event, the light source 46 is positioned on the first side 28, 30 that will allow the illumination from the light source 46 to project toward a jewelry unit 52 coupled to the housing 12, which will be described in more detail below.

[0052] In certain embodiments, to adjust the intensity and/or brightness of the light emitted from the light source 46, a mechanical control 54, such as an on/off switch or dimmer switch, may be physically and electronically connected to the light source 46 and/or any other components 22 using any or all of the conductive pathways of the first substrate 18 and/or the second substrate 20 and/or the flexible film cable 24. In certain embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 4, 10, and 12, the mechanical control 54 may be mounted or affixed to the first substrate first side 26 or the second substrate first side 28, depending on the location of the light source 46. For example, the mechanical control 54 may be positioned on the first side 26, 28 of the light board 14 that is opposite from the first side 26, 28 onto which the light source 46 is positioned. In any event, the mechanical control 54 is positioned so that it is accessible by a wearer when the artificial light assembly 10 is coupled to the jewelry unit 52.

[0053] In further embodiments, a remote application on a smart phone or tablet or other device may be used to adjust the intensity and/or brightness of the light emitted from the light source 46 instead of and/or in addition to the mechanical control 54. In these embodiments, the signal from the device may be sent wirelessly to the light source 46 and/or the controller 44 and/or any other electronic components 22 as needed. In these embodiments, the user may be able to see themselves using the camera in the smart phone or table or other device, and adjust the intensity and/or brightness of the light emitted from the light source 46 via the remote application on the smart phone or table or other device.

[0054] In still further embodiments, to adjust the intensity and/or brightness of the light emitted from the light source 46, light sourceone or more light sensors may be physically and electronically connected to the light source 46 and/or any other components 22 using any or all of the conductive pathways of the first substrate 18 and/or the second substrate 20 and/or the flexible film cable 24. In certain embodiments, the light sensors may be located within the jewelry unit 52. A signal output from one or more of the light sensors is sent to the controller 44, which may be a conventional microprocessor or other controller for modulating the intensity and/or brightness of the light emitted of the light source 46. In this manner, the amount of light emitted by the light source 46 may be automatically adjusted based on the level of external light detected as the wearer moves among different environments. The desired level of light emitted may be reduced proportionally for darker environments, and may be increased proportionally for brighter environments.

[0055] In additional embodiments, the controller 44 may be programmed to modulate the light output of the light source 46 based on the time of day. In any event, the exact levels of light emitted for different conditions may be adjusted and/or programmed within the controller 44 as needed or desired depending on the type of jewelry unit 52, the conditions, and/or the wearer's specific preferences.

[0056] The assembled light board 14 and battery 16 is positioned within the housing

12. As best illustrated in Figures 1-2 and 14, the housing 12 surrounds the assembled light board 14 and battery 16 so that the battery 16 does not come into electrical contact with any conductive materials, such as metals, within the jewelry unit 52. In these embodiments, the housing 12 is formed of plastic or other non-conductive materials that form an insulating layer between the battery 16 and any conductive materials, such as silver or gold, that may be incorporated into the jewelry unit 52.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the housing 12 may further comprise a battery access port 56 so that the battery 16 may be changed as needed without the need to disassemble the artificial light assembly 10 from the jewelry unit 52. In embodiments that include the mechanical control 54, the mechanical control 54 may be positioned within the housing 12 with a portion that extends through an opening in the housing 12 so as to be accessible by the wearer when the artificial light assembly 10 is coupled to the jewelry unit 52. Alternatively, the mechanical control 54 may be physically connected to the outside of the housing with connectors that pass through an opening in the housing to electronically connect to the light source 46 and/or any other components 22 using any or all of the conductive pathways of the first substrate 18 and/or the second substrate 20 and/or the flexible film cable 24.

[0058] The light board 14 is inserted within the housing 12 so that the first side 26, 28 to which the light source 46 is mounted is facing away from the battery access port 56 and toward a mounting end 58 of the housing 12. The mounting end 58 of the housing 12 comprises an aperture 60 that is positioned proximate the light source 46 so that the light emitted by the light source 46 is not blocked by the housing 12.

[0059] According to certain embodiments, the jewelry unit 52 comprises a gemstone

62 coupled to a base 64.

[0060] As used herein, "gemstone" means crystalline or noncrystalline minerals, petrified material, or organics that may be chosen for their beauty and/or durability, and which may be cut and/or polished for use in jewelry or other human adornment. Gemstones include but are not limited to agate, alexandrite, almandine, amazonite, amber, amethyst, ametrine, andalusite, andesine, andradite, aquamarine, aventurine, benitoite, beryl, bloodstone, blue topaz, carnelian, cat's eye, chalcedony, chrysoberyl, chrysocolla, chrysoprase, citrine, copper, coral, danburite, diamond, diaspore, diopside, dumortierite, emerald, fluorite, garnet, gold, golden beryl, goshenite, grossular, hiddenite, iolite, jade, jasper, kunzite, kyanite, labradorite, lapis lazuli, larimar, malachite, moonstone, morganite, onyx, opal, orthoclase, pearl, peridot, platinum, prehnite, pyrite, pyrope, quartz, red coral, rhodochrosite, rhodolite, rhodonite, rose quartz, ruby, rutilated quartz, sapphire, scapolite, silver, smoky quartz, sodalite, spessartite, sphene, spinel, spodumene, Swiss blue topaz, sunstone, tanzanite, thulite, tiger's eye, topaz, tourmaline, tsavorite, turquoise, uvarovite, variscite, zircon, and zoisite. In certain embodiments, gemstones may also include manmade stones.

[0061] Gemstones 62 may be selected based on how they react with light emitted by the light source 46. For example, Swiss blue topaz may be a good choice with the backlighting as it typically does not have blemishes or defects. Other choices may be stones that act as good light diffusion materials, such as pearls and chalcedony. Furthermore, rather than conventional cutting techniques that are designed to maximize light capture from a front surface 84 of the gemstone 62, alternative cutting techniques may be used that would maximize light capture from the back surface 70 and pass that light through the front surface 84 of the gemstone 62.

[0062] The base 64 may be formed of any ferrous, non-ferrous, base, noble, precious, or non-precious metal, including but not limited to gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel, palladium, rhodium, titanium, tungsten, copper, brass, and nickel. In certain embodiments, plastic materials may also be included with the base 64 for some lower cost designs. For example, the plastic materials may be combined with silver or any other suitable metal. [0063] In these embodiments, as shown in Figures 1-15, the base 64 comprises a mounting location 66 for the gemstone 62. In some embodiments, the mounting location 66 may be a set of prongs that are configured to hold the gemstone 62 between the prongs.

[0064] In other embodiments, the mounting location 66 may be a recess or cylinder that is shaped to surround the sides of the gemstone 62, while positioning a back surface 70 of the gemstone 62 over an aperture 72 in the base 64 so that light from the artificial light assembly 10 may reach the back surface 70 of the gemstone 62, as described in more detail below. The gemstone 62 may be coupled to the base 64 so that the gemstone 62 appears to be sitting in the base 64, as shown in Figures 13-14.

[0065] The base 64 also comprises a coupling location 68 for the housing 12 of the artificial light assembly 10. In these embodiments, the coupling location 68 is configured to releasably couple to the mounting end 58 of the housing 12. For example, the coupling location 68 and the mounting end 58 may be configured to fasten to one another via a friction fit, screw fit, snap fit, or another other suitable releasable design. In other embodiments, the mounting end 58 of the housing 12 may be coupled to one another in a non-releasable design such as via adhesives, heat treatment, press fit, lamination, or other suitable mechanical or chemical fastening design.

[0066] Once coupled to one another, the housing 12 is positioned so that the aperture

60 in the housing at least partially overlaps an aperture 72 in the base 64 below the gemstone 62 so that light emitted by the light source 46 passes through the apertures 60, 72 and reaches the back surface 70 of the gemstone 62.

[0067] In certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 6-12, a portion 74 of the base 64 that surrounds the aperture 72 may be designed with additional decorative apertures that allow light emitted from the light source 46 that does not pass through the gemstone 62 to pass through the portion 74, thereby creating a halo or backlight effect for the gemstone 62 in the jewelry unit 52. Such features may be included to achieve an alternative ornamental or aesthetic look and are not necessarily part of the lighting requirements. For example, such a design may have a basket weave design, as shown in Figures 6-12.

[0068] In these and other embodiments, the portion 74 may be a metal design with decorative apertures that are configured so that light passes through the portion 74 in a designed manner. In certain embodiments, the jewelry unit 52 may not include a gemstone 62 so the portion 74 may be a metal design with decorative apertures that are configured so that light passes through the portion 74 in a designed manner, but without the need to create a halo or backlight effect for a gemstone 62.

[0069] In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 13-15, the portion 74 may be opaque and/or lack apertures so that light is not able to pass through the portion 74.

[0070] In some embodiments, the base 64 may be separated into two portions 74A,

74B, with portion 74A providing the coupling location 68 for the housing 12, and portion 74B surrounding the mounting location 66 for the gemstone 62. The portion 74B may be attached to the portion 74A via a hollow spacer or prongs or any other suitable fastener that may be configured to provide some space between the portions 74A and 74B so that some light may escape between the portions 74 A, 74B, as described below. For example, portion 74B may be spaced apart from portion 74A by approximately 1 mm, but may be greater or smaller, depending on the desired light effect to be achieved. In some embodiments, the portions 74A, 74B may have a circular (regular or irregular), square, rectilinear, parabolic, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape as needed or desired to block the artificial light assembly 10 from view when worn. For example, the portion 74A may have a diameter of 31-32 mm for certain embodiments of the artificial light assembly 10, but may have a larger or smaller diameter, depending on the size of the artificial light assembly 10. In any event, the portion 74 A may have a size that is a least a few mm in diameter larger than the size of the artificial light assembly 10, as can be seen in Figure 15.

[0071] In these embodiments, the light emitted from the light source 46 passes through an aperture 72A in the portion 74A, then passes through another aperture 72B in the portion 74B, after which the light reaches the back surface 70 of the gemstone 62, which in these embodiments may be a pearl but can also be any other suitable gemstone that provides the desired aesthetic look and design. As best illustrated in Figure 14, some of the light may be directed at such an angle that it passes through the aperture 72A in the first portion 74A, but then is directed to a surface of the second portion 74B, rather than through the second aperture 72B. In these cases, an outer surface 76 of the first portion 74 A and an inner surface 78 of the second portion 74B may have reflective surfaces that allow the light to reflect and refract between the two surfaces 76, 78 until the light exits through an opening 80 between the surfaces 76, 78.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the jewelry unit 52 may not include a gemstone 62.

In these embodiments, the light emitted from the light source 46 may pass through the aperture 72A in the portion 74A and be directed to a surface of the second portion 74B, as described above, but may not include the second aperture 72B since it is not necessary for light to reach the back surface 70 of the gemstone 62. In certain embodiments, the second portion 74B may not include any apertures and/or may include a pattern of apertures that are configured so that light passes through the second portion 74B in a designed manner. In any of these embodiments, the outer surface 76 of the first portion 74A and the inner surface 78 of the second portion 74B may have reflective surfaces that allow at least some of the light to reflect and refract between the two surfaces 76, 78 until the light exits through an opening 80 between the surfaces 76, 78.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the portion 74B may be smaller in diameter than the portion 74A, and both may have a slightly concave appearance when viewed from the front of the article of jewelry. As a result, the light exiting through the opening 80 may create a halo or backlight effect for the gemstone 62 in the jewelry unit 52. Such features may be included to achieve an alternative ornamental or aesthetic look and are not necessarily part of the lighting requirements. For example, such a design may have a backlighting metal and stone design, as shown in Figures 13-15.

[0074] In certain embodiments, a diffusion element 82 is positioned between the light source 46 and the gemstone 62. In certain embodiments, the diffusion element 82 is coupled to the mounting end 58 of the housing 12 so that the diffusion element 82 covers the aperture 60. In other embodiments, the diffusion element 82 may be positioned so as to cover the aperture 72 and/or aperture 72A and/or aperture 72B, depending on the embodiment. In certain instances, the diffusion element 82 is included so that the light emitted from the light source 46 does not create a "light spot" on the gemstone 62 and is instead consistently diffused across the entire back surface 70 of the gemstone 62. According to some embodiments, mother of pearl disks or diffusion paper or plastic may be used as the diffusion element 82. In certain embodiments, layers of plastic may be incorporated into the diffusion element 82. The plastic diffusion layers may be combined with pearls, pear disks, stones, and/or below metal designs where light passes through the plastic to highlight the metal design by shining through openings in the metal design. However, a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that any suitable materials may be used to achieve the desired ornamental or aesthetic look and are not necessarily part of the lighting requirements. [0075] In other embodiments, the light source 46 may be positioned and/or reflected so that the light emitted fires the gemstone 62 from the sides, rather than from the back surface 70 so as to avoid any issues with visible "light spots."

[0076] With respect to the light contacting the back surface 70 of the gemstone 62, the distance between the light source 46 and the gemstone 62 and/or base 64 is a factor that affects the overall appearance of the illuminated gemstone 62. If the gemstone 62 is placed too closely to the light source 46, a "light spot" will appear in the gemstone 62 that has an unnatural appearance. If the gemstone 62 is placed in a range of about 0.01 mm to 10 mm, further in a range of about 0.1 mm to 5 mm, even further in a range of 1 mm to 3 mm, and yet even further in a range of about 0.05 mm to 1 mm, away from the light source 46, there is a significant improvement in the appearance and quality of the light.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the base 64 also includes at least one loop 86 that is configured to couple to a conventional chain for wearing as a necklace. In other embodiments, the loops 86 may be positioned to couple to a conventional bracelet chain. In yet other embodiments, the base 64 may include fasteners so that the jewelry unit 52 may be worn as an earring or a brooch.

[0078] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

Claims

CLAIMS That which is claimed is:

1. An article of jewelry comprising:

a jewelry unit comprising a gemstone; and

an artificial light assembly coupled to the jewelry unit, wherein the artificial light assembly comprises at least a light source positioned within a housing;

wherein apertures within the housing and the jewelry unit are positioned so that light emitted from the light source passes through the housing and reaches a back surface of the gemstone.

2. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a light board and a power source.

3. The article of jewelry of claim 2, wherein the housing is configured to electrically isolate the power source from the jewelry unit.

4. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source is adjustable.

5. The article of jewelry of claim 2, further comprising at least one light sensor whose output is used to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source.

6. The article of jewelry of claim 2, further comprising at least one controller configured to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source based on a time of day.

7. The article of jewelry of claim 1 , wherein the jewelry unit and the housing are configured so that the light source and the back surface of the gemstone are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 0.01 mm to 10 mm.

8. An article of jewelry comprising:

a jewelry unit comprising a metal design with at least one decorative aperture; and an artificial light assembly coupled to the jewelry unit, wherein the artificial light assembly comprises at least a light source positioned within a housing;

wherein the housing comprises an aperture positioned proximate the light source so that light emitted from the light source passes through the aperture of the housing and reaches a back surface of the metal design with the at least one decorative aperture, which is configured to permit at least some of the light emitted from the light source to shine through the at least one decorative aperture.

9. The article of jewelry of claim 8, further comprising a gemstone positioned over an additional aperture in the metal design.

10. The article of jewelry of claim 8, further comprising a mechanical control

electronically connected to the light source, wherein at least a portion of the mechanical control is positioned outside the housing so that it is accessible by a wearer when worn.

11. The article of jewelry of claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises a light board and a power source.

12. The article of jewelry of claim 11, wherein the housing is configured to electrically isolate the power source from the jewelry unit.

13. The article of jewelry of claim 8, wherein the jewelry unit and the housing are configured so that the light source and the back surface of the metal design with the at least one decorative aperture are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 0.01 mm to 10 mm.

14. An article of j ewelry comprising :

a jewelry unit comprising a gemstone;

an artificial light assembly coupled to the jewelry unit, wherein the artificial light assembly comprises at least a light source positioned within a housing;

the housing comprising an aperture positioned proximate the light source so that light emitted from the light source passes through the aperture and reaches a back surface of the gemstone; and

a diffusion element positioned over the aperture of the housing so that the light is consistently diffused over the back surface of the gemstone.

15. The article of jewelry of claim 14, wherein the diffusion element is formed of at least one of mother of pearl disks, diffusion paper, and plastic.

16. The article of jewelry of claim 14, wherein the housing further comprises a light board and a power source, wherein the housing is configured to electrically isolate the power source from the jewelry unit.

17. The article of jewelry of claim 14, wherein at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source is adjustable.

18. The article of jewelry of claim 16, further comprising at least one light sensor whose output is used to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source.

19. The article of jewelry of claim 16, further comprising at least one controller configured to modulate at least one of intensity and brightness of the light source based on a time of day.

20. The article of jewelry of claim 14, wherein the jewelry unit and the housing are configured so that the light source and the back surface of the gemstone are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 0.01 mm to 10 mm.