Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of ornamental devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a fluorescence based ornamental device.

Background of the Invention

Since times of antiquity, women have been fascinated by diamonds. Due to their very high refractive index, many diamonds exhibit high levels of brilliance and fire. Brilliance, or luster, refers to the amount of light that is reflected from the top or crown of the diamond. Fire, also referred to as dispersion, occurs when white light is separated into its spectral colors so that the diamond sparkles when properly cut.

In recent years, the fluorescence of a diamond has been singled out by many in the diamond trade as a marker for pricing distinctions. Fluorescence occurs when diamonds emit visible light while being stimulated by higher-energy radiation such as X-rays and ultraviolet radiation. As a result of submicroscopic structures called luminescence centers, primarily caused by nitrogen atom vacancies or substitutions, an electron moves from its stable ground state to a temporary high- energy state when the diamond absorbs excitation energy. As the electron falls back to the ground state, the diamond emits light at a longer wavelength than the excitation wavelength. Blue, yellow, bright orange, red and green fluorescence can be produced, depending on the nature of a luminescence center and the viewing conditions. ["A Contribution to Understanding the Effect of Blue Fluorescence on the Appearance of Diamonds", T.M. Moses, et al, Gems & Gemology, Vo. 33. No. 4, pp. 244-259]

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ornamental device that utilizes the effect of fluorescence.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an optical effect that enhances the beauty of diamonds.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a fluorescence based ornamental device, comprising a piece of jewelry in which is set a plurality of fluorescent diamonds. Said fluorescent diamonds are arranged in predetermined groups such that each of said groups defines a corresponding indicium that fluoresces when subjected to suitable excitation energy.

A plurality of fluorescent and nonfluorescent diamonds are set in the piece of jewelry in such a way that an encoded message is defined by a plurality of fluorescent diamond groups, said message being normally unnoticeable and being viewable when the piece of jewelry is subjected to the high-energy radiation. As the message is normally unnoticeable, an element of surprise is provided when the message is revealed, thereby establishing an affinity between the wearer and the ornamental device.

In one aspect, the excitation energy is ultraviolet light having a wavelength ranging from 355 to 375 nm.

The piece of jewelry may be selected from the group of ring, earring, pendant, bracelet, and necklace.

The present invention is also directed to a system for displaying an encoded message, comprising a display unit housing, a piece of jewelry in which is set a plurality of fluorescent and non fluorescent diamonds arranged in predetermined groups, a support element disposed within said housing for supporting said piece of jewelry, and one or more excitation energy sources adapted to irradiate excitation energy onto said jewelry piece such that each group of fluorescent diamonds fluoresces to display a corresponding indicium which is normally unnoticeable.

In one aspect, the one or more excitation energy sources are selectively activated. In one aspect, the one or more excitation energy sources are suspended from the housing.

The present invention is also directed to a method for displaying an encoded message, comprising the steps of categorizing fluorescence levels of diamonds, setting a plurality of fluorescent diamonds in a piece of jewelry so as to be arranged in predetermined groups such that each of said groups defines a corresponding indicium, and irradiating one or more excitation energy sources onto said jewelry piece such that each of said groups fluoresces to display a corresponding indicium which is normally unnoticeable, whereby to display a message which is defined by a combination of said indicia.

In one aspect, the step of categorizing fluorescence levels of diamonds is performed by differentiating between fluorescent or nonfluorescent diamonds, by differentiating between different fluorescing colors, or by differentiating between different strengths of fluorescence.

In one aspect, the step of irradiating one or more excitation energy sources onto said jewelry piece is performed by directing an ultraviolet flashlight onto the jewelry piece.

In one aspect, the step of irradiating one or more excitation energy sources onto said jewelry piece is performed by inserting the jewelry piece into a display unit housing and directing light from one or more light sources that are suspended from said housing onto the jewelry piece.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings^

- Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary ornamental device;

- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the ornamental device of Fig. 1, showing an arrangement of fluorescent and nonfluorescent diamonds;

- Fig. 3 is a plan view of the ornamental device of Fig. 1, showing an encoded message being displayed;

- Fig. 4 is a plan view of another ornamental device;

- Fig. 5 is a plan view of yet another ornamental device;

- Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a display unit in which the encoded message of an ornamental device is displayable, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

- Fig. 7 is a photograph of a display unit according to another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention is a unique ornamental device that includes an encoded message. The ornamental device is esthetically appealing, and when adorned, the wearer is unaware of the nature of the encoded message. However, the message is revealed when the ornamental device is subjected to long-wave ultraviolet light, or any other selected high-energy excitation energy.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary ornamental device of the present invention. As shown, ornamental device 10 is a heart shaped pendant; however, it will be appreciated that the ornamental device can be configured in any desired shape and for use with any desired piece of jewelry, e.g. ring, earring, pendant, bracelet, and necklace. In ornamental device 10 are set a plurality of diamonds 5, to provide a fashionable appearance. Each diamond 5 seems similar as a neighboring diamond, and the encoded message is not noticeable.

As shown in Fig. 2, the diamonds that are set in ornamental device 10 are set in a specific order. Fluorescent diamonds F are interspersed among nonfluorescent diamonds N such that a plurality of fluorescent diamonds F are contiguously set. For sake of clarity, each diamond is shown as having a square configuration, e.g. corresponding to a square table, but it will be appreciated that any other configured diamond may be employed. Likewise many diamonds are shown to be in abutting relation with a neighboring diamond, but it will be appreciated that neighboring diamonds may be slightly spaced from each other. Each group of contiguously set fluorescent diamonds defines a different indicium : group 6 defines the letter "L", group 7 defines the letter "O", group 8 defines the letter "V", and group 9 defines the letter "E". To quickly determine whether a diamond is fluorescent or nonfluorescent, or alternatively, which color the diamond fluoresces, a fluorescence detector, e.g. the UV-CSC-EC manufactured by Eickhorst & Co., Hamburg, Germany, for high fluorescence color contrast, may be used.

When ornamental device 10 is subjected to ultraviolet light, as shown in Fig. 3, groups 6-9 fluoresce to reveal the encoded message "LOVE". When ornamental device 10 is removed from the ultraviolet light, it appears as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 illustrates an ornamental device 20 that displays an encoded message in different colors. Fluorescent group 21 defines the letter "S", group 22 defines the letter "G", and groups 23 and 24 define an indicium in the form of a period mark, so that ornamental device 20 reveals the initials of a wearer, "S. G." when subjected to ultraviolet light. The diamonds that define groups 21 and 24 are selected to fluoresce blue light, while the diamonds that define groups 23 and 24 are selected to fluoresce yellow light, in order to accentuate the period marks.

Fig. 5 illustrates an ornamental device 30 that is provided with fluorescing indicia in the form of selected symbols. The illustrated fluorescing symbols are in the form of spaced elongated strips 32. The plurality of fluorescing symbols may define an insignia. Fig. 6 illustrates a display unit 50 adapted to display an encoded message associated with an ornamental device of the present invention. Display unit 50 is rectilinearly configured, but it will be appreciated that any other suitable configuration is likewise envisioned. Display unit 50 comprises a horizontal frame 51, a vertical frame 52 extending from horizontal frame 51, a support element 56, e.g. frustoconically shaped, that is visible through the opening of vertical frame 52, and one or more light sources 58 mounted to the top surface 61 of the display unit interior 59. The light generated by light sources 58 is adapted to impinge upper surface 57 of support element 56, so that when ornamental device 10 for example in placed thereon, the encoded message will be revealed. Light source 58 may be a light emitting diode (LED) that generates ultraviolet light having a wavelength ranging from 355-375 nm, e.g. the NS375-5KLO model having an optical output power of 4.0 mW and manufactured by Nitride Semiconductors Co. Ltd., Tokushima, Japan, and may be spaced at a distance of 10-20 cm from the ornamental device.

In Fig. 7, display unit 70 comprises a base portion 72 in which ornamental device 65 is placed, and peripheral portions 74 and 75 that are pivotally connected to base portion 72. When peripheral portions 74 and 75 are in an open position as shown, light sources 76-78 are activated and direct light to ornamental device 65. When peripheral portions 74 and 75 are closed and in an abutting relation with base portion 72, light sources 76-78 are deactivated. In another embodiment of the invention, an ultraviolet flashlight may be used to display an encoded message associated with an ornamental device. The flashlight comprises one or more light emitting diodes, or any other suitable ultraviolet light source, and the encoded message is displayed by directing the flashlight onto the ornamental device from a selected distance.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.