Abstract:
A bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers so as to compliment different flower combinations. The bouquet jewel may have a specific color, dimension, and quality that provides optimal light and texture to popular flower combinations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/696,089 filed Oct. 29, 2003 in the name of the Applicants, to which priority is claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to floristry, and more specifically, to a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be mounted onto a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Flowers may be used for any occasion. They are chosen for their sizes, their colors, and for their scents. Flowers are also chosen to stand singly, in an arrangement, or in a bouquet.  
         [0004]     Jewels have also been used for many purposes. Not only may they be worn as jewelry, but they are also used in decorating. Jewels are especially attractive because of the alluring sparkle created by the jewels&#39; refraction and reflection of light.  
         [0005]     For weddings, a bride will typically choose a certain color scheme for the bridesmaids/groomsmen attire and for her wedding decor. Usually, the bridesmaids will each hold a floral bouquet that is also consistent with and accentuates the color of their dresses. The bridal bouquet may also contain colored flowers, however, many brides insist upon a traditional white bouquet.  
         [0006]     On occasion, some people add accessories to the bouquet, such as feathers or faux butterflies. These accessories, however, may be so large as to inadvertently detract from the natural beauty of the flowers themselves. Furthermore, the colors of the accessories may overwhelm or clash, rather than complement, the particular shades of the flowers.  
         [0007]     Therefore, a need existed for a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers so as to compliment a flower combination.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bouquet jewel having a specific color, dimension, and quality that allows for ideal placement within a bouquet so as to provide optimal light and texture to the most popular flower combinations.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0010]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers and a display end dimensioned to be proximate the flowers, and at least one jewel coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the display end of the post.  
         [0011]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a cotton fiber stem insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a top portion of a cotton fiber stem housed within a flower stem and a display end dimensioned to be proximate a flower having a cotton fiber stem, and at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end.  
         [0012]     According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a cotton fiber stem insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a top portion of a cotton fiber stem housed within a stephanotis flower stem and a display end dimensioned to be proximate a flower having a cotton fiber stem, at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end, and at least one of a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead, a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, and a glass pearl bead dimensioned to be secured by the at least one setting in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end.  
         [0013]     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a setting containing a Chinese cubic zirconia stone coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the bouquet jewel of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a glass pearl bead coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the bouquet jewel of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a bouquet jewel of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention having a setting containing Swarovski Austrian crystal beads coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the bouquet jewel of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel shown in use with a stephanotis flower.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a stephanotis flower, a cotton fiber stem and a bouquet jewel being inserted into a top portion of the cotton fiber stem. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.  
         [0025]     Flowers, especially when used in wedding decor, are chosen for their distinct colors. Jewels are desired because of their attractive sparkle. In combining the two, the inventor has developed a bouquet jewel. The inventor has discovered that the type of jewel used, its color, and its placement are crucial to creating the perfect floral bouquet. After extensive research, the inventor has determined which bouquet jewels complement the most popular flowers and wedding colors.  
         [0026]     The inventor has discovered that the most beautiful jewels to use are Swarovski Austrian crystal beads and flowers, glass pearl beads, and Chinese cubic zirconia stones. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the use of other gems and stones.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-10 , the inventor created a bouquet jewel, hereinafter referred to as bouquet jewel  10 , that is placed within the center of a stephanotis flower  32  (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) rather than floating within the bouquet. The bouquet jewel  10  comprises, a post  14  (see  FIGS. 1-9 ) having a cotton fiber stem insertion end  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 10 ) and a display end  18  (see  FIGS. 1-9 ). At least one jewel  12  is coupled to the display end  18  of the post  14 . This bouquet jewel  10  has been favored by those who want a minimal amount of color added to their otherwise pure white bouquet.  
         [0028]     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  7 , and  8 , the bouquet jewel  10  may have a setting  24  coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post  14  proximate the display end  18 . The setting  24  is dimensioned to secure at least one jewel  12 . For example,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show the setting  24  as being dimensioned to secure a plurality of Swarovski Austrian crystal beads  28  and  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the setting  24  as being dimensioned to secure a single Chinese cubic zirconia stone  26 . Preferably, the setting  24  is soldered to the post  14 , however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived by an alternative configuration in which the setting  24  is coupled to the post  14  in some way other than by soldering, such as by glue or some other coupling mechanism so long as the setting  24  is securely coupled to the post  14 .  
         [0029]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-6 , the bouquet jewel  10  is shown as having the jewel  12  coupled directly to the display end  18  of the post  14 . The jewel  12  may be a glass pearl bead  30  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  28  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ).  
         [0030]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show the bouquet jewel  10  is use with a stephanotis flower  32 . A cotton fiber stem  20  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) is soaked with water and is inserted into a stem  34  of the stephanotis flower  32 . The jewel  12  is coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post  14 , which preferably has a circumference of approximately 4 mm and has a length of approximately 10 mm. The bouquet jewel  10  is then inserted into a top portion  22  (see  FIG. 10 ) of the cotton fiber stem  20 . Preferably the jewel  12  will have a diameter of approximately 5 mm, however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from an alternatively sized jewel  12  so long as the jewel  12  conceals the top portion  22  of the cotton fiber stem  20 .  
         [0031]     The jewels  12  may appear in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, rhinestones (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), multi-faceted spheres (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), diamonds (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and pearls (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). It should also be understood that jewels other than Swarovski Austrian crystal beads, Chinese cubic zirconia, and glass pearl beads may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.  
         [0032]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.