Abstract:
A method of augmenting a ring including the steps of: receiving the ring having markings on the inner surface thereof, creating a setting having a size and position defined by at least one of the markings, and placing a gemstone in the setting. The locations of the markings are determined by considering various factors, including the inner shank circumference, the number of gemstone sizes, and the number of non-marking areas.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to a ring with markings for identifying positions for setting gemstones in the future and to a method for marking the ring for the purpose of setting such gemstones in the marked positions. 
     Jewelers and jewelry vendors may benefit from repeated visits from customers. Those who purchase or wear jewelry, especially jewelry celebrating an event such as a wedding, may enjoy commemorating each anniversary of the event by adding a gemstone at the end of each year of marriage. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a ring with markings identifying positions for setting such gemstones in the future so as the gemstones are set into the ring on each anniversary of the event, the gemstones will be properly sized and spaced. As time passes, the purchaser or wearer may return to the jeweler on the anniversary of such event to purchase and have a gemstone set in a predetermined and marked positions of the ring. Repeat visits to set such gemstones may also provide the jeweler with additional opportunities to sell other goods and services during such visits. 
     Adding gemstones to a ring without such markings would require the jeweler to identify a location for the new gemstone, then drill the ring to accommodate the new gemstone. The jeweler could misjudge, miscalculate or otherwise lack the precision necessary to ensure that the new gemstone(s) would be correctly sized and spaced to accommodate all the gemstones that may be desirably placed in the ring in the future. Further, because these tasks would need to be repeated each time a gemstone was added to a ring, possibly over the course of many years, there is an increased likelihood that mistakes in sizing or spacing of the gemstones would result in an unattractive ring or there will be insufficient space to include all desired gemstones. Further still, because new gemstones may be added by different jewelers, quality and aesthetic sensibilities may vary from one jeweler to the next, with each jeweler doing things differently from the last. This would risk asymmetry in size, spacing, and location of new gemstones that could negatively affect the beauty of the ring. Therefore, to ensure the gemstones are sized and placed properly, it may be desirable to create a pattern for the gemstones, then mark the ring accordingly. Markings could take into account milestones, such as the wedding itself, and five, ten, twenty-five, and fifty year anniversaries, and provide for different gemstones, for example, different types, colors, sizes, and varieties, for such milestones. 
     In a ring where gemstones are added over time, there may be marked positions that are not yet occupied by gemstones such that if the markings are on the outside of the shank, the ring may appear unfinished or incomplete. In light of this, or because the wearer may wish to maintain privacy, it may be desirable to place the markings and the gemstones on an inner surface of the shank of the ring that will not be visible to others when the ring is worn. 
     Placing markings on an inner surface of the ring may pose special challenges to a jeweler. For example, inner surface placement of a preferred number of gemstones may be affected by the size and number of the gemstones, by the width and size (inner circumference) of the ring, and by a stamping area where no gemstones are present. Conversely, outer surface placement of a preferred number of gemstones may be more easily accomplished at least because no stamping area is present on the outer surface and because ring size (inner circumference) may be reduced as a limiting factor because material may be added to the ring to increase ring height and outer circumference to provide more area to accommodate gemstones. 
     Given the above-described challenges, it is desirable to have a ring and method for marking a ring that provides a technique for making the desired marks on an inner surface of a ring in a reliable, repeatable manner and for automating the process for production purposes across various ring sizes and types. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A ring including a shank having indicators at predetermined locations on an inner surface of the shank, where the indicators identify preferred positions for setting gemstones. The preferred positions may be based on the number of and sizes of the gemstones and/or on a predetermined pattern. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a close up view of a portion of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a view of an inner surface of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows views of gemstone locations for three ring sizes according to the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  show perspective and expanded views of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  shows a top, cross-section view of a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  shows a side, cross-section view of gemstones in a ring of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 21 and 22  show flowcharts according to an aspect of the method of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart according to an aspect of the method of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The ring and method of the present disclosure may be described in detail using the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     The Ring 
       FIG. 1A  shows ring  10  with markings  20  as indicators for future placement of gemstones on an inner surface of ring  10 .  FIG. 1A  also shows stamping area  40  which may include text, symbols or other graphics, such as personal engravings, indicators of origin or material composition of ring  10 . 
     Ring  10  may be made of precious or non-precious material, including but not limited to platinum alloy, gold alloy, palladium alloy, silver alloy, or another alloy. Ring  10  may have a setting (not shown) to accommodate additional gemstones. 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 1B , markings  20  may identify the location of gemstones and may be a symbol, such as a circle, or other identifier. Markings  20  may be provided to identify to jewelers the location and optionally the size or type of gemstone that may occupy the location in the future. Markings  20  may be sized or otherwise indicate or correspond to sizes of gemstones to be set.  FIG. 1B  shows markings  20 - 4  and  20 - 5 . Marking  20 - 4  includes center point marking  24 -A that may identify a center point of placement of a gemstone, and outer circle marking  22 -A that may indicate a size of a gemstone that may occupy that location. That is, outer circle marking diameter  26 -A may be a size approximately equal to the gemstone to occupy that location. In one non-limiting example, a location for an approximately 0.7 mm gemstone may be identified by marking  20 - 4  having center point marking  24 -A placed at the center of the preferred gemstone location, with outer circle marking  22 -A having outer circle marking diameter  26 -A of approximately 0.7 mm. 
     Alternatively, outer circle marking diameter  26 -A may be smaller or larger than the size of the gemstone to occupy that location. In other aspect, multiple outer circles may be used or no outer circle marking  22 -A may be present. 
       FIG. 1B  also shows distance from outer circle to ring edge  28 -A for marking  20 - 4 .  FIG. 1B  further shows second marking  20 - 5 , for a gemstone larger than intended for marking  20 - 4 , as illustrated by outer circle marking diameter  26 -B, which is larger than  26 -A, and distance from outer circle to ring edge  28 -B, which is smaller than  28 -A. 
       FIG. 1B  further shows distance  30  between outer circle markings  22 -A and  22 -B, as well as distance  32  between center point markings  24 -A and  24 -B. Ring width  34  is also shown. 
     It will be understood that marking  20  may be other characters, symbols or graphics, such as a plus sign (“+”) or asterisk (“*”). Marking  20  may be an indentation, engraving, or scoring. 
       FIG. 2  shows an expanded view of a portion of an inner surface of ring  10  with a pattern of markings  20 - 1  through  20 - 12 . The pattern shows four, smaller markings  20 - 1  to  20 - 4  followed by a fifth, larger marking  20 - 5 . The pattern repeats for four, smaller markings  20 - 6  to  20 - 9  followed by marking  20 - 10 , and this pattern may be repeated around inside of ring  10 . In this non-limiting example, one smaller gemstone may be purchased and set at marking  20 - 1  to commemorate an event, such as an anniversary. Additional smaller gemstones may be purchased and set at markings  20 - 2  to  20 - 4  each year for four years. At the fifth year, a larger gemstone may be purchased and set at marking  20 - 5  to commemorate a fifth anniversary. Markings  20 - 6  to  20 - 9  indicate the position and size of smaller gemstones that may be purchased and set during years six through nine, while marking  20 - 10  indicates the position and size of a larger gemstone that may be purchased and set during year ten. Continuing with this example, larger gemstones may be purchased and set at the fifteenth and twentieth anniversaries, with smaller gemstones used in the intervening years. In yet another aspect, gemstones and markings may be the same size. 
     Views of ring  10  having 26 gemstones of two sizes and one stamping area are shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 .  FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional top view of ring  10  exposing embedded gemstones in the positions. 
     Views of ring  10  having 26 gemstones of two sizes and two stamping areas are shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  6 .  FIG. 7  shows exemplary positions and sizes of gemstones for three ring sizes, each having 26 gemstones of two sizes and two stamping areas. In  FIG. 7 , all rings are 2.0 mm bands, small gemstones (for example,  21 - 1  to  21 - 4 ) are 0.8 mm, and large gemstones (for example,  21 - 0 ;  21 - 5 ; and  21 - 10 ) are 1.10 mm. Size 3 rings with this configuration have all gemstones set 0.559 mm apart, with 4.382 mm stamping areas. Size 8 rings with this configuration have all gemstones set 0.968 mm apart, with 5.648 mm stamping areas. Size 13 rings with this configuration have all gemstones set 1.385 mm apart, with 6.913 mm stamping areas. 
     Views of ring  10  having 26 gemstones of two sizes and one stamping area with gemstone are shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  9 . 
     Views of ring  10  having 26 gemstones of one size and one stamping area are shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  11 . Views of ring  10  having 26 gemstones of one size and two stamping areas are shown in  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, and  13 . Views of ring  10  having 26 gemstones of one size and one stamping area with gemstone are shown in  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B, and  15 . 
     Views of ring  10  having 51 gemstones of one size and one stamping area are shown in  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B, and  17 . Views of ring  10  having 51 gemstones of two sizes and one stamping area are shown in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B, and  19 . It will be understood that other arrangements of gemstones and stamping areas are available. 
     It will be understood that the number of gemstones in ring  10  may be any number. In two of the non-limiting examples discussed in more detail, 26 gemstones and 51 gemstones are shown. In those examples, one gemstone may be set to commemorate a wedding day, and the remaining 25 or 50 gemstones may be set to commemorate yearly anniversaries for the following 25 or 50 years respectively. 
     Ring Design and Manufacture 
       FIG. 21  shows a flowchart for a process for marking a ring for placement of 51 gemstones. A user may input finger size at Step  100  and width of ring  10  at Step  105 . Step  110  indicates this process will determine placement of 51 gemstones. If a user selects that all gemstones are the same size at Step  115 , then the process will use the placement formula in Step  125 . 
     In Step  125 , the process subtracts a minimum size of stamping area  40  from finger size circumference, and the difference is the available gemstone area. In one example, minimum size of stamping area  40  may be approximately 8.0 mm. The process multiplies the number of spaces between gemstones by the minimum space between gemstones then subtracts that amount from the available gemstone area to determine a preliminary largest possible gemstone size. In one example, the minimum space between gemstones may be 0.1 mm, and the number of spaces between gemstones for a 51 gemstone ring may be 50 spaces for a ring having one stamping area  40 , or may be 49 spaces for a ring having two stamping areas  40 . Gemstones having diameters smaller than the preliminary largest possible gemstone size may be used (or required) with the remaining area added to stamping area  40  in Step  135  or added to and/or distributed among the spaces between gemstones. In one aspect, when 51 gemstones of one size are selected, due to the generally smaller diameter of the gemstones that will fit in along an inner surface of a ring, the size of gemstone diameter may not be limited by the ring width. 
     If a user selects that the gemstones will be of two sizes at Step  120 , then the process will use the placement formula in Step  130 . In Step  130 , the process subtracts a minimum size of stamping area  40  from finger size circumference, and the difference is the available gemstone area. In one example, minimum size of stamping area  40  may be approximately 8 mm. 
     The process multiplies the number of locations for smaller gemstones by the minimum smaller gemstone size, then subtracts that amount from the available gemstone area to determine a first quantity. In one example, a 51 gemstone ring may have 40 smaller gemstones and minimum smaller gemstone size of 0.6 mm. The process divides the first quantity by the number of locations for larger gemstones to determine a larger gemstone size. In one example, a 51 gemstone ring may have 11 larger gemstones. It may be desirable to have larger gemstones at least 0.3 mm larger than smaller gemstones. Depending on factors, it may be possible to increase the smaller and larger gemstone sizes. 
     In another aspect, gemstone sizes may be determined using a predetermined minimum space between gemstones and a predetermined difference in gemstone size between smaller and larger gemstones. In one non-limiting example, minimum space between gemstones may be 0.1 mm and predetermined difference in gemstone size may be 0.3 mm. The number of smaller gemstones times the minimum space may be added to the number of larger gemstones times the minimum space plus predetermined difference, and this quantity subtracted from the available gemstone area to create a remaining area. The remaining area may be divided by the number of spaces between gemstones to produce a preliminary largest possible gemstone size for the smaller stones. The gemstone sizes may be adjusted to maintain relative size difference between the larger and smaller stones. 
     After Step  125  or Step  130 , the process proceeds to Step  135  where the size of stamping area  40  may be increased by any additional space available after determining gemstone size above. 
     In Step  140 , a style of stamping area  40  is implemented. In this example, one of three styles may be implemented. Step  145  indicates one stamping area  40 . Step  150  indicates one stamping area  40  with one gemstone located within the stamping area  40 . Alternatively, the total stamping area may be distributed across multiple stamping areas  40 . Step  155  indicates two stamping areas, which may be contiguously arranged or may be arranged otherwise, for example, on opposite sides of ring. 
     If one gemstone size was selected in Step  115 , then the process proceeds to Step  160 , where gemstone parameters and placement are determined. The process will calculate the setting depth of the gemstones. The setting depth may be calculated to ensure the gemstone table is a predetermined depth, for example, 0.05 mm, below the inner surface of the ring  10 . So doing may prevent the gemstones from damage and result in a more comfortable fit for the wearer. 
     If two gemstone size were selected in Step  120 , then the process proceeds to Step  165 , where the process calculates setting depth. The setting depth may be calculated to ensure the gemstone table of the larger gemstones are a predetermined depth, for example, 0.05 mm, below the inner surface of the ring  10 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , a smaller gemstone  21 - 4  may be set at a depth  52  such that the girdle of the smaller gemstone  21 - 4  is aligned with the girdle of a larger gemstone  21 - 5 , as illustrated by the dashed horizontal line. For this to occur, depth  52  of smaller gemstone  21 - 4  may be larger than depth  50  of larger gemstone  21 - 5 . 
     After Step  160  or Step  165 , the process proceeds to Step  170  where the gemstone position is calculated. In this step, the process generates locations of the gemstones along the inner surface of the ring and generates measurements of those locations in degrees. 
     Once these calculations are performed, the locations may be marked on an inner surface of the ring  10 . 
       FIG. 22  shows a flowchart for a process for marking a ring for placement of 26 gemstones. As described above, user may input finger size (Step  100 ) and width of ring  10  (Step  105 ). Step  200  indicates this process will determine placement of 26 gemstones. 
     In Step  205 , the process determines the stamping area. Due to the smaller quantity of gemstones in the 26 gemstone ring, there may be more space for stamping area  40  and spacing between gemstones. The stamping area  40  may be calculated using the minimum stamping area, for example, 8.0 mm from gemstone girdle to gemstone girdle, for a small ring size, then extrapolated for larger ring sizes as shown in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , total stamping area may be spread across two stamping areas  40  located opposite one another or elsewhere on the inner surface of the ring  10 . 
     In Step  210 , a style of stamping area  40  is implemented. In this example, one of three styles may be implemented. Step  215  indicates one stamping area  40 . Step  220  indicates one stamping area  40  with one gemstone located within the stamping area  40 . Alternatively, the total stamping area may be distributed across multiple stamping areas  40 . Step  225  indicates two stamping areas, which may be contiguously arranged or may be arranged otherwise, for example, on opposite sides of ring. 
     If a user selects that all gemstones are the same size at Step  230 , then the process may use the gemstone size selection in Step  240  for bands having width 2.0 mm through 3.0 mm or the process may use the gemstone size selection formula in Step  245  for bands having width 3.5 mm and larger. 
     In Step  240 , maximum gemstone sizes may be selected by keeping a minimum distance, for example, of 0.4 mm, from gemstone girdle to the edge of the ring. This is to allow the gemstone to fit and be set within the ring and prevent damage to the ring. Maximum gemstone sizes may also be selected so that there is at least 0.1 mm girdle-to-girdle between gemstones. 
     In Step  245 , because the larger width of the ring, maximum gemstone sizes may be selected so that there is at least 0.1 mm girdle-to-girdle between gemstones. 
     Once gemstone sizes for one gemstone size arrangements have been determined, the process moves to Step  260 . 
     In Step  260 , the process subtracts a stamping area size from finger size circumference, then divides that amount by the number of spaced between gemstones, in this case  25 , yielding the maximum gemstone size subject to rules laid out in Steps  245  and  245 . The process then equally spaces the gemstones leaving a predetermined distance between the gemstones, for example, 0.1 mm. The process will calculate the setting depth of the gemstones. The setting depth may be calculated to ensure the gemstone table is a predetermined depth, for example, 0.05 mm, below the inner surface of the ring  10 . So doing may prevent the gemstones from damage and result in a more comfortable fit for the wearer. 
     If a user selects that the gemstones will be of two sizes (Step  235 ), then the process will use the gemstone size selection in Step  250  for bands having width 2.0 mm (all finger sizes) or 3.0 mm and up (finger sizes 4-7) or the process will use the gemstone size selection formula in Step  255  for bands having width 3.0 mm and larger (finger sizes 7.5 and up). 
     In Step  250 , the size difference between the small gemstone and large gemstone may be 0.3 mm for 2.0 mm ring widths and maximum gemstone size may be restricted by width of the ring that must allow 0.4 mm from girdle to ring edge. For example, a ring of 2.0 mm width may have a maximum gemstone size of 1.1 mm allowing for 0.4 mm at top and bottom of gemstone, plus 0.1 mm to allow for any cylindrical (non-square) ring shape. For rings having 3.0 mm width and up and finger sizes 4 though 6.5, the size difference between the small gemstone and large gemstone may be 0.3 mm, with small gemstones at 1.5 mm maximum and large gemstones 1.8 mm maximum. For rings having 3.0 mm width and up and finger size 7, the size difference between the small gemstone and large gemstone may be 0.4 mm, with small gemstones at 1.5 mm maximum and large gemstones 1.9 mm maximum. 
     In Step  255 , for finger sizes 7.5 and up, the size difference between the small gemstone and large gemstone may be 0.3 mm for small gemstones smaller than and equal to 1.5 mm, and the difference may be 0.4 mm for small gemstones larger than 1.5 mm. Once gemstone sizes for two gemstone size arrangements have been determined, the process moves to Step  265 . 
     For rings of 3.0 mm width and finger size 9 and up, gemstone size may be restricted by width of the ring that must allow 0.4 mm from girdle to ring edge. For rings of 3.0 mm width and below finger size 9 and for rings of width greater than 3.0 mm, gemstone size is restricted by minimum 0.1 mm girdle-to-girdle proximity. 
     In Step  265 , the process subtracts a size of stamping area  40  from finger size circumference, and the difference is the available gemstone area. In one example, minimum, size of stamping area  40  may be approximately 8 mm. 
     The process multiplies the number of locations for smaller gemstones by the minimum smaller gemstone size, then subtracts that amount from the available gemstone area to determine a first quantity. In one example, a 26 gemstone ring may have 20 smaller gemstones and minimum smaller gemstone size of 0.6 min. The process divides the first quantity by the number of locations for larger gemstones to determine a larger gemstone size. In one example, a 26 gemstone ring may have 6 larger gemstones. It may be desirable to have larger gemstones at least 0.3 mm larger than smaller gemstones. Depending on factors, it may be possible to increase the smaller and larger gemstone sizes. 
     In this step, the process also calculates setting depth. The setting depth may be calculated to ensure the gemstone table of the larger gemstones are a predetermined depth, for example, 0.05 mm, below the inner surface of the ring  10 . The smaller gemstones are set at a depth such that the girdle of the smaller gemstone is aligned with the girdle of the larger gemstone, as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     After Step  160  or Step  165 , the process proceeds to Step  170  where the gemstone position is calculated. In this step, the process generates locations of the gemstones along the inner surface of the ring and generates measurements of those locations in degrees. 
     Once these calculations are performed, the locations may be marked on an inner surface of the ring  10 . 
       FIG. 23  is a flowchart of the process of marking the ring  10 . In Step  300 , the process may receive as input, stamping area size and type, marking locations, marking types, and marking sizes for a specific finger size into control software. In one aspect, software such as Visual LaserStar Write (VLW) may be used control a laser engraving system such as a Crawford-LaserStar Technologies 6-watt Marking Laser, 3700 Series. In other aspects, marks may be made by a CNC machine. In Step  305 , ring  10  may be inserted into the laser engraving system and the system may engrave the markings. In Step  310 , graphics, such as text, may be optionally engraved in one or more the stamping areas. 
     Some time after Step  305 , at Step  315 , the ring  10  may be sent to an authorized individual or business to set a gemstone in ring  10 . At Step  320 , a milling machine may be used to drill a hole at one or more markings to accommodate a gemstone. The markings, including marking size, type, and locations, may be used as a guide for drilling the hole size and location. A gemstone may be set into the hole. At Step  325 , ring  10  may be returned to the owner and the process may be repeated upon the next event or anniversary. 
     Numerous additional modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in view of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.