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:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. 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.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Prior Art  
         [0004]     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.  
         [0005]     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.  
         [0006]     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.  
         [0007]     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.  
         [0008]     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  
       [0009]     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.  
         [0010]     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  
       [0011]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a display end, and at least one jewel defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around the post proximate the display end.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a display end, at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post, and at least one jewel dimensioned to be secured into the at least one setting and dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the display end of the post.  
         [0013]     According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a display end, and at least one Swarovski Austrian crystal flower dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end.  
         [0014]     In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed comprising, in combination a metal post having a cotton fiber stem insertion end and a display end, the cotton fiber stem insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a cotton fiber stem housed within a flower stem, and at least one Swarovski Austrian crystal bead dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end.  
         [0015]     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  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of bouquet jewels shown in use with a floral bouquet.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a first Swarovski Austrian crystal bead and a second Swarovski Austrian crystal bead slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a metal post.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a setting dimensioned to secure an emerald cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation. An emerald cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone is shown secured into the setting in phantom lines.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a setting dimensioned to secure a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the setting to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a setting dimensioned to secure an emerald cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a heart cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a setting dimensioned to secure a round cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.  
         [0028]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a round cut Chinese cubic zirconia stone secured into a setting. A bottom portion of the setting is soldered to a metal post so that the jewel is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the metal post.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a Swarovski Austrian crystal flower. An earring back is slidably coupled around a metal post and connects the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower to the metal post in a substantially perpendicular orientation.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8B  is a top view of a Swarovski Austrian crystal flower.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel having a first glass pearl bead and a second glass pearl bead slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a metal post.  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a bouquet jewel having a first glass pearl bead and a second glass pearl bead slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a metal post.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel shown in use with a stephanotis flower.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a stephanotis flower, a cotton fiber stem and a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be inserted into a top portion of the cotton fiber stem. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]     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.  
         [0036]     The inventor has discovered that the most beautiful jewels to use are Swarovski Austrian crystal beads and flowers, Chinese cubic zirconia stones, and glass pearl beads. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the use of other gems and stones.  
         [0037]     The inventor has also found that the bouquet jewels should have a post  20  (see  FIG. 4A ) that is approximately 4-6 inches long and approximately 2-3 mm in diameter. A bouquet insertion end  21  (see  FIG. 4A ) of the post  20  is inserted into the bouquet in order to give the illusion that the jewels are floating among the flowers  10  (see  FIG. 1 ). And although the preferred embodiment discloses a post  20  that is either a gold or silver base metal, depending upon the colors of the flowers  10  in the bouquet, it should be understood that substantial benefit may also be obtained from using other metals.  
         [0038]     The inventor has also discovered that the most ideal position of the jewels is to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to their posts  20 . Such simple positioning prevents the bouquet jewels from overwhelming and detracting from the natural beauty of the flowers  10 .  
         [0039]     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 9 , and  10 , a first embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A first jewel defining a bore therethrough is shown to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around a display end  22  of the post  20 . The first jewel is a 10 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  31   a  (referred to generically as a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead) in  FIG. 2  and is a 14 mm diameter glass pearl bead  34   a  (referred to generically as a glass pearl bead) in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . A second jewel defining a bore therethrough is also shown to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around the display end  22  of the post  20 . The second jewel is an 8 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  31   b  (referred to generically as a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead) in  FIG. 2  and is a 12 mm diameter glass pearl bead  34   b  (referred to generically as a glass pearl bead) in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  
         [0040]     A rondelle  40  is also shown slidably coupled around the post  20  so as to separate the first and second jewels. In  FIG. 2 , the rondelle  40  is 6 mm in diameter and in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the rondelle  40  is 8 mm in diameter. Finally, a bead cap  50  is slidably coupled around the post  20  and a 2 mm crimp  60 , for holding the jewels and the rondelle  40  in place, is shown slidably coupled to the display end  22  of the post  20  and proximate a bottom portion of the second jewel (see  FIGS. 2, 9 , and  10 ).  
         [0041]     While, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2, 9  and  10 , the first jewel is either a 10 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  31   a  or a 14 mm diameter glass pearl bead  34   a  and the second jewel is either a 8 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  31   b  or a 12 mm diameter glass pearl bead  34   b  and a rondelle  40 , bead cap  50  and crimp  60  are used to separate and secure the first jewel and the second jewel to the post, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of this embodiment: 1) in which jewels are used that deviate, even substantially, from the preferred diameters in either direction; 2) in which jewels other than Swarovski Austrian crystal beads and glass pearl beads are used; and/or  3 ) which does not use either a rondelle  40 , crimp  60  or bead cap  50  (or none of the three) as long as the jewels are capable of being securely coupled to the post  20 .  
         [0042]     A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 3A-7B . A setting  70  is coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post  20  proximate the display end  22 .  FIGS. 5A-7B  show a setting  70  that is soldered to the post  20 . And  FIGS. 3A-4C  show an earring back  80  defining a bore therethrough that is slidably coupled around the post  20  proximate the display end  22  while its top portion is coupled to a bottom portion of the setting  70 . The earring back  80  connects the setting  70  to the post  20 . While, in this second embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A-7B , a setting  70  is either soldered or coupled with an earring back  80  to the post  20  it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration in which the setting  70  is coupled to the post  20  in some way other than by soldering or through an earring back, such as by glue or some other coupling mechanism so long as the setting  70  is securely coupled to the post  20 .  
         [0043]     A jewel, preferably a Chinese cubic zirconia stone, is secured into the setting  70  and is dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the display end  22  of the post  20 . The Chinese cubic zirconia stone may be dimensioned as a 14 mm heart cut  33   a  (see  FIGS. 3A, 4A ,  4 B,  5 A,  6 A, and  6 B), a 14 mm round cut  33   b  (see  FIG. 7B ), or a 12 mm×16 mm emerald cut  33   c  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3B  as shown in phantom lines in). It should also be understood that another dimension of the Chinese cubic zirconia or a stone other than the Chinese cubic zirconia may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.  
         [0044]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  refer to a third embodiment of the present invention. A Swarovski Austrian crystal flower  32  having metal accents  32   a  is dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post  20  proximate the display end  22 . Preferably, an earring back  80  defining a bore therethrough is slidably coupled around the post  20  proximate the display end  22  while its top portion is coupled to a bottom portion of the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower  32 . The earring back  80  connects the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower  32  to the post  20 . It should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  in which some other mechanism other than the earring back  80  is used to couple the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower  32  to the post  20 , so long as the Swarovski Austrian crystal flower  32  is coupled securely to the post  20 .  
         [0045]     The inventor also created a bouquet jewel that is placed within the center of a flower  10  rather than floating within the bouquet. This fourth embodiment of the present invention has been favored by those who want a minimal amount of color added to their otherwise pure white bouquet. As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a cotton fiber stem  90  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) is soaked with water and is inserted into a stephanotis flower stem  11 . A jewel, preferably a 5 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  31   c  (referred to generically as a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead), is coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a post  20  having a circumference of approximately 4 mm and having a length of approximately 10 mm. The bouquet jewel is then inserted into a top portion of the cotton fiber stem  90  in order for the Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  31   c  to conceal a top portion of the cotton fiber stem  90 . While, in this embodiment, a 5 mm diameter Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  31   c  is coupled to a post  20  having a circumference of approximately 4 mm and having a length of approximately 10 mm, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of this embodiment in which a jewel other than a Swarovski Austrian crystal bead is used and/or the dimensions of the jewel and post deviate, even substantially, from the preferred dimensions in either direction.  
         [0046]     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.