Patent Publication Number: US-2019174884-A1

Title: Earring

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to fine jewelry and, more particularly, to earrings. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Most earrings for pierced ears fall into two classes: stud earrings and hook or drop earrings. 
     A stud earring attaches to the earlobe via a post inserted into a hole pierced in the wearer&#39;s earlobe and is maintained in place by a backing that goes on to the end of the post behind the earlobe. 
     A hook or drop earring attaches to the earlobe using a curved “hook” that is partially inserted through a hole pierced in the wearer&#39;s earlobe such that part of the hook sits on the exterior-facing side of the earlobe below the hole and another part sits on the interior-facing side of the earlobe below the hole. This type of earring is maintained in place by the weight of the earring attached to the hook below the hole and the fact that, to be removed, the hook must be curled in an exterior direction—which is almost impossible to happen through normal wearing. 
     Another type of ear ornamentation is called an “industrial bar” or, simply, an “ear bar” which attaches to the ear via, typically two, holes pierced through the auricular cartilage of the ear helix and/or the scapha of the ear. However, this type of style is generally considered to be out of the mainstream of fine jewelry. 
     People who have only a single piercing in their earlobe cannot wear earrings that require one or more additional piercings, or ear ornamentation that is specifically arranged to overlay the auricular cartilage of the ear helix and/or the scapha of the ear. 
     SUMMARY 
     I have devised an earring, for a person with a single, conventional earlobe piercing, that incorporates aspects of an “industrial bar” or “ear bar” style in that they can overlay the auricular cartilage of the ear helix and/or the scapha of the ear without requiring any additional piercing or departing from the styling common to fine jewelry. 
     One aspect of this disclosure involves an earring for wearing via a human ear, the earring comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The second segment couples the first segment to the third segment, maintains a spaced-apart relationship between the first and third segments, and, when worn, overlays at least a part of one of the antihelix or scapha. The first segment is shaped so that, when worn, it will wrap around the superior helix of the ear at a location within a range of 0 mm to 20 mm from the apex of the helix such that the first segment: a) will have at least two points of contact with the superior helix, at least one of which will be on the exterior surface of the interior side of the helix, and b) does not pass through a piercing in the helix or scapha. When the earring is worn, the third segment will pass through a piercing in the earlobe from an exterior side to an interior side of the earlobe, such that the earlobe will exert a force on the third segment that will be transferred to the first segment, as a torque force, via the second segment. 
     Another aspect involves an earring for wearing via a human ear. The earring has three segments, a helix engagement segment having an inflection point, an earlobe engagement segment having a terminal end, and a decorative segment located between, and coupled to, each of the helix engagement segment and earlobe engagement segment. None of the helix engagement segment, earlobe engagement segment, or decorative segment pass through a piercing of the helix or scapha. The inflection point and terminal end are separated from each other by the decorative segment at a linear distance in the range between 54 mm and 85 mm, and the earlobe engagement segment has a cross sectional width, at its widest point, in the range of 0.3211 mm to 1.0237 mm. 
     Yet a further aspect involves an item of jewelry, for wearing via a human ear, comprising: means for engaging the ear helix, means for engaging the earlobe, and means for separating and coupling the means for engaging the ear helix from the means for engaging the earlobe. Neither the means for engaging the ear helix nor the means for separating and coupling are arranged to pass through any piercing in the ear helix or scapha. 
     The foregoing and following outlines rather generally the features and technical advantages of one or more embodiments of this disclosure in order that the following detailed description may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be described hereinafter, which may form the subject of the claims of this application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows, with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates, in simplified form, the relevant anatomy of a typical human ear; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate, in simplified form, four different variants of an earring constructed in accordance with the teachings herein; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are enlarged views of the helix-engaging segments of, respectively, the earrings of  FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2D ; 
         FIG. 3D  is a simplified view of an alternative variant of a helix-engaging segment; 
         FIGS. 4-7  illustrate, in simplified form, different configurations that establish the advantageous variability available for the middle (spacer) segment  204  for decorative and/or functional purposes; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of a very simple example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring of  FIG. 8  by itself; 
         10 A- 10 G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         11 A- 11 G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         12 A- 12 G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         13 A- 13 G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         14 A- 14 G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         FIG. 14H  is a partial photograph of the earring of  FIGS. 14A-14G  that shows how the chains of  FIGS. 14A-14G  will drape when worn; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of another very simple example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         FIGS. 16A-16G  illustrate, in simplified form different views of the example variant earring of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIGS. 17A-17G  illustrate, in simplified form, an additional example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein; 
         FIGS. 18A-18G  illustrate, in simplified form, one further example variant earring  1800 , constructed according to the teachings herein; and 
         FIG. 18H  is a partial photograph of the earring  1800  of  FIGS. 18A-18G . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For purposes of understanding, the term “interior” as used herein is intended to mean the side of the exterior surface(s) of the ear closest to the skull and the term “exterior” is intended to mean the exterior surfaces of the ear facing away from the skull. 
     In addition, the term “jewel” is intended to mean any of a precious gemstone, a semiprecious gemstone, polished stone, an artificial gem (e.g., cubic zirconia), a pearl, polished shell, or simple glass, quartz, marcasite, or other material intended to look like, or create the effect of, a gemstone, as well as any bead or polished and/or glossy element commonly used as an accent in fine or costume jewelry. 
     Finally, the term “finding” is intended to mean a decorative jewelry component, for example, a fine jewelry chain, bar, setting, enhancer, bead tip, bead cap, chandelier, head pin, eye pin, filigree, festoon, breloque, gallery strip, etc. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates, in simplified form, the relevant anatomy of a typical human ear  100  for purposes of definitional understanding. 
     As shown, the ear  100  is made up of several parts, the helix  102  which is the outer rim of the upper part of the ear  100  defined by the underlying auricular cartilage  104 . In general, the “superior helix”  106  is that portion of the helix (identified in  FIG. 1  as the upper part of the helix  102  between the dotted line pair  110   a ,  110   b ) that is above the ear canal  108 . The area located just within the helix  102  is the scapha  112 , and the antihelix  114  is the raised portion defined by cartilage between the scapha  112  and the ear canal  108 . The apex  116  of the helix  102  is the highest part of the helix  102 . 
     The lowest part of the ear  100  is the earlobe  118  which, as shown, is pierced, meaning that it has a hole  120  that passes between the exterior and interior sides of the earlobe  120  (as is conventional for pierced ears). 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate, in simplified form, four different variants of an earring constructed in accordance with the teachings herein. 
     More particularly,  FIG. 2A  illustrates, in simplified form, a side view of the main components of the simplest earring variant  200 A according to the teachings herein relative to a cross section of an ear  100 , including its helix  102  and earlobe  118  with piercing hole  120 . 
     Functionally, the earrings of all fo  FIGS. 2A-2D  are each made up of three segments: one segment  202  that engages or interacts with the helix  102 , another segment  206  that passes through the piercing hole  120  in the earlobe  118 , and a final segment  204  that both: (a) connects the prior two segments  202 ,  206  while maintaining them at a fixed spacing, and (b) will typically carry decorations or ornamentation in some manner, for example, by having coupled to it one or more jewels or findings. Note here that variants of either or both of the other two segments  202 ,  206  could, of course, carry, or be partially made of, decorations or ornamentation as well. In addition, typically, the segment  202  that engages or interacts with the helix  102  will do so within 15-20 mm to either side of the helix  102  of the wearer&#39;s ear  102 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2A , due to the shape in this configuration, when the earring  200 A is worn, the segment  206  that interacts with the earlobe  118  will generally have a force (F) applied to it by the earlobe generally in the normal direction, as shown by the arrow “X” (which will also tend to deform the piercing hole  120 ). As a result of this configuration, part of the earlobe  118  will act as a fulcrum such that some portion of the force F will be transferred to the segment  202  at the opposite end of the earring  200  resulting in a force (F′) being applied to the interior side of the helix  102 , as shown by arrow “Y” and driving it towards the helix  102  to aid in maintaining placement of that segment  202 . In addition, as a result of this configuration, there will be at least three points of contact between the earring  200 A and ear  100 , at least two with the helix  102  and at least one with the earlobe  118 . 
     As is the case with the earring  200 A of  FIG. 2A , and will also be the case with the other configuration variants described herein, the segments  202 ,  204 ,  206  can all have the same diameter (if round in cross section) or widest width (if non-circular in cross section), or those dimensions can vary, both within a segment  202 ,  204 ,  206 , or between two segments. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the smallest dimension for any segment  202 ,  204 ,  206  will likely be 0.250 mm (0.0098 inches) and, in the case of the segments  202 ,  204  the widest dimension may go up to as much as 3.50 mm. It is contemplated that the segment that engages the earlobe  118  will typically be dimensioned in the range of 0.3000 mm to 1.0300 mm, and, in most cases, not larger to avoid adversely stretching the earlobe piercing hole  120 . 
     Moreover, in some variants, the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118  can be tapered towards the terminal end, and in others, the terminal end can be blunted or rounded. 
     Table 1 below identifies some standard jewelry wire gauges and dimensions (in inches and millimeters) that are particularly contemplated for use in one or more of the segments  202 ,  204 ,  206 : 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Segment Sizing (Diameter/Widest dimension) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Gauge 
                 Inch 
                 Millimeters 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 18 
                 0.0403 
                 1.0237 
               
               
                 20 
                 0.0320 
                 0.8118 
               
               
                 21 
                 0.0285 
                 0.7229 
               
               
                 22 
                 0.0253 
                 0.6438 
               
               
                 24 
                 0.0201 
                 0.5106 
               
               
                 26 
                 0.0159 
                 0.4048 
               
               
                 28 
                 0.0126 
                 0.3211 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 2B  illustrates, in simplified form, a side view of the main components of an alternative earring variant  200 B that is similar to the earring of  FIG. 2A  except for two differences. First, it contains a small ball  208  on the terminal end of the segment  202  that engages the helix  102 , predominantly for improving wearer comfort and minimizing potential abrasion or irritation of the wearer&#39;s skin. Second, the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118  is smoothly offset from one or both of the other two segments so that, when worn, the force applied by the earlobe  118  to the earring segment  204  will be reduced and, consequently, the opposite force applied to the helix  102  by the other segment  202  will be reduced. This configuration may be advantageous, for example, for earrings with heavier decoration and/or where the cross section in the widest direction (if non-circular) of one or both of the segments  202 ,  206  is larger. 
     At this point, it should also be noted that, in both  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118  is parallel to part of the legs of the helix-engaging segment  202  and the middle (spacer) segment  204 . In the case of  FIG. 2A , the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118  is also coaxially aligned with the middle segment  204 . 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates, in simplified form, a partial perspective view of the main components of an alternative earring variant  200 C that is similar to the earring of  FIG. 2A  except that, with this variant, (a) the helix-engaging segment  202  is split into two parts (in a “Y” shape) so that each “branch” would separately engage the helix  102  of the ear  100 , and (b) the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118  is oriented at an angle θ offset with respect to the middle segment  204 . Depending upon the particular variant implementation, the angle θ will typically range from 0° to 90° and, more particularly, will be less than 60° and, even more particularly, will be less than 30° angular offset. 
     Here, it should be noted that, in the case of a straight middle (spacer) segment  204 , the offset angle θ would be measured as shown (i.e., relative to a projection of that segment  204 ). In the case of a curved middle (spacer) segment  204 , the offset angle θ would generally be measured relative to a plane that is formed by the curve or, alternatively, a plane essentially parallel to an average plane formed by the apex  116  of an ear helix  102 , the location of the piercing hole  120  and the base of the superior helix  106  opposite from, and aligned with, the opening of the ear canal  108 . 
       FIG. 2D  illustrates, in simplified form, a partial perspective view of the main components of an alternative earring variant  200 D that is similar to the earring of  FIG. 2D  except that, with this variant, (a) the helix-engaging segment  202  is formed in a “T” shape with the parts that would engage the helix  102  being connected to the ends of the “T” crossbar, and (b) the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118  is oriented at an offset angle of 90° with respect to the middle segment  204  so that it can be inserted into the piercing hole  120  in the earlobe  118  in the same manner as the post of a conventional earring. Optionally, for this configuration variant  200 D, although not necessary or preferred, a locking notch can be included on the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118 , because, with a 90° offset, this segment  206  will seem to some wearers like a conventional earring post and, therefore, they may be uncomfortable not using a conventional earring backing with it. 
     At this point it should be noted that the shape of the helix engagement segment  202 , particularly the part that, when worn, is on the interior side of the ear  100 , need not be one of the shapes shown. Indeed, that portion can be a loop, a plate or any other shape, the important aspect being that it will sufficiently abut the interior side of the helix  102 , to assist in retaining that segment  202  in place, not the shape used to do so. 
     Likewise, it should be understood, as will become apparent below, that the cross section of the helix engagement segment  202  and middle (spacer) segment  204  can be round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape (for example, in the case of the middle (spacer) segment  204 , cross sections that cause the middle (spacer) segment  204  to appear to be a spiral, or a shape that results in the middle (spacer) segment  204  appearing as a filagree) the shape being a matter of design choice provided that, in the case of the helix engagement segment  202 , the shape allows, directly or indirectly, the helix engagement segment  202  to engage the helix  102  as described herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that even the earlobe engagement section  206  can have a cross section other than round in some variants. 
     Finally, in general, and with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2D  in particular, it is contemplated that the overall length of the earrings, measured from the top of the helix engagement segment  202  to the terminal end of the earlobe engagement section  206 , measured linearly, will generally be between 54 mm and 85 mm and, more typically, between 65 mm and 80 mm. However, it is to be understood that these lengths are based upon common ear morphology and the need for engagement of the helix  102  at one end and passage through the piercing  120  through the earlobe  118 , at the other, by a sufficient amount to extend, in the case of variants similar to  FIGS. 2A-2C , typically to near the bottom of the earlobe  118 , if not extend beyond it when worn. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  are enlarged views of the helix-engaging segments  202  of, respectively, the earrings  200 A,  200 C,  200 D of  FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2D . 
     In general, and as shown, the interior and exterior leg(s)  302   a ,  302   b  of the helix-engaging segment  202  will typically be spaced apart from each other by a median spacing (“s”) in the range of 6.3 mm to 7.6 mm and will have a length (“h”) of at least between 9 mm and 14 mm when measured from the peak  306  (i.e., its inflection point) to the terminal end of the interior leg  302   a  on a perpendicular as shown (in the case of the segments  202  of  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C , to the center of an imaginary line between the two interior legs  302   a ). 
       FIG. 3D  is a simplified view of an alternative variant of a helix-engaging segment  202  that includes a plate  304  on the terminal end of the interior leg  302   a  to increase the surface area that will contact a wearer&#39;s helix  102  on the interior side. 
       FIGS. 4-7  illustrate, in simplified form, different configurations that establish the advantageous variability available for the middle (spacer) segment  204  for decorative and/or functional purposes. 
     Specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates, in simplified form, one example variant middle (spacer) segment  204 , which has a non-uniform width over its surface  402  and is curved, in this case, with a curvature that substantially conforms to the longitudinal curvature of the auricular cartilage  104  of a typical wearer&#39;s helix  102 . At this point, it should be noted that “substantially conforms” is intended to mean that it has a curvature that evokes part of a common ear helix  102  shape even when not worn, and even if it does not specifically conform to any particular individual wearer&#39;s helix  102  curvature. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates, in simplified form, another alternative example variant middle (spacer) segment  204 , which has variable width over its surface  402  and is formed into an asymmetrical “zig-zag” shape. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates, in simplified form, yet another alternative example variant middle (spacer) segment  204 , that is, in part, formed in a uniform zig-zag shape. Advantageously, with this variant, the material used and shape are features that, individually or collectively, allow for nominal modification (longer or shorter by a few (e.g., 1 to 5) millimeters) of the segment  204  length, if desired, for example, to accommodate the variability of ear length, while minimizing distortion of the aesthetics from any such nominal modification. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates, in simplified form, still another alternative example variant middle (spacer) segment  204 , shaped in a shape evocative of a somewhat flattened coil spring. As with the variant of  FIG. 6 , this variant includes a feature that can also allow for nominal modification of the segment  204  length, if desired. 
     At this point it should be noted that a zig-zag or coil are only two of the myriad feature components that can, individually or collectively, be included to allow for nominal modification of the segment  204  length, if desired. 
       FIGS. 8-9, 10A-10Q   11 A- 11 Q  12 A- 12 Q  13 A- 13 Q  14 A- 14 H,  15 ,  16 A- 16 Q  17 A- 17 Q and  18 A- 18 H illustrate further example variant earrings according to the teachings herein. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of a very simple example variant earring  800 , constructed according to the teachings herein that is similar to that of  FIG. 2A  except that it has a ball finding  802  on the end of the interior side of the helix-engaging segment  202 . The broken line ear  100  is provided to show the intended positioning on an ear when worn. As can be seen, the middle (spacer) segment  204  passes over (i.e., overlays) a part of the antihelix  114  and/or scapha  112  (in this specific example, both).  FIG. 9  illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring  800  of  FIG. 8  by itself. 
       FIGS. 10A-10G  illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring  1000 , constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly,  FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of this variant earring  1000 ,  FIG. 10B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1000 ,  FIG. 10C  is a top plan view of this earring  1000 ,  FIG. 10D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1000 ,  FIG. 10E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1000 ,  FIG. 10F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1000  and  FIG. 10G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  800 . As shown, this variant earring  1000  includes two bezel mounted jewels  1002 ,  1004  that are coupled to the middle (spacer) segment  204  and a third bezel mounted jewel  802  is coupled to the helix-engaging segment  202  near its inflection point  306 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11G  illustrate, in simplified form, another example variant earring  1100 , constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly,  FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of this variant earring  1100 ,  FIG. 11B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1100 ,  FIG. 11C  is a top plan view of this earring  1100 ,  FIG. 11D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1100 ,  FIG. 11E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1100 ,  FIG. 11F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1100  and  FIG. 11G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  1100 . As shown, this variant earring  1100  includes a bar-type finding  1102  coupled to the middle (spacer) segment  204 . The two ends  1104  of the bar-type finding  1102  each include a further decorative jewel element  1106  (e.g., a cabochon of onyx), and a similar decorative jewel element  1108  is coupled to the helix-engaging segment  202  near its inflection point  306 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12G  illustrate, in simplified form, yet another example variant earring  1200 , constructed according to the teachings herein, that is similar to that of  FIGS. 11A-11G  except that, with this variant earring  1200 , the decorative jewel elements  1104 ,  1106  of  FIGS. 11A-11G  are replaced by alternative elements  1202 , for example, gold or platinum balls.  FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of this variant earring  1200 ,  FIG. 12B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1200 ,  FIG. 12C  is a top plan view of this earring  1200 ,  FIG. 12D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1200 ,  FIG. 12E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1200 ,  FIG. 12F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1200  and  FIG. 12G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  1200 . 
       FIGS. 13A-13G  illustrate, in simplified form, an additional variant earring  1300 , constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly,  FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of this variant earring  1300 ,  FIG. 13B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1300 ,  FIG. 13C  is a top plan view of this earring  1300 ,  FIG. 13D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1300 ,  FIG. 13E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1300 ,  FIG. 13F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1300  and  FIG. 13G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  1300 . As shown, this variant earring  1300  includes a prong mounted jewel  1302  near the lower third of the middle (spacer) segment  204 , along with a similar prong-mounted jewel  1304  coupled to about midway up the exterior side leg of the helix-engaging segment  202 , and a series of five jewels  1306  coupled to each other in using a finding  1308  that is an arc shaped multi jewel setting, with the arc mount finding  1308  coupled to the middle (spacer) segment  204 . 
       FIGS. 14A-14G  illustrate, in simplified form, yet a further example variant earring  1400 , constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly,  FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of this variant earring  1400 ,  FIG. 14B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1400 ,  FIG. 14C  is a top plan view of this earring  1400 ,  FIG. 14D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1400 ,  FIG. 14E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1400 ,  FIG. 14F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1400  and  FIG. 14G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  1400 . As shown, with this variant earring  1400 , the only adornment appears on the helix-engaging segment  202  and comprises a set of three different sized bezel-mounted jewels  1402 ,  1404 ,  1406  and three different length chains  1408 ,  1410 ,  1412  each being respectively coupled to one of the bezel-mounted jewels  1402 ,  1404 ,  1406  at one end of the chain, with the other end of the chain coupled to the helix-engaging segment  202  on the rear facing side of the interior side leg  302   a  such that, when worn, the chains will each hang and wrap around part of the wearer&#39;s helix  102 .  FIG. 14H  is a partial photograph of the earring  1400  of  FIGS. 14A-14G  that shows how the chains  1408 ,  1410 ,  1412  of  FIGS. 14A-14G  will drape when worn. As can also be seen in  FIG. 14H , the middle segment  204  passes directly over a portion of the antihelix  114  and scapha  112 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of another very simple example variant earring  1500 , constructed according to the teachings herein. The broken line ear  100  is provided to show the intended positioning on an ear when worn. As can be seen, with this variant  1500 , the middle segment  204  only passes over (i.e., overlays) part of the scapha  112  and is curved to evoke a sense of conformance with curvature of part of the helix  102  of the ear  100 . 
       FIGS. 16A-16G  illustrate, in simplified form different views of the example variant earring of  FIG. 15 . Specifically,  FIG. 16A  illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring  1500  of  FIG. 15  by itself.  FIG. 16B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1500 ,  FIG. 16C  is a top plan view of this earring  1500 ,  FIG. 16D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1500 ,  FIG. 16E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1500 ,  FIG. 16F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1500  and  FIG. 16G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  1500 . With this variant earring  1500 , the middle (spacer) segment  204  is curved and all of the segments  202 ,  204 ,  206  are round in cross section with the same, constant, diameter. As can also be seen, the helix-engaging segment  202  is offset in alignment from (in this variant, parallel to) the segment  206  by a distance delta (A). 
       FIGS. 17A-17G  illustrate, in simplified form, an additional example variant earring  1700 , constructed according to the teachings herein, that is the same as the earring  1500  of  FIGS. 16A-16G  except that the middle (spacer) segment  204  contains a single, prong-mounted, jewel  1702 . More particularly,  FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of this variant earring  1700 ,  FIG. 17B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1700 ,  FIG. 17C  is a top plan view of this earring  1700 ,  FIG. 17D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1700 ,  FIG. 17E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1700 ,  FIG. 17F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1700  and  FIG. 17G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  1700 . 
       FIGS. 18A-18G  illustrate, in simplified form, one further example variant earring  1800 , constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly,  FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of this variant earring  1800 ,  FIG. 18B  is a front elevation view of the earring  1800 ,  FIG. 18C  is a top plan view of this earring  1800 ,  FIG. 18D  is a right side elevation view of this earring  1800 ,  FIG. 18E  is a left side elevation view of this earring  1800 ,  FIG. 18F  is a rear elevation view of this earring  1800  and  FIG. 18G  is a bottom plan view of the earring  1800 . As with the earring  1500 , of  FIGS. 25, 16A-16G  and earring  1700  of  FIGS. 17A-17G  this variant earring  1800  also has a curved middle (spacer) segment  204 . However, with this variant earring  1800 , the middle (spacer) segment  204  is not round, it is flat, and has a constant widest dimension that is wider than that of both the helix-engaging segment  202  and segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118 . In addition, this earring  1800  includes two bezel mounted cabochons  1802 ,  1804 , one  1802  at the intersection of the middle (spacer) segment  204  and helix-engaging segment  202  and the other  1804  at the intersection of the middle (spacer) segment  204  and segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118 . Additionally, a third bezel mounted cabochon  1806  is coupled to the helix-engaging segment  202 .  FIG. 18H  is a partial photograph of the earring  1800  of  FIGS. 18A-18G  that shows how the middle (spacer) segment  204  only passes over a portion of the scapha  112  and its curve is intended to evoke conformance with curvature of part of the helix  102  of the ear  100 . Note that, in this picture, the bezel mounted cabochon  1806  that is coupled to the helix-engaging segment  202  is obscured by the hair from view. 
     With respect to the overall design, it is to be understood that, although the helix-engaging segment  202  has generally been shown as curved, it could also be squared (in which case it would not have an inflection point), have a sharp peak, a non-uniform shape, or any other shape provided that it is present on both sides of the wearer&#39;s helix  102  when the earring is worn. Similarly, any one or more of the segments  202 ,  204 ,  206  could be tapered. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that none of the designs illustrated herein are configured to require a piercing in the ear helix or scapha in order to be worn with one segment  202  engaging the helix  102  and another segment  206  engaging the earlobe  118  of the wearer. 
     Finally, with respect to materials, since the earrings described herein are typically intended as fine jewelry, it is generally contemplated that each of the segments  202 ,  204 ,  206  will be made of a precious metal, e.g., platinum, gold, silver, etc. However, it is to be understood that it, with some variants, two or more of the segments can be made of different materials and, in some cases, for example if implemented as costume jewelry, one or more of the segments may not be made of a precious metal at all. For example, with some variants, the segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118  may be made of stainless steel, while the middle (spacer) segment  204  may be made of a precious metal, or vice versa. With some variants, this may similarly be the case with the helix-engaging segment  202  and middle (spacer) segment  204 , or for the helix-engaging segment  202  and segment  206  that engages the earlobe  118 . 
     Having described and illustrated the principles of this application by reference to one or more example embodiments, it should be apparent that the embodiment(s) may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principles disclosed herein and that it is intended that the application be construed as including all such modifications and variations insofar as they come within the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed.