Patent Publication Number: US-6901771-B2

Title: Jewel and personal ornament

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a jewel and a personal ornament using this jewel. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Various types of accessories exceptionally using jewels such as pearls, tortoise shell, amber and precious stones or the like have been known in the past. Examples of accessories using pearls include pearl necklaces, pearl pendants, pearl finger rings, pearl necktie pins and pearl cufflinks or the like. It is recognized that the term “pearl” generally refers to a spherical substance consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate that is formed in the bodies of shellfish such as  Pteria penguin, Pinctada fucata  or  Pinctada maxima . Besides pearls that have such a common spherical shape, pearl accessories that are worked into various shapes are also currently marketed. 
   In the case of necklaces, however, a plurality of pearls are disposed in the manner of a string of beads on a string-form member in a state that allows free movement of the pearls. As a result, the pearls rub against each other so that the pearls are susceptible to damage caused by such rubbing. If it were possible to attach pearls to a string-form member with an appropriate frictional force, such rubbing of the pearls against each other could be avoided, however, no such technique is known. 
   Furthermore, in the case of pendants, finger rings, necktie pins, cufflinks and the like, the attachment of pearls to pedestals is not easy. Moreover, in cases where pearls fall from such pedestals, repair is difficult for anyone other than a specialist. 
   The case of pearls was described in detail above; however, similar problems also occur in the case of other jewels such as tortoise shell, amber and precious stones. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a jewel which can be securely attached to a string-form member or pedestal with a stable frictional force, and which can be easily removed from such a string-form member or pedestal, and a personal ornament using such a jewel. 
   In order to achieve the abovementioned object, the jewel of the present invention comprises a base body and an elastic body. The abovementioned base body has a hole, and this hole opens at the surface of the abovementioned base body. 
   The abovementioned elastic body has a through-hole, and is inserted into the interior of the abovementioned hole. At least one open end of the abovementioned through-hole communicates with the outside of the abovementioned base body via the abovementioned hole. Furthermore, the internal diameter of the abovementioned through-hole is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end. 
   In the jewel of the present invention, as described above, the base body has a hole that opens at the surface of the base body, and an elastic body is inserted into the interior of this hole. This elastic body has a through-hole, and at least one open end of this through-hole communicates with the outside of the base body via the above-mentioned hole. Accordingly, a string-form member or projection can be inserted into the through-hole of the elastic body via the hole in the base body. 
   When a string-form member or projection is inserted into the through-hole of the elastic body, a frictional resistance is generated in the string-form member or projection utilizing the elastic force of the elastic body, so that the jewel can be securely attached. 
   Moreover, after the elastic body has been inserted into the interior of the hole in the base body, the string-form member or projection can be held not only by the elastic force of the elastic body, but also by the compressive force received by the elastic body from the inside surfaces of the hole in the base body. As a result, a high retention force is obtained. 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole in the elastic body is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end. Consequently, when a string-form member or projection is inserted into the through-hole of the elastic body, this string-form member or projection can be smoothly inserted from the abovementioned open end of the through-hole. Accordingly, the elastic body can be prevented from suffering damage caused by the force that is applied when the string-form member or projection is inserted. 
   In order to remove the jewel, it is sufficient merely to withdraw the string-form member or projection from the through-hole of the elastic body against the elastic retention force of the elastic body. Accordingly, the jewel can be removed very easily. In this case as well, since the internal diameter of the through-hole in the elastic body is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end, the elastic body can be prevented from suffering damage caused by the force that is applied when the string-form member or projection is withdrawn from the through-hole in the elastic body. 
   In cases where a plurality of jewels are attached to a string-form member in necklaces or the like, the string-form member is inserted into the through-hole of an elastic body provided for each jewel. Accordingly, a plurality of jewels can be attached to the string-form member with an appropriate frictional force, so that damage caused by the jewels rubbing against each other can be avoided. 
   Furthermore, in cases where jewels are attached to a pedestal in pendants, finger rings, necktie pins, cufflinks or the like, the jewels can be easily and securely attached to the pedestal by inserting a projection disposed on the pedestal into the through-hole of an elastic body provided for the jewel. Furthermore, the jewel can be removed from the pedestal and repaired or replaced. 
   Other objects, constructions and advantages of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the attached figures, which indicate embodiments. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a sectional view of one embodiment of the jewel of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the jewel contained in the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view of another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a sectional view of one embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view showing a use configuration of the jewel shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a sectional view showing a use configuration of the jewel shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged sectional view showing the first and second connecting means contained in the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing the joining step of the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the fastening fitting used in the joining of the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a sectional view along line  22 — 22  in  FIG. 21 ; 
       FIG. 23  is an enlarged sectional view along line  23 — 23  in  FIG. 20 ; 
       FIG. 24  is a sectional view along line  24 — 24  in  FIG. 23 ; 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the joining step following the joining step shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
       FIG. 26  is a sectional view corresponding to the sectional view in  FIG. 24 , and is a sectional view in the joining step shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the first and second plugs used in the fastening fitting shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 ; 
       FIG. 28  is an enlarged sectional view corresponding to the enlarged sectional view shown in  FIG. 23 , and is an enlarged sectional view showing the conditions of use of the first plug; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 30  is an enlarged sectional view of the first and second connecting means contained in the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view showing the joining step of the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
       FIG. 32  is a sectional view of the fastening fitting used in the joining of the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
       FIG. 33  is a partial sectional view corresponding to the sectional view shown in  FIG. 32 , and is a partial sectional view which illustrates the joining step shown in  FIG. 31 ; and 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view showing the joining step that follows the joining step shown in FIG.  31 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is a sectional view of one embodiment of the jewel of the present invention. As is shown in this figure, the jewel of the present invention comprises a base body  51  and an elastic body  71 . 
     FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in FIG.  1 . As is shown in  FIG. 2 , the base body  51  has a hole  6 . The shape of the base body  51  is arbitrary. In the embodiment, the base body  51  has a substantially spherical shape. 
   The base body  51  can be constructed from a pearl, tortoise shell, amber, precious stone or the like. The base body  51  in the embodiment is a pearl. The base body  51  consisting of a pearl comprises a matrix material  52  and a pearl layer  53 . The abovementioned hole  6  passes through the pearl layer  53  and reaches the matrix material  52 . The matrix material  52  consists of a shell such as  Pteria penguin, Pinctada fucata, Pinctada maxima  or the like. The matrix material  52  shown in the figure has a substantially spherical shape. 
   The pearl layer  53  is caused to adhere to the surface of the matrix material  52 . In concrete terms, the pearl layer  53  is obtained by embedding the abovementioned shell as a nucleus in the body of one of the abovementioned shellfish, and forming a substance that consists chiefly of calcium carbonate that is generated inside the body of the shellfish on the surface of the abovementioned nucleus. The nucleus that is used forms the matrix material  52 . 
   Next, the construction of the hole  6  in the base body  51  will be described. The hole  6  opens at the surface of the base body  51 . In this embodiment, the hole  6  is a hole that passes entirely through the base body  51 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has a structure that passes rectilinearly through the base body  51 . The hole may also have a structure that passes through the base body so that the hole bends inside the base body, unlike the structure shown in the embodiment illustrated in the figure. 
   The hole  6  includes first hole parts  61  and  62 , and a second hole part  65 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has two first hole parts, i.e., first hole parts  61  and  62 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  open at the surface of the base part  51 . The internal diameters of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are respectively designated as D 1  and D 2 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  shown in the figure have a substantially cylindrical shape, and one or the two bottom surfaces of the cylinders opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are the internal diameters of the cylinders that constitute the first hole parts  61  and  62 . In the case of a base body  51  consisting of a pearl, the first hole parts  61  and  62  pass through the pearl layer  53  and reach the matrix material  52 . 
   The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 . The shape of the second hole part  65  substantially agrees with a flattened spherical shape that is obtained by crushing a spherical body between two plates that are parallel to each other. In the case of a base body  51  consisting of a pearl, the second hole part  65  is disposed in the matrix material  52 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  communicates with the first hole parts  61  and  62 . To describe this in greater detail, the second hole part  65  communicates with the other bottom surfaces of the two bottom surfaces of the cylinders that constitute the first hole parts  61  and  62 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62 . The internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65  is the maximum internal diameter of the abovementioned flattened spherical shape. 
   Next, the elastic body  71  will be described with reference to FIG.  1 . The elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and is inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  is in a compressed state inside the hole  6  of the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  can be constructed from an organic material, metal material or the like. The elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constructed from an organic material such as rubber, a silicone rubber or the like. Furthermore, the two open ends of the through-hole  72  are respectively indicated by the reference symbols  721  and  722 . 
   At least one of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71 , i.e., the open end  721 , communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 . In the embodiment, the hole  6  in the base body  51  is a through-hole as was described above, and the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is also constructed in accordance with such a construction of the hole  6 . In concrete terms, the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  respectively communicate with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . In the embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . As an example of an elastic body  71  that has such a shape, the elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constructed from an O-ring. In particular, an O-ring constructed from rubber, a silicone rubber or the like is especially suitable. The through-hole in the elastic body may also have a construction in which the internal diameter is expanded toward only one of the open ends, unlike the construction of the embodiment shown in the figure. 
   The elastic body  71  of the embodiment shown in the figure is disposed in the interior of the abovementioned second hole part  65 . One open end  721  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  61 , and the other open end  722  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  62 . The elastic body  71  is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65  so that one open end  721  of the through-hole  72  and the first hole part  61  face each other, and so that the other open end  722  of the through-hole  72  and the first hole part  62  face each other. 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in FIG.  1 . The personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  comprises jewels  5  and a joining member  8 . The personal ornament shown in the figure is a necklace. Besides a necklace, the personal ornament may also be a bracelet, anklet or the like. The jewels  5  are jewels of the present invention as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4  is a sectional view of one of the jewels contained in the personal ornament shown in FIG.  3 . As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the joining member  8  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  contained in the jewel  5 , and is elastically held in this through-hole  72 . The joining member  8  passes through the hole  6  in the base body  51  from the outside of the base body  51 , and passes through the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  that is inserted into the interior of the hole  6 . Furthermore, the joining member  8  passes through the hole  6  in the base body  51 , and is led to the outside of the base body  51 . 
   As was described above, the hole  6  shown in the figure comprises first hole parts  61  and  62  and a second hole part  65 . The joining member  8  passes through the first hole part  61  of the hole  6  from the outside of the base body  51 , and passes through the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  that is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65 . The joining member  8  further passes through the first hole part  62 , and is led to the outside of the base body  51 . 
   As is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the joining member  8  is a string-form member. The string-form joining member  8  may be constructed from a chain, metal wire, fiber or combination of these. The string-form joining member  8  will be referred to below as the “string-form member  8 ”. A plurality of jewels  5  are used. The string-form member  8  is passed through the plurality of jewels  5 , so that the plurality of jewels  5  are disposed on the string-form member  8  in the form of a string of beads. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , a fastening fitting  1  is used to join the personal ornament. This fastening fitting  1  comprises a first fastening member  100  and a second fastening member  200 . The first fastening member  100  is connected to one end portion of the string-form member  8 , and the second fastening member  200  is connected to the other end portion of the string-form member  8 . The first fastening member  100  and second fastening member  200  are detachably connected to each other. 
   The jewels  5  are jewels of the present invention as shown in FIG.  1 . In each jewel  5 , the base body  51  has a hole  6  that opens at the surface of the base body  51 , and an elastic body  71  is inserted into the interior of this hole  6 . This elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and at least one open end  721  of this through-hole  72  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . Accordingly, as is shown in  FIG. 4 , the string-form member  8  can be inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 . More specifically, the string-form member  8  can be inserted into the through-hole  72  from the side of the abovementioned open end  721  (see arrow A). 
   As is shown in  FIG. 4 , when the string-form member  8  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 , a frictional resistance is generated in the string-form member  8  utilizing the elastic force of the elastic body  71 , so that the jewel  5  can be securely attached. 
   Moreover, after the elastic body  71  has been inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51 , the string-form member  8  can be held not only by the elastic force of the elastic body  71 , but also by the compressive force received by the elastic body  71  from the inside surfaces of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . Accordingly, a high retention force is obtained. 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . Accordingly, when the string-form member  8  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 , this string-form member  8  can be smoothly inserted from the solid-state imaging device of the abovementioned open end  721  of the through-hole  72  (see arrow A). Consequently, the elastic body  71  can be prevented from suffering damage caused by the force that is applied when the string-form member  8  is inserted. 
   In order to remove the jewels  5 , it is sufficient to withdraw the string-form member  8  from the through-hole  72  of the corresponding elastic body  71  against the elastic retention force of the elastic body  71 . Accordingly, the jewels  5  can be removed very easily. In this case as well, since the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 , the elastic body  71  can be prevented from suffering damage caused by the force that is applied when the string-form member  8  is withdrawn from the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   In the jewel  5  of the embodiment, the hole  6  is a hole that passes entirely through the base body  51 . Furthermore, each of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the abovementioned hole  6 . Accordingly, as is shown in  FIG. 4 , the string-form member  8  can be passed through the hole  6  of the base body  51  and the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   When the string-form member  8  is passed through as described above, the jewel  5  can be attached to the string-form member  8  with an appropriate frictional force. Accordingly, if a plurality of jewels  5  of the embodiment are prepared, and the same string-form member  8  is passed through the respective jewels  5 , the plurality of jewels  5  can be attached to the string-form member  8  with an appropriate frictional force as shown in FIG.  3 . As a result, damage caused by the jewels  5  rubbing against each other can be avoided. 
   In a pearl necklace constructed according to a conventional technique, a plurality of pearls are simply disposed on a string-form member in the manner of a string of beads, in a state in which the pearls can freely move. As a result, the pearls rub against each other, so that the pearl layers of the pearls are susceptible to damage caused by this rubbing. 
   In the present invention, on the other hand, a plurality of jewels  5  can be attached to a string-form member  8  with an appropriate frictional force. Accordingly, if the base bodies  51  of the jewels  5  are constructed by pearls, damage to the pearl layers  53  caused by the pearls rubbing together can be avoided. 
   The following description refers again to FIG.  4 . In the embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . Accordingly, when the string-form member  8  is passed through the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71 , damage to the elastic body  71  can be securely prevented. Moreover, damage to the elastic body  71  can also be securely prevented when the string-form member  8  that has been passed through is withdrawn from the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   In the jewel  5  of the embodiment, the elastic body  71  is constructed from an organic material. Since this type of elastic body  71  is superior in terms of compressibility, the compressive force received from the inside surfaces of the hole  6  in the base body  51  is stabilized, so that the string-form member  8  can be stably held. 
   Furthermore, in a case where the elastic body  71  is an O-ring as shown in the figure, the elastic body  71  can be inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51  by catching the elastic body  71  with catching means using a wire or the like. Accordingly, the elastic body  71  can easily be inserted into the interior of the hole  6 . 
   In the jewel  5  shown in the figure, the hole  6  comprises first hole parts  61  and  62  and a second hole part  65 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  open at the surface of the base body  51 . The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 , and communicates with the first hole parts  61  and  62 . The elastic body  71  is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65 . By using such a structure, it is possible to protect the elastic body  71  in the interior of the base body  51  without losing the abovementioned function of the elastic body  71 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62 . In other words, the diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are smaller than the diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65 . Such a structure is suitable for holding the elastic body  71  in the interior of the second hole part  65 . 
     FIG. 5  is a sectional view of another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in FIG.  1 . The jewel of this embodiment also comprises a base body  51  and an elastic body  71 . 
     FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in FIG.  5 . As is shown in  FIG. 6 , this base body  51  has a hole  6 . The base body  51  of this embodiment has the same construction as the base body  51  of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; accordingly, a detailed description is omitted. The base body  51  of this embodiment is also a pearl. 
   Next, the construction of the hole  6  in the base body  51  will be described. The hole  6  opens at the surface of the base body  51 . However, unlike the hole  6  shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the hole  6  in this case is not a hole that passes entirely through the base body  51 . 
   The hole  6  comprises a first hole part  61  and a second hole part  65 . Unlike the hole  6  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the hole  6  shown in the figure has only one first hole part  61 . The first hole part  61  shown in the figure has a substantially cylindrical shape, and one of the two bottom surfaces of this cylinder opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The internal diameter D 1  of the first hole part  61  is the internal diameter of the cylinder that constitutes the first hole part  61 . 
   The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 , and communicates with the first hole part  61 . The second hole part  65  has a substantially spherical shape. The second hole part  65  communicates with the other bottom surface of the two bottom surfaces of the cylinder that constitutes the first hole part  61 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameter D 1  of the first hole part  61 . The internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65  is the maximum internal diameter of the abovementioned spherical shape. 
   Next, the elastic body  71  will be described with reference to FIG.  5 . The elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and is inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  is in a compressed state inside the hole  6  of the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  is constructed from an organic material, metal material or the like. The elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constructed from an organic material such as rubber, a silicone rubber or the like. 
   At least one open end  721  of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 . The through-hole  72  in this embodiment differs from that in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in that only one open end  721  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . In the embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . As an example of an elastic body  71  that has such a shape, the elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constructed from an O-ring. In particular, an O-ring constructed from rubber, a silicone rubber or the like is especially suitable. A construction in which the internal diameter of the through-hole in the elastic body is expanded toward only one of the open ends (unlike the embodiment shown in the figure) may also be used. 
   The elastic body  71  of the embodiment shown in the figure is disposed in the interior of the abovementioned second hole part  65 . One open end  721  of the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the second hole part  65  and first hole part  61 . The elastic body  71  is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65  so that one open end  721  of the through-hole  72  and the first hole part  61  face each other. 
     FIG. 7  is a sectional view of one embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in FIG.  5 . The personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  comprises a jewel  5  and a joining member  8 . The jewel  5  is the jewel of the present invention shown in FIG.  1 . 
   The joining member  8  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  contained in the jewel  5 . The joining member  8  comprises a pedestal  80  and a projection  81 . The pedestal  80  is the pedestal of a pendant, finger ring, necktie pin, cufflink or the like. The projection  81  is disposed on the pedestal  80 . The projection  81  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   The projection  81  comprises a neck part  82  and an expanded part  83 . One end of the neck part  82  is fastened to the pedestal  80 . The neck part  82  has a circular cross-sectional shape. The expanded part  83  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the neck part  82 , and is disposed on the other end of the neck part  82 . The expanded part  83  has a substantially spherical shape. 
   The jewel  5  is the jewel of the present invention shown in FIG.  5 . In the jewel  5 , the base body  51  has a hole  6  that opens at the surface of the base body  51 , and the elastic body  71  is inserted into the interior of the hole  6 . This elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and at least one open end  721  of the through-hole  72  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . Accordingly, as is shown in  FIG. 7 , the projection  81  can be inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  via the hole  6  of the base body  51 . 
   As is shown in  FIG. 7 , when the projection  81  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 , a frictional resistance is generated in the projection  81  utilizing the elastic force of the elastic body  71 , so that the jewel  5  can be securely attached. 
   Furthermore, after the elastic body  71  has been inserted into the interior of the hole  6  of the base body  51 , the projection  81  can be held not only by the elastic force of the elastic body  71 , but also by the compressive force received by the elastic body  71  from the inside surfaces of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . Accordingly, a high retention force is obtained. 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . Accordingly, when the projection  81  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 , the projection  81  can be smoothly inserted from the side of the abovementioned open end  721  of the through-hole  72 ; consequently, the elastic body  71  can be prevented from receiving damage caused by the force that is applied when the projection  81  is inserted. 
   In order to remove the jewel  5 , it is necessary merely to withdraw the projection  81  from the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  against the elastic retention force of the elastic body  71 . Accordingly, the jewel  5  can be very easily removed. In this case as well, since the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 , the elastic body  71  can be prevented from suffering damage caused by the force that is applied when the projection  81  is withdrawn from the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   In the embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . Accordingly, when the projection  81  is passed through the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 , damage to the elastic body  71  can be securely prevented. Furthermore, damage to the elastic body  71  can also be securely prevented when the projection  81  that has been passed through is withdrawn from the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   In the jewel  5  of the embodiment, the elastic body  71  is constructed from an organic material. Since this type of elastic body  71  is superior in terms of compressibility, the compressive force received from the inside surfaces of the hole  6  in the base body  51  is stabilized, so that the joining member  8  can be stably held. 
   Furthermore, in a case where the elastic body  71  is an O-ring as shown in the figure, the elastic body  71  can be inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51  by catching the elastic body  71  with catching means using a wire or the like. Accordingly, the elastic body  71  can easily be inserted into the interior of the hole  6 . 
   In the jewel  5  shown in the figure, the hole  6  comprises a first hole part  61  and a second hole part  65 . The first hole part  61  opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 , and communicates with the first hole part  61 . The elastic body  71  is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65 . By using such a structure, it is possible to protect the elastic body  71  in the interior of the base body  51  without losing the above-mentioned function of the elastic body  71 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameter D 1  of the first hole part  61 . In other words, the diameter D 1  of the first hole part  61  is smaller than the diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65 . Such a structure is suitable for holding the elastic body  71  in the interior of the second hole part  65 . 
   In cases where the jewel  5  is attached to the pedestal  80  in a pendant, finger ring, necktie pin, cufflink or the like, the jewel  5  can be easily and securely attached to the pedestal  80  by inserting the projection  81  disposed on the pedestal  80  into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  installed in the jewel  5 . Furthermore, the jewel  5  can be removed from the pedestal  80 , and can be repaired or replaced. 
   When the jewel  5  is pushed toward the pedestal  80 , or the pedestal  80  is pushed toward the jewel  5 , a pressing force is applied to the elastic body  71  from the expanded part  83  of the projection  81 . The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually increased by this pressing force. 
   When the jewel  5  is pushed further toward the pedestal  80 , or the pedestal  80  is pushed further toward the jewel  5 , a further pressing force is applied to the elastic body  71  from the expanded part  83  of the projection  81 . As a result of this pressing force, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  becomes even larger. Then, when the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body reaches the size of the diameter of the expanded part  83 , the expanded part  83  passes through the through-hole  72 ; afterward, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  returns to the initial dimension, so that the elastic body  71  surrounds the neck part  82 . 
   On the basis of the elasticity of the abovementioned elastic body  71 , the jewel  5  is securely held on the pedestal  80 . 
   When the jewel  5  is pulled so that the jewel  5  is separated from the pedestal  80 , or the pedestal  80  is pulled so that the pedestal  80  is separated from the jewel  5 , a force is applied to the elastic body  71  from the expanded part  83  of the projection  81 . The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  72  is gradually increased by this force. Then, when the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  reaches the size of the diameter of the expanded part  83 , the expanded part  83  is pulled out of the elastic body  71 . As a result, the jewel  5  is removed from the pedestal  80 . 
     FIG. 8  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in FIG.  1 . The jewel of this embodiment also comprises a base body  51  and an elastic body  71 . 
     FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in FIG.  8 . As is shown in  FIG. 9 , the base body  51  has a hole  6 . Since the base body  51  of this embodiment has the same construction as the base body  51  of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 , a detailed description is omitted. The base body  51  of this embodiment is a pearl. 
   Next, the construction of the hole  6  in the base body  51  will be described. The hole  6  opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The hole  6  is a hole that passes entirely through the base body  51 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has a structure that passes rectilinearly through the base body  51 . The hole may also have a structure that passes through the base body so that the hole bends inside the base body, unlike the structure shown in the embodiment illustrated in the figure. 
   The hole  6  comprises first hole parts  61  and  62  and a second hole part  65 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has two first hole parts  61  and  62 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  open at the surface of the base body  51 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  shown in the figure have substantially cylindrical shapes; one of the two bottom surfaces of each cylinder opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are the internal diameters of the cylinders that constitute the first hole parts  61  and  62 . 
   The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 , and communicates with the first holes parts  61  and  62 . Unlike the second hole part  65  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the second hole part  65  in this case has a substantially cylindrical shape. One of the two bottom surfaces of the cylinder constituting the second hole part  65  communicates with the other bottom surface of the cylinder constituting the first hole part  61 . The other bottom surface of the cylinder constituting the second hole part  65  communicates with the other bottom surface of the cylinder constituting the first hole part  62 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62 . The internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65  is the internal diameter of the cylinder that constitutes the second hole part  65 . 
   Next, the elastic body  71  will be described with reference to FIG.  8 . The elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and is inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  is in a compressed state inside the hole  6  of the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  shown in the figure is made from an organic material such as rubber, a silicone rubber or the like. 
   At least one open end  721  of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 . In this embodiment, the hole  6  in the base body  51  is a through-hole as was described above, and the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is also constructed in accordance with such a construction of the hole  6 . In concrete terms, the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  respectively communicate with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . In the embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . In the through-hole  72 , the inside surface in the vicinity of the open end  721  is rounded, and the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward the open end  721  as a result of this rounding. Similarly, the inside surface in the vicinity of the open end  722  is rounded, and the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward the open end  722  as a result of this rounding. As an example of an elastic body  71  having such a shape, the elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constituted by a tubular body. In particular, a tubular body constructed from rubber, a silicone rubber or the like is especially suitable. The through-hole  72  passes through the tubular elastic body  71  in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The through-hole  72  has a substantially cylindrical shape. The through-hole in the elastic body may also have a construction in which the internal diameter is expanded toward only one of the open ends, unlike the embodiment shown in the figure. 
   The elastic body  71  of the embodiment shown in the figure is disposed in the interior of the abovementioned second hole part  65 . One open end  721  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  61 , while the other open end  722  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  62 . The elastic body  71  is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65  so that one open end  721  of the through-hole  72  and the first hole part  61  face each other, and so that the other open end  722  of the through-hole  72  and the first hole part  62  face each other. 
   In regard to the effects and merits of the jewel shown in  FIG. 8 , a description of effects and merits that are similar to those of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1  will be omitted, and only those effects and merits that are peculiar to the jewel shown in  FIG. 8  will be described. 
   In the jewel shown in  FIG. 8 , the elastic body  71  is a tubular body. In a case where the elastic body  71  is a tubular body, the elastic body  71  can be inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51  by catching the elastic body  71  with catching means using a wire or the like. Accordingly, the elastic body  71  can easily be inserted into the interior of the hole  6 . 
     FIG. 10  is a sectional view showing a configuration in use of the jewel shown in FIG.  8 . In this figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in  FIG. 4  or FIG.  8 . In this embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , when a string-form member  8  is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 , a frictional resistance is generated in the string-form member  8  utilizing the elastic force of the elastic body  71 , so that the jewel  5  can be securely attached. 
   In this embodiment, the elastic body  71  is a tubular body, and the through-hole  72  passes through the tubular elastic body  71  in the longitudinal direction of the tube. As is shown in  FIG. 10 , when a string-form member  8  is inserted into a through-hole  72  having such a structure, the contact area of the string-form body  8  with respect to the through-hole  72  is large. Accordingly, the frictional resistance generated in the string-form member  8  is increased, so that the jewel  5  can be attached even more securely. The same is true in cases where a projection is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   Furthermore, a personal ornament similar to the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  can also be constructed using the jewel of this embodiment. In this case, effects and merits similar to those of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1  or the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  are obtained. 
     FIG. 11  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in FIG.  1 . The jewel of this embodiment also comprises a base body  51  and an elastic body  71 . 
     FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the base body contained in the jewel shown in FIG.  11 . As is shown in  FIG. 12 , the base body  51  has a hole  6 . The base body  51  of this embodiment has the same construction as the base body  51  of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; accordingly, a detailed description is omitted. The base body  51  of this embodiment is also a pearl. 
   The hole  6  opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The hole  6  is a hole that passes entirely through the base body  51 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has a structure that passes rectilinearly through the base body  51 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has a cylindrical shape, and the two bottom surfaces of the cylinder respective open at the surface of the base body  51 . The internal diameter of the hole  6  is designated as D 0 . The internal diameter D 0  of the hole  6  is the internal diameter of the cylinder that constitutes the hole  6 . 
   Next, the elastic body  71  will be described with reference to FIG.  11 . The elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and is inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  is in a compressed state inside the hole  6  of the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constructed from a metal material. A spring plate material such as phosphorus bronze or the like can be used as the metal material that constitutes the elastic body  71 . The elastic body  71  shown in the figure is a tubular body. The through-hole  72  passes through the tubular elastic body  71  in the longitudinal direction of the tube. 
   At least one open end  721  of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 . In this embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the hole  6  in the base body  51  is a through-hole as was described above, and the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is also constructed in accordance with such a construction of the hole  6 . In concrete terms, the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  respectively communicate with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . In the present embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . To describe this in detail, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is small in the intermediate portion of the through-hole  72  between the two open ends  721  and  722 , and the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded from this intermediate portion toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . 
   The elastic body  71  is a tubular body as was described above. The tubular elastic body  71  has a plurality of cuts  73 . These cuts  73  are located in the intermediate portion of the through-hole  72  between the two open ends  721  and  72 , and extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The diameter of the through-hole  72  is reduced in the intermediate portion as a result of this plurality of cuts  73 , so that a narrow part of the through-hole  72  is formed in the intermediate portion. 
     FIG. 13  is a sectional view that illustrates a configuration in use of the jewel shown in FIG.  11 . In the figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in  FIG. 4  or FIG.  11 . 
   In the jewel shown in  FIG. 11 , as in the jewel shown in the abovementioned  FIG. 8 , the elastic body  71  is a tubular body; accordingly, the same effects and merits as those of the jewel shown in  FIG. 8  are obtained. 
   In this embodiment, the elastic body  71  is constructed from a metal material. This type of elastic body  71  is superior in terms of durability, wear resistance and the like. Accordingly, superior durability, wear resistance and the like can be ensured in the jewel or personal ornament. 
   Furthermore, a personal ornament similar to the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  can also be constructed using the jewel of this embodiment. In this case, the same effects and merits as those of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1  or the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  are obtained. 
     FIG. 14  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in FIG.  1 . The jewel of this embodiment also comprises a base body  51  and an elastic body  71 . 
     FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the base body included in the jewel shown in FIG.  14 . As is shown in  FIG. 15 , the base body  51  has a hole  6 . The base body  51  of this embodiment has the same construction as the base body  51  of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; accordingly, a detailed description is omitted. The base body  51  of this embodiment is also a pearl. 
   Next, the construction of the hole  6  in the base body  51  will be described. The hole  6  opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The hole  6  is a hole that passes rectilinearly through the base body  51 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has a structure that passes rectilinearly through the base body  51 . The hole may also have a structure that passes through the base body so that the hole bends inside the base body, unlike the structure shown in the embodiment illustrated in the figure. 
   The hole  6  comprises first hole parts  61  and  62  and a second hole part  65 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has two first hole parts  61  and  62 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  open at the surface of the base body  51 . The internal diameters of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are respectively designated as D 1  and D 2 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  shown in the figure have substantially cylindrical shapes, and one of the two bottom surfaces of each cylinder opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are the internal diameters of the cylinders that constitute the first hole parts  61  and  62 . 
   The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 , and communicates with the first hole parts  61  and  62 . The second hole part  65  has a substantially spherical shape. The second hole part  65  communicates with the other bottom surfaces of the two bottom surfaces of the cylinders that constitute the first hole parts  61  and  62 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62 . The internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65  is the maximum internal diameter of the spherical shape. 
   Next, the elastic body  71  will be described with reference to FIG.  14 . The elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and is inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  is in a compressed state inside the hole  6  of the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constructed from an organic material such as rubber, a silicone rubber or the like. 
   At least one open end  721  of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 . In this embodiment, the hole  6  in the base body  51  is a through-hole as was described above, and the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  is also constructed in accordance with such a structure of the hole  6 . In concrete terms, each of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . In the embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . In this embodiment, in the through-hole  72 , the inside surface in the vicinity of the open end  721  is rounded, and the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward the open end  721  as a result of this rounding. Similarly, the inside surface in the vicinity of the open end  722  is rounded, and the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward the open end  722  as a result of this rounding. The through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  has a substantially cylindrical shape. The through-hole in the elastic body may also have a construction in which the internal diameter is expanded toward only one of the open ends, unlike the embodiment shown in the figure. 
   In the respective embodiments described above, an O-ring or a tubular body is used as the elastic body  71 . In the present embodiment, the elastic body  71  is packed inside the hole  6  of the base body  51  instead. An elastic body constructed from rubber, a silicone rubber or the like is suitable as the elastic body  71  that is thus packed. 
   The elastic body  71  of the embodiment shown in the figure is disposed in the interior of the abovementioned second hole part  65 . One open end  721  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  61 , while the other open end  722  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  62 . The elastic body  71  is packed into the second hole part  65 . 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the elastic body  71  is packed into the hole part  6  of the base body  51 . In the case of such a construction, a high mass production rate can be ensured for the jewel or personal ornament. 
   Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hole  6  comprises first hole parts  61  and  62  and a second hole part  65 . The first hole parts  61  and  62  open at the surface of the base body  51 . The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 , and communicates with the first hole parts  61  and  62 . The elastic body  71  is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65 . In the case of such a structure, the elastic body  71  can be protected in the interior of the base body  51  without losing the abovementioned function of the elastic body  71 . 
   Moreover, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62 . In other words, the internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are smaller than the internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65 . Such a structure is suitable for holding the elastic body  71  in the interior of the second hole part  65 . 
   The elastic body  71  is packed inside the second hole part  65 . As a result, the external shape of the packed elastic body  71  is a shape that corresponds to the shape of the second hole part  65 , and the external diameter of the elastic body  71  coincides with the internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65 . Furthermore, since the internal diameters D 1  and D 2  of the first hole parts  61  and  62  are smaller than the internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65 , the elastic body  71  that is packed into the second hole part  65  is securely held inside the second hole part  65 . 
   The second hole part  65  shown in the figure has a substantially spherical shape, so that the external shape of the elastic body  71  that is packed into the second hole part  65  also has a substantially spherical shape corresponding to the shape of the second hole part  65 . 
   Furthermore, a personal ornament similar to the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  can also be constructed using the jewel of this embodiment. In this case, the same effects and merits as those of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1  or the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  are obtained. 
     FIG. 16  is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the jewel of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in FIG.  1 . The jewel of this embodiment also comprises a base body  51  and elastic body  71 . 
     FIG. 17  is a sectional view of the base body that is contained in the jewel shown in FIG.  16 . As is shown in  FIG. 17 , the base body  51  has a hole  6 . The base body  51  of this embodiment has the same construction as the base body  51  of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1 ; accordingly, a detailed description is omitted. The base body  51  of this embodiment is also a pearl. 
   Next, the construction of the hole  6  in the base body  51  will be described. The hole  6  opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The hole  6  is a hole that passes through the base body  51 . Unlike the hole  6  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the hole  6  in this case passes through the base body  51  so that the hole  6  bends inside the base body  51 . More specifically, the hole  6  passes through the base body  51  with the direction of passage of this hole  6  bending in the form of a bent line in the interior of the base body  51 . 
   The hole  6  comprises first hole parts  61 ,  62  and  63 , and a second hole part  65 . The hole  6  shown in the figure has three first hole parts  61  through  63 . The first hole parts  61  through  63  open at the surface of the base body  51 . The first hole parts  61  through  63  shown in the figure have substantially cylindrical shapes, and one of the two bottom surfaces of each cylinder opens at the surface of the base body  51 . The internal diameters D 1  through D 3  of the first hole parts  61  through  63  are the internal diameters of the cylinders that constitute the first hole parts  61  through  63 . 
   The second hole part  65  is disposed in the interior of the base body  51 . The shape of the second hole part substantially coincides with a flattened spherical shape that is obtained by crushing a spherical body between two plates that are parallel to each other. 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  communicates with the first hole parts  61  through  63 . To describe this in detail, one of the two bottom surfaces of the flattened sphere that constitutes the second hole part  65  communicates with the other bottom surface of the cylinder that constitutes the first hole part  61 . The other bottom surface of the flattened sphere that constitutes the second hole part  65  communicates with the other bottom surface of the cylinder that constitutes the first hole part  62  and the other bottom surface of the cylinder that constitutes the first hole part  63 . 
   Furthermore, the second hole part  65  has an internal diameter D 5  that is larger than the internal diameters D 1  through D 3  of the first hole parts  61  through  63 . The internal diameter D 5  of the second hole part  65  is the maximum internal diameter of the flattened spherical shape. 
   Next, the elastic body  71  will be described with reference to FIG.  16 . The elastic body  71  has a through-hole  72 , and is inserted into the interior of the hole  6  in the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  is in a compressed state inside the hole  6  of the base body  51 . The elastic body  71  can be constructed from an organic material, metal material or the like. The elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constructed from an organic substance such as rubber, a silicone rubber or the like. 
   At least one open end  721  of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 . In this embodiment, the hole  6  in the base body  51  is a through-hole as was described above, and the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is also constructed in accordance with such a construction of the hole  6 . In concrete terms, each of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the hole  6 . 
   The internal diameter of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  is gradually expanded toward the abovementioned open end  721 . In the embodiment, the internal diameter of the through-hole  72  is gradually expanded toward each of the two open ends  721  and  722 . As an example of an elastic body  71  that has such a shape, the elastic body  71  shown in the figure is constituted by an O-ring. In particular, an O-ring constructed from rubber, a silicone rubber or the like is especially suitable. The through-hole in the elastic body may also have a construction in which the internal diameter is expanded toward only one of the open ends, unlike the construction of the embodiment shown in the figure. 
   The elastic body  71  of the embodiment shown in the figure is disposed in the interior of the abovementioned second hole part  65 . One open end  721  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  61 , and the other open end  722  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  62 , and also communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  63 . The elastic body  71  is disposed in the interior of the second hole part  65  so that one open end  721  of the through-hole  72  and the first hole part  61  face each other, and so that the other open end  722  of the through-hole  72  and the first hole parts  62  and  63  face each other. 
   In regard to the effects and merits of the jewel shown in  FIG. 16 , a description of effects and merits that are similar to those of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1  will be omitted, and only those effects and merits that are peculiar to the jewel shown in  FIG. 16  will be described. 
   As was described above, when a string-form member is inserted into the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  via the hole  6  in the base body  51 , a frictional resistance can be generated in the string-form member utilizing the elastic force of the elastic body  71 . 
   In the jewel shown in  FIG. 16 , the hole  6  has a structure that passes through the base body  51  so that the hole  6  bends in the interior of the base body  51 . Accordingly, an even greater frictional force can be generated in the string-form member, so that the jewel can be attached even more securely. 
   Furthermore, in the jewel shown in  FIG. 16 , at least three first hole parts  61  through  63  are disposed so that these first hole parts open at the surface of the base body  51 . Moreover, one open end  721  of the two open ends  721  and  722  of the through-hole  72  in the elastic body  71  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  61 . The other open end  722  communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  62 , and also communicates with the outside of the base body  51  via the first hole part  63 . Accordingly, the string-form member can be passed through the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  via the first hole parts  61  and  62 . Furthermore, the string-form member can also be passed through the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71  via the first hole parts  61  and  63 . Thus, a plurality of different configurations can be selected as the configurations in which the string-form member is passed through the through-hole  72  of the elastic body  71 . 
   Furthermore, a personal ornament similar to the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  can also be constructed using the jewel of this embodiment. In this case, effects and merits similar to those of the jewel shown in  FIG. 1  or the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 3  are obtained. 
     FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in FIG.  1 . In the figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in FIG.  3 . The personal ornament of this embodiment also comprises jewels  5  and a joining member  8 . The personal ornament shown in the figure is a necklace. Besides this, the personal ornament may also be a bracelet, anklet or the like. The jewels  5  are jewels of the present invention as shown in FIG.  1 . 
   The joining member  8  is inserted into the through-holes  72  of the elastic bodies  71  contained in the jewels  5 , and is elastically held in the through-holes  72 . The joining member  8  is a string-form member. The string-form joining member  8  can be constructed from a chain, metal wire, fibers or a combination of these. The joining member  8  shown in the figure is constituted by a chain. The string-form joining member  8  will hereafter be referred to as the “string-form member  8 ”. The string-form member  8  has two end parts. 
   A plurality of jewels  5  are used. The string-form member  8  is passed through the plurality of jewels  5  so that the jewels  5  are disposed on the string-form member  8  in the manner of a string of beads. The plurality of jewels  5  are disposed on the string-form member  8  between one end part of the string-form member  8  and the other end part of the string-form member  8 . 
   The personal ornament shown in  FIG. 18  further comprises first connecting means  10  and second connecting means  20 . The first connecting means  10  are disposed on one end part of the string-form member  8 . The second connecting means  20  are disposed on the other end part of the string-form member  8 . 
     FIG. 19  is an enlarged sectional view showing the first and second connecting means contained in the personal ornament shown in FIG.  18 . As is shown in  FIG. 19 , the first connecting means  10  comprise a first neck part  101  and two first protruding parts  102 . The two first protruding parts  102  are disposed on both ends of the first neck part  101 , and respectively have diameters that are larger than the diameter of the first neck part  101 . The first connecting means  10  have a first through-hole  103  that passes through the interior of the first connecting means  10 . The first through-hole  103  passes through the first neck part  101  and the two first protruding parts  102 . One end part of the abovementioned string-form member  8  is led out via the first through-hole  103  of the first connecting means  10 , and a fastening member  11  is fastened to the led-out portion. The fastening member  11  is fastened to the string-form member  8  by press-bonding, adhesion or the like. 
   As is shown in  FIG. 19 , the second connecting means  20  comprise a second neck part  201  and two second protruding parts  202 . The two second protruding parts  202  are disposed on both ends of the second neck part  201 , and respectively have diameters that are larger than the diameter of the second neck part  201 . The second connecting means  20  have a second through-hole  203  that passes through the interior of the second connecting means  20 . The second through-hole  203  passes through the second neck part  201  and the two second protruding parts  202 . The other end part of the above-mentioned string-form member  8  is led out via the second through-hole  203  of the second connecting means  20 , and a fastening member  21  is fastened to the led-out portion. 
   The shapes of the first and second connecting means  10  and  20  shown in the figure resemble the shape of a dumbbell. The shapes of the first and second connecting means  10  and  20 , and especially the shapes of the protruding parts  102  and  202 , may differ from the shapes shown in the figure. 
   As is shown in  FIG. 19 , the first connecting means  10  have a first through-hole  103  that passes through the interior of the first connecting means  10 . As a result of the use of such a structure, one end of the string-form member  8  of the personal ornament can be led out via the first through-hole  103  of the first connecting means  10 , and the fastening member  11  can be fastened to the led-out portion. As a result, the first connecting means  10  can be attached to one end of the string-form member  8 . The same is true of the second connecting means  20 . 
   The construction whereby the first and second through-holes  103  and  203  are disposed in the first and second connecting means  10  and  20  is merely an example. The first and second connecting means can be attached to both ends of the string-form member by utilizing means such as soldering, press-bonding or the like even in cases where the first and second connecting means have no first or second through-holes (unlike the embodiment shown in the figure). 
     FIG. 20  is a perspective view illustrating the joining step of the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 18 , and  FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the fastening fitting used in the joining of the personal ornament shown in FIG.  18 .  FIG. 22  is a sectional view along line  22 — 22  in FIG.  21 . In the figures, the reference symbol  1  indicates the fastening fitting. As is shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the fastening fitting  1  comprises a first fastening member  100  and a second fastening member  200 . 
   The first fastening member  100  has an opening part  160 ; this opening part  160  accommodates an elastic O-ring  165  inside. The second fastening member  200  has a protruding part  180 . This protruding part  180  fits in the opening part  160 . 
   The first fastening member  100  further comprises first external fastening means  120 , and the second fastening member  200  further comprises second external fastening means  220 . In the fastening fitting  1  shown in the figures, the first fastening member  100  has a first hole that opens at the surface of the first fastening member  100 , and the abovementioned first external connecting means  120  are formed by this first hole. Similarly, the second fastening member  200  likewise has a second hole that opens at the surface of the second fastening member  200 , and the abovementioned second external connecting means  220  are formed by this second hole. 
     FIG. 23  is an enlarged sectional view along line  23 — 23  in  FIG. 20 , and  FIG. 24  is a sectional view along line  24 — 24  in FIG.  23 . The sectional view shown in  FIG. 24  corresponds to the sectional view shown in FIG.  22 . In the abovementioned fastening fitting  1 , the first fastening member  100  comprises first external connecting means  120 , and the second fastening member  200  comprises second external connecting means  220 . In order to join the personal ornament equipped with the first and second connecting means  10  and  20  utilizing the fastening fitting  1 , the first external connecting means  120  of the first fastening member  100  and the first connecting means  10  of the personal ornament are connected while the fastening fitting  1  is in an open state as shown in  FIG. 20  (see FIGS.  23  and  24 ). Furthermore, the second external connecting means  220  of the second fastening member  200  and the second connecting means  20  of the personal ornament are connected. 
     FIG. 25  is a perspective view that illustrates the joining step that follows the joining step shown in FIG.  20 .  FIG. 26  is a sectional view corresponding to the sectional view shown in  FIG. 24 , and is a sectional view in the joining step shown in FIG.  25 . In the fastening fitting  1 , the first fastening member  100  has an opening part  160 , and the second fastening member  200  has a protruding part  180 . Accordingly, following the joining step shown in  FIG. 20 , the protruding part  180  of the second fastening member  200  can be inserted into the opening part  160  of the first fastening member  100 . The first fastening member  100  and second fastening member  200  are detachably joined to each other when the protruding part  180  is inserted into the opening part  160 . 
   Accordingly, the first connecting means  10  and second connecting means  20  installed in the personal ornament assume a state in which these means are connected to each other via the first fastening member  100  and second fastening member  200 , so that the personal ornament is joined. Consequently, the work of joining the personal ornament is simple. 
   When the protruding part  180  of the second fastening member  200  is pulled out of the opening part  160  of the first fastening member  100 , the joining of the first fastening member  100  and second fastening member  200  is released. Accordingly, the connection between the first and second connecting means  10  and  20  of the personal ornament is broken, so that the joining of the personal ornament is released. Consequently, the operation used to release the joining of the personal ornament is also simple. 
   When the fastening fitting  1  is closed as described above, the protruding part  180  of the second fastening member  200  is pushed into the opening part  160  of the first fastening member  100 . Furthermore, since an elastic O-ring  165  is contained in the opening part  160 , and since the protruding part  180  fits into the abovementioned opening part  160 , the protruding part  180  that has been pushed into the opening part  160  assumes a state in which this protruding part  180  is held by the elastic O-ring  165  contained in the opening part  160 . Accordingly, when the fastening fitting  1  is closed as described above, the first fastening member  100  and second fastening member  200  are tightly joined. As a result, the personal ornament can be joined with high reliability using the fastening fitting  1 . 
   The opening part  160  of the first fastening member  100  and the protruding part  180  of the second fastening member  200  in the abovementioned fastening fitting  1  will now be described in greater detail. 
   The opening part  160  contains an elastic O-ring  165 . The opening part  160  has a recess with an expanded diameter in the intermediate portion of the opening part  160  (with respect to the depth of the opening part  160 ). An elastic O-ring  165  is inserted into this recess. The elastic O-ring  165  has a doughnut shape, and is constructed from a material such as silicone or the like which possesses elasticity. The external diameter of the elastic O-ring  165  corresponds to the diameter of the recess disposed in the opening part  160 , and the elastic O-ring  165  is securely held in the interior of this recess. 
   As was described above, the second fastening member  200  has a protruding part  180 , and this protruding part  180  fits into the opening part  160 . The protruding part  180  has a neck part  181 , and the neck part  181  has an expanded part  182  on the tip end of the neck part  181 . This expanded part  182  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the neck part  181 , and that is larger than the internal diameter of the elastic O-ring  165 . The expanded part  182  has a spherical shape. 
   When the second fastening member  200  is pushed toward the first fastening member  100 , or the first fastening member  100  is pushed toward the second fastening member  200 , a pressing force is applied to the elastic O-ring  165  by the expanded part  182  of the protruding part  180 . As a result of this pressing force, the internal diameter of the elastic O-ring  165  gradually increases. 
   When the second fastening member  200  is pushed further toward the first fastening member  100 , or the first fastening member  100  is pushed further toward the second fastening member  200 , a further pressing force is applied to the elastic O-ring  165  by the expanded part  182  of the protruding part  180 . As a result of this pressing force, the internal diameter of the elastic O-ring  165  is increased even further. Then, when the internal diameter of the elastic O-ring  165  reaches the size of the diameter of the expanded part  182 , the expanded part  182  passes through the elastic O-ring  165 . Afterward, the internal diameter of the elastic O-ring  165  returns to the initial dimension, so that the elastic O-ring  165  surrounds the neck part  181  of the protruding part  180  (see FIG.  25 ). 
   The fastening fitting  1  can be simply closed by virtue of the combined structure of the abovementioned protruding part  180  and opening part  160 , and can be securely held by virtue of the elasticity of the elastic O-ring  165  and the shape of the protruding part  180 . 
   When the second fastening member  200  is pulled so that this second fastening member  200  is separated from the first fastening member  100 , or when the first fastening member  100  is pulled so that this first fastening member  100  is separated from the second fastening member  200 , a force is applied to the elastic O-ring  165  by the expanded part  182  of the protruding part  180 . The diameter of the elastic O-ring  165  is gradually increased by this force. Then, when the internal diameter of the elastic O-ring  165  reaches the size of the diameter of the expanded part  182 , the expanded part  182  slips out of the elastic O-ring  165 . As result, the fastening fitting  1  is opened. 
   In the fastening fitting  1  shown in  FIG. 21 , an opening part  160  is disposed in the first fastening member  100 , and a protruding part  180  is disposed on the second fastening member  200 . It is evident that the same effects and merits can also be obtained in a case where a protruding part is disposed on the first fastening member and an opening part is disposed in the second fastening member (in a construction differing from that of the fastening fitting  1  shown in FIG.  21 ). 
   In the fastening fitting  1 , as was described with reference to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the first fastening member  100  has a first hole that opens in the surface of the first fastening member  100 , and first external connecting means  120  are formed by this first hole. Similarly, the second fastening member  200  likewise has a second hole that opens in the surface of the second fastening member, and second external fastening means  220  are likewise formed by this second hole. 
   The construction of the first hole  120  that forms the first external connecting means will be described in detail. As is shown in  FIG. 22 , the first fastening member  100  also has a first internal space  110 . As is shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the first hole  120  has a first insertion part  125  and a first rail part  126 . The first rail part  126  has a width that is smaller than the width of the first insertion part  125 , and this first rail part  126  forms a continuation of the first insertion part  125 . The first insertion part  125  and first rail part  126  communicate with the first internal space  110 . 
   The construction of the second hole  220  that forms the second external connecting means is similar to the construction of the abovementioned first hole  120 , but will be described here. As is shown in  FIG. 22 , the second fastening member  200  also has a second internal space  210 . The second hole  220  has a second insertion part  225  and a second rail part  226 . The second rail part  226  has a width that is smaller than the width of the second insertion part  225 , and forms a continuation of the second insertion part  225 . The second insertion part  225  and second rail part  226  communicate with the second internal space  210 . 
   Next, the connection of the first connecting means  10  of the personal ornament and the first external connecting means  120  of the fastening fitting  1  will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 19 ,  23  and  24 . The shape and dimensions of the first connecting means  10  coincide with the shape and dimensions of the first hole  120  that constitutes the first external connecting means. To describe this in detail, the dimensions (diameter) of the first protruding part  102  of the first connecting means  10  are slightly smaller than the dimensions (diameter) of the first insertion part  125  of the first hole  120 . Furthermore, the diameter of the first neck part  101  of the first connecting means  10  coincides with the width of the first rail part  126  of the first hole  120 . 
   When the first connecting means  10  is to be connected to the first external connecting means  120 , the first protruding part  102  of the first connecting means  10  is first inserted into the first insertion part  125  of the first hole  120 . Since the dimensions (diameter) of the first protruding part  102  are slightly smaller than the dimensions (diameter) of the first insertion part  125 , the first protruding part  102  can be smoothly inserted into the first insertion part  125 . 
   Next, the first protruding part  102  that has been inserted is moved from the first insertion part  125  to the first rail part  126  (see the arrow C in FIG.  23 ). Since the diameter of the first neck part  101  of the first connecting means  10  coincides with the width of the first rail part  126  of the first hole  120 , the first protruding part  102  can be smoothly moved to the first rail part  126 . 
   The constructions of the second connecting means  20  and second external connecting means  220  are similar to the constructions of the abovementioned first connecting means  10  and first external connecting means  120 ; accordingly, a description is omitted here. The second connecting means  20  is connected to the second external connecting means  220  in the same manner as the abovementioned first connecting means  10  and first external connecting means  120 . 
     FIG. 27  is a perspective view of first and second plugs used in the fastening fitting shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 .  FIG. 28  is an enlarged sectional view that corresponds to the enlarged sectional view shown in  FIG. 23 , and is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the conditions of use of the first plug. The fastening fitting shown in  FIG. 1  preferably includes a first plug  30  and second plug  40 . The first plug  30  is used in the first fastening member  100  of the fastening fitting, and the second plug  40  is used in the second fastening member  200  of the fastening fitting. 
   As is shown in the figures, the first plug  30  has a shape that fits the shape of the first insertion part  125  of the first hole  120 . The first plug  30  has a blocking part  35  and two legs  31 ; the shape of the blocking part  35  fits the shape of the first insertion part  125 . A construction without legs may also be used as the construction of the first plug. Like the first plug  30 , the second plug  40  also has a shape that fits the shape of the second insertion part  225  of the second hole  220 , although this is not shown in the figures. 
   As has already been described with reference to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the first protruding part  102  of the first connecting means  10  is inserted into the first insertion part  125 , and the first protruding part  102  that has thus been inserted is moved to the first rail part  126  (see the arrow b in FIG.  23 ). Here, the first plug  30  is utilized. Since the first plug  30  has a shape that fits the shape of the first insertion part  125  of the first hole  120 , the first insertion part  125  can be blocked by the first plug  30 . As a result of such an operation of the first plug  30 , the first protruding part  102  of the first connecting means  10  can be prevented from slipping out of the first external connecting means (first hole)  120  of the first fastening member  100 . 
   The function of the second plug  40  is similar to the function of the abovementioned first plug  30 ; accordingly, a description is omitted. 
   In the personal ornaments shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20  above, the jewels  5  are the same as the jewel shown in FIG.  1 . However, these jewels  5  could also be replaced by the jewels shown in  FIG. 8 ,  11 ,  14  or  16 . 
     FIG. 29  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a personal ornament using the jewel shown in FIG.  1 . In the figure, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent members that are the same as constituent members shown in  FIG. 18 , and a description of these constituent members is omitted. The characterizing features of the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 29  in comparison with the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 18  lie in the structures of the first and second connecting means  10  and  20 . 
     FIG. 30  is an enlarged perspective view of the first and second connecting means contained in the personal ornament shown in FIG.  29 . As is shown in  FIG. 30 , the first connecting means  10  have a screw part  105  on the surface of the connecting means. The first connecting means  10  have a substantially cylindrical shape, and have a first through-hole  103  that passes through the interior. The second connecting means  20  also have a screw part  205  on the surface of the connecting means. The second connecting means  20  also have a substantially cylindrical shape, and have a second through-hole  203  that passes through the interior. 
     FIG. 31  is a perspective view that illustrates the joining step of the personal ornament shown in  FIG. 29 , and  FIG. 32  is a sectional view of the fastening fitting used in the joining of the personal ornament shown in FIG.  29 . In these figures, the reference symbol  1  indicates the fastening fitting. In these figures, the same reference symbols are attached to constituent parts that are the same as constituent parts shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , and a description of these constituent parts is omitted. 
   Next, the characterizing features of the fastening fitting shown in  FIG. 32  (in comparison with the fastening fittings shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 ) will be described. The first fastening member  100  has a screw part  122  on the inside wall of the first hole  120 , and first external connecting means are formed by the first hole  120 . Similarly, the second fastening member  200  also has a screw part  222  on the inside wall of the second hole  220 , and first external connecting means are formed by the second hole  220 . 
     FIG. 33  is a partial sectional view corresponding to the sectional view shown in  FIG. 32 , and is a partial sectional view that illustrates the joining step shown in FIG.  31 . In order to join a personal ornament equipped with the first and second connecting means  10  and  20  utilizing the fastening fitting  1 , the external connecting means  120  of the first fastening member  100  and the first connecting means  10  of the personal ornament are connected in a state in which the fastening fitting  1  is open as shown in  FIG. 31  (see FIG.  33 ). Furthermore, the second external connecting means  220  of the second fastening member  200  and the connecting means  20  of the personal ornament are connected (see FIG.  33 ). 
   Next, the connection of the first external connecting means  120  and the first connecting means  10  will be described in concrete terms. The first external connecting means  120  are formed by the first hole, and the first connecting means  10  are inserted into the first hole  120  while being screwed in. As a result, the screw part  105  disposed on the surface of the first connecting means  10  is joined to the screw part  122  disposed on the inside wall of the first hole  120 . 
   Next, the connection of the second external connecting means  220  and the second connecting means  20  will be described in concrete terms. The second external connecting means  220  are formed by the second hole, and the second connecting means  20  are inserted into the abovementioned second hole  220  while being screwed in. As a result, the screw part  205  disposed on the surface of the second connecting means  20  is joined to the screw part  222  disposed on the inside wall of the second hole  220 . 
     FIG. 34  is a perspective view showing the joining step that follows the joining step shown in FIG.  31 . When the protruding part  180  of the second fastening member  200  is inserted into the opening part  160  of the first fastening member  100  following the joining step shown in  FIG. 31 , the first fastening member  100  and second fastening member  200  are detachably joined to each other. Accordingly, as is shown in  FIG. 34 , the first connecting means  10  and second connecting means  20  disposed on the personal ornament are connected to each other via the first fastening member  100  and second fastening member  200 , so that the personal ornament is joined. 
   In the personal ornaments shown in  FIGS. 29 and 31  above, the jewels  5  are the same as the jewel shown in FIG.  1 . However, these jewels  5  could also be replaced by the jewels shown in  FIG. 8 ,  11 ,  14  or  16 . 
   As was described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide a jewel which can be securely attached to a string-form member or pedestal with a stable frictional force, and which can be easily removed from such a string-form member or pedestal, and a personal ornament using this jewel.