Patent Publication Number: US-6711915-B2

Title: Adjustable mounting for jewelry

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/259,445, filed Jan. 3, 2001, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to jewelry and more particularly to a device for adjustably mounting gemstones and similar decorative components in a jewelry piece. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When designing pieces of jewelry, it is often desirable to provide a piece of jewelry that can be worn and displayed in a number of configurations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,017 discloses a convertible finger ring having a gem mount which may be rotated into two positions relative to the ring band. The gem mount may be rotated relative to the ring band to provide either a pendant configuration or ring configuration. 
     Convertible or adjustable jewelry pieces require a high degree of craftsmanship. In particular, the jewelry piece must be crafted to support the gem mount in the desired fashion, and the fabrication of the jewelry piece must be done with sufficient care to maintain the gem mount against potential separation from the jewelry piece. Since the gem is adjustable into a number of positions, it is desirable to stabilize the gem and minimize shifting or swiveling of the gem once it is adjusted to a desired position. From a manufacturing perspective, it is desirable to have components of a jewelry mount that can be manufactured and incorporated into a variety of gem mounts, rather than components that are specific to one style of mount. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides a gem mount that may be readily incorporated into a piece of jewelry. The gem mount may include a rectangular hollow cartridge that is configured for attachment to a jewelry piece. The cartridge includes a mounting mechanism configured to support a gemstone or other decorative component on the outside of the cartridge. The mounting mechanism includes a base in the cartridge configured to rotate within the cartridge. A mounting stud extends from the base and projects out of the cartridge through a slot or opening cut into a side of the cartridge. The base and mounting stud are displaceable to permit the gemstone or decorative component to be displayed in different positions on the jewelry piece. 
     The gem mount may be operable to convert a jewelry piece from one configuration, such as a ring, to another configuration, such as a pendant. In particular, the gem mount may permit toggling of a gemstone or decorative component between an upward facing orientation and a forward facing orientation relative to the mount. In the upward facing orientation, the gemstone&#39;s position may be considered appropriate for a ring. In the forward facing orientation, the gemstone&#39;s position may be considered appropriate for a pendant. The gem mount may also permit toggling of a gemstone or decorative component to a downward facing orientation relative to the mount. In the downward facing orientation, the gemstone&#39;s position may be considered appropriate for a pendant. The gem mount may further be operable to permit horizontal rotation of a decorative component. 
     The mounting mechanism may be enclosed within a cartridge that is attached to a jewelry piece. The interior of the cartridge forms a cavity receiving the mounting mechanism. Alternatively, the mounting mechanism may be enclosed within a cavity formed in a jewelry piece. In either case, the mounting mechanism cooperates with a toggling mechanism to control the position of the gemstone or decorative component relative to the gem mount. The toggling mechanism may include a toggle block and a compression spring that imposes a bias force on the toggle block. The bias force displaces the toggle block into an abutting relationship with the base, and the base, in turn, bears against an interior surface in the cavity. The engagement between the toggle block and base controls the rotational displacement of the base, so that the chosen position of the gemstone or decorative component remains stable. 
     The base, toggle block and spring may be retained in the cavity by a cover plate that attaches over the cavity. The cover plate may be attached over the cavity by a pair of screws that extend through the cover plate. Where a cartridge is used, the exterior components of the gem mount may interconnect so as to form a smooth continuous exterior on the cartridge suitable for insertion into a jewelry piece. The present invention may be practiced in multiple embodiments that share common components. More specifically, the toggle block, spring, cover plate and screws have the same configurations in each embodiment and may be mass produced for use in any of the different embodiments. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing summary as well as the following description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the figures in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jewelry piece having an adjustable jewelry mount in accordance with the present invention, said mount being adjusted to display a gemstone in a ring configuration. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the jewelry piece in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the jewelry piece in FIG. 1 with the jewelry mount adjusted to display a gemstone in a pendant configuration on a chain. 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the jewelry piece in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the adjustable jewelry mount in FIG. 1, showing a cartridge and a mounting stud positioned in an upward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 5A, showing the mounting stud positioned in a forward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the jewelry mount in FIG.  5 B. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount in FIG.  5 B. 
     FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 5A, showing a mounting base and mounting stud adjusted in an upward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 8A, showing the mounting base and mounting stud positioned in an intermediate position. 
     FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 8A, showing the mounting base and mounting stud adjusted in a forward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a jewelry piece having an adjustable jewelry mount in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, said jewelry mount being adjusted to display a gemstone in a ring configuration. 
     FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 9A with the jewelry mount adjusted to display a gemstone in a first pendant configuration. 
     FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 9B with the jewelry mount adjusted to display a gemstone in a second pendant configuration. 
     FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the jewelry mount as used in FIG. 9A, showing a cartridge and a mounting stud positioned in an upward facing orientation. 
     FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 10A, showing the mounting stud adjusted in a forward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 10A, showing the mounting stud adjusted in a downward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount in FIG.  10 B. 
     FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount as positioned in FIG. 10A, showing a mounting base and mounting stud adjusted in an upward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount as positioned in FIG. 10B, showing the mounting base and mounting stud adjusted in a forward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount as positioned in FIG. 10C, showing the mounting base and mounting stud adjusted in a downward facing orientation relative to the mount. 
     FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a jewelry piece having an adjustable jewelry mount in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, said jewelry mount adjusted to display a gemstone on a ring in a first orientation. 
     FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the jewelry piece in FIG. 13A, said jewelry mount adjusted to display a gemstone on a ring in a second orientation. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the jewelry mount as used in FIG. 13A showing a cartridge and a mounting stud configured for rotation about an axis through the mounting stud. 
     FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the jewelry mount in FIG.  13 A. 
     FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 13A oriented in a first position relative to a toggling mechanism. 
     FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry mount in FIG. 13A in a second position relative to a toggling mechanism. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-16B in general, and to FIGS. 1-4 specifically, a jewelry piece  1  is shown having a gem mount  10  and a pair of adornments  2  disposed on either side of the gem mount. A pair of opposing symmetrical passages  3  are disposed through the jewelry piece  1  on either side of the gem mount  10 . The jewelry piece  1  is configured to be worn or displayed as a ring, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The jewelry piece  1  is also configured to be suspended on a chain  4  so that it can be worn or displayed as a pendant, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. 
     The mount  10  is operable to position a decorative component, commemorative component or the like in different orientations so that the jewelry piece  1  can be converted between a ring and a pendant. In FIGS. 1-4, the mount  10  is shown supporting a gemstone  5 . The gem mount  10  is adjustable to position the gemstone in an upward facing orientation. In this configuration, the jewelry piece  1  may be worn or displayed as a ring, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The gem mount  10  is also configured to display the gemstone  5  in a forward facing orientation. In this configuration, the jewelry piece  1  may be worn or displayed as a pendant. 
     Gem mount  10  may be manufactured as a cartridge that may be incorporated into the body of a jewelry piece  1 . Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, gem mount  10  may include a hollow cartridge  20  having a cavity  28  that contains a mounting stud  30 . The mounting stud  30  may be pivoted to an upward facing position, as shown in FIG. 5A, to display a gemstone in an upward facing orientation. The mounting stud  30  may also be pivoted to a forward facing position, as shown in FIG. 5B, to display a gemstone in an forward facing orientation. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5A-6, the gem mount  10  will be described in greater detail. Gem mount  10  may comprise a generally rectangular cartridge  20  having an open rearward end  22  and a generally closed forward end  24 . An elongated slot  26  extends through the generally closed forward end  24 . Cartridge  20  is partially hollowed so as to form a generally rectangular cavity  28  in the interior of the cartridge, as shown in FIG.  6 . The cavity  28  forms a continuous opening with the elongated slot  26  in the cartridge wall. 
     The hollow interior of cartridge  20  may be enclosed with a cover plate  21 , as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Cover plate may be attached to cartridge  20  using any suitable connection, such as a weld joint or a press fit connection. Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, the cover plate  21  is shown screwed to the cartridge  20 . The cover plate  21  has a pair of orifices  25  adapted to receive a pair of screws  27 . A pair of threaded screw holes  29  are disposed in a solid interior portion of cartridge  20  and are configured to cooperate with screws  27  to secure the cover plate  21  to the cartridge. As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge  20  comprises a shallow recess  23  that extends along the rearward end and top side of the cartridge. The recess  23  is adapted to receive the cover plate  21 . The orifices  25  in the cover plate  21  are configured for axial alignment with the screw holes  29  in the cartridge when cover plate  21  is placed over the recess  23 . In this way, the orifices  25  permit the screws  27  to cooperate with the screw holes  29 . Preferably, the orifices  25  are countersunk on the exterior of the cover plate  21 , such that the heads of the screws  27  are flush with the exterior surface of the cover plate when the cover plate is secured to the cartridge  20 . 
     A generally rectangular symmetrical mounting base  40  is disposed in the cavity  28  in cartridge  20 . The mounting base  40  comprises an enlarged body portion  42  and a narrow neck portion  44  extending from the body portion, as shown in FIG.  6 . The cavity  28  is adapted to receive the body portion  42  and has a width slightly larger than the width of the body portion. A clearance space between the body portion  42  and walls of the cavity  28  allows the mounting base  40  to be pivoted or rotated inside the cavity. The neck portion  44  is preferably centered on the body portion  42  and aligns with the slot  26 . The width of the neck portion  44  is slightly less than the width of the slot  26 . As such, the neck portion  44  may fit within the slot  26  and travel along the slot as the body portion  42  is rotated in the cavity  28 . 
     A mounting pin or stud  30  extends longitudinally from the mounting base  40 . More specifically, the mounting stud  30  extends from the neck portion  44  of mounting base  40  and projects through the slot  26  to the exterior of the cartridge  20 . The mounting stud  30  is configured for securely holding a gemstone or decorative component  5  on gem mount  10  and may have any shape or configuration suitable for such mounting. In FIGS. 5A,  5 B and  6 , the mounting stud is shown with a cylindrical shape. The mounting stud  30  is pivotable with the mounting base  40  to display a gem stone or decorative component  5  in different orientations. 
     A toggling mechanism  50  is contained in the cavity  28  and engages the mounting base  40  to control rotational displacement of the mounting base and mounting stud  30  as the gem stone  5  is adjusted between different positions. In FIGS. 6-7, the toggling mechanism  50  is shown comprising a toggle block  52  and a compression spring  54  disposed between the toggle block  52  and a rearward interior wall  56  in the cartridge. Referring to FIG. 6, the cover plate  21  forms the rearward interior wall  56  which bears against the spring  54 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 7-8C, the toggle block  52  comprises a rearward end  53  that faces the rearward interior wall  56  and a forward end  55  that engages the mounting base  40 . The rearward end  53  of the toggle block  52  comprises a hollow cylindrical bore  58  adapted to receive a forward end of the spring  54 . When the spring  54  is inserted into the bore  58  and the cover plate  21  is secured to the cartridge  20 , the rearward interior wall  56  on the cover plate bears against a rearward end of the spring  54  such that the spring is compressed between the rearward interior wall  56  and the toggle block  52 . Since the cover plate  21  is secured to the cartridge  20 , the rearward interior wall  56  is stationary relative to the cartridge. The toggle block  52  is slidably displaceable in the cavity  28 . As a result, the compressed spring  54  exerts a forward biasing force on the toggle block  52  which displaces the toggle block into engagement with the mounting base  40  and maintains this engagement during movement of the mounting base. In particular, the spring  54  biases the toggle block  52  forwardly and urges the toggle block into an abutting relationship with the body portion  42  of mounting base  40 , as shown in FIG.  8 A. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 8A,  8 B and  8 C, the interaction between the toggle block  52  and mounting base  40  will be described in greater detail. FIG. 8A shows a gem mount  10  with the mounting stud  30  disposed in an upward position. More specifically, the mounting stud  30  is configured to display a gemstone in an upward facing orientation. The toggle block  52  is maintained in an abutting relationship with the body portion  42  of mounting base  40  by the bias of the spring  54 , which is compressed between the rear interior face  56  of the cartridge and the toggle block  52 . In FIG. 8A, the forward face  55  of the toggle block  52  engages a first face  42 A on the body portion of the mounting base  40 . A second face  42 B on the body portion  42  abuts an interior face  19  of the cartridge  20  at the cartridge&#39;s forward end. As such, the body portion  42  of mounting base  40  is compressed and held in a stable position against the interior face  19  by the bias of the spring  54 . More specifically, the abutting relationship between the toggle block  52  and first face  42 A, and the abutting relationship between the second face  42 B and interior face  19 , maintain the mounting base in a stable position that resists rotational displacement. 
     As stated earlier, the cavity  28  is configured to permit rotation of the mounting base  40 . Mounting base  40  may be rotated by applying a force on the gemstone or the mounting stud  30  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mounting stud, as represented by the arrow marked “T” in FIG.  8 A. FIG. 8B shows the mounting base  40  in a rotated position relative to the position in FIG.  8 A. As the mounting base  40  is rotated from the position in FIG. 8A to the position in FIG. 8B, the body portion  42  rotates such that a corner edge  42 C rotates into engagement with the toggle block  52 , and corner edge  42 D rotates into engagement with interior forward end  19 . The toggle block  52  is maintained in an abutting relationship with the mounting base  40  during rotation of the base by the bias of the spring  54 , which remains compressed between the rearward end  56  and the mounting base  40 . As the base  40  is rotated, the corner edges  42 C,  42 D on the body portion  42  slide along the interior surfaces of the cartridge. The surface of the toggle block  52  and interior surfaces of the cartridge are relatively smooth, such that corner edges  42 C,  42 D slide against the interior surfaces With little frictional resistance. Since the interior surfaces offer little frictional resistance on the body portion  42 , the body portion is easily rotatable, and the position of the mounting base  40  is relatively unstable under the bias of spring  54  until the forward bias of the spring urges rotation of the body portion so that the sides of the body portion  42  engage surfaces on the toggle block and in the cartridge. 
     FIG. 8C shows the mounting base  40  fully rotated into a forward position. More specifically, the mounting stud  30  is configured to display a gemstone in a forward facing orientation. The toggle block  52  is maintained in an abutting relationship with the body portion  42  of mounting base  40 , such that the forward face  55  of the toggle block engages a third face  42 E on the body portion of the mounting base. A fourth face  42 F on the body portion  42  abuts the interior face  19  of the cartridge  20  at the cartridge&#39;s forward end. Since the sides  42 E,  42 F engage the toggle block  52  and interior face  19 , respectively, the mounting base  40  is again oriented in a relatively stable position that resists rotational displacement. 
     Based on the foregoing, the bias force exerted by the spring  54  on the toggle block  52  and body portion  42  of mounting base  40  urges the mounting stud  30  into either the upward facing orientation shown in FIG. 8A or the forward facing orientation shown in FIG.  8 C. When the rotational force T is released from the mounting stud  30 , the forward bias of the spring  54  urges displacement of the body portion  42  to either the upward facing orientation or forward facing orientation. Preferably, the mounting base  40  is configured so that the orientation of the base is relatively unstable and does not remain in the intermediate position shown in FIG.  8 B. In particular, the corner edges  42 C, 42 D of mounting base  40  are preferably configured to slide against the toggle block and interior of the cartridge with minimal frictional resistance. In this way, the bias of the spring  54  is sufficient to overcome the minimal frictional resistance between the corner edges of the body portion  42  and the cartridge interior, thereby urging the body portion to one of the more stable positions shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cartridge  20  is shown having an upper corner edge  31  on the forward end  24 . When a gemstone is mounted on mounting stud  30 , the underside of the gemstone must clear the upper corner edge  31  in order to move between the upper facing position and forward facing position. More specifically, a clearance space must be provided between the underside of the gemstone and the upper corner edge of the cartridge to permit the gemstone to be rotated. To provide such clearance, the gemstone may be mounted on the stud  30  at a distance above the surface of the cartridge  20 . One skilled in the art of jewelry manufacturing will acknowledge that the height of the gemstone above the mount affects both the visual appearance of the jewelry piece and the structural integrity of the mount. A gemstone that is mounted relatively high above the mount may have an odd appearance. In addition, a gemstone mounted high above the mount may have a greater risk of being separated from the mount than a lower set gemstone. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the clearance space between the gemstone and the mount. The amount of clearance space required between the cartridge  20  and the underside of a gemstone is largely a function of the shape of the corner edge  31  on the cartridge. A greater amount of clearance is required for a cartridge having a square shaped upper corner than for a cartridge having a rounded or beveled upper corner. As a result, the cartridge  20  preferably includes a rounded corner edge  31 , as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The rounded edge  31  provides adequate clearance space between the underside of a gemstone and the exterior of the cartridge  20  to allow rotation of the gemstone between the upward facing orientation shown in FIG.  5 A and the forward facing orientation shown in FIG.  5 B. 
     The exterior surfaces of the cartridge  20  are preferably continuous to facilitate proper insertion and connection to a jewelry piece  1 . In particular, the cover plate  21  is preferably configured to substantially conform with recess  23  on the cartridge  20  such that exterior surfaces of the cover plate are mounted flush with the exterior surfaces of the cartridge. As stated earlier, the screw holes  29  on the cover plate  21  are preferably countersunk such that the heads on screws  27  are flush with the exterior of the cover plate. 
     Interior components in the cartridge  20  may be partially visible through the longitudinal slot  26 . In particular, the mounting base  40  and toggle block  52  may be partially visible through the slot  26  when the mount  10  is viewed looking at the front end  24  or looking down on the top end. As a result, visible interior components are preferably manufactured with a luster consistent with the rest of the jewelry piece  1 , so that the overall attractiveness of the jewelry piece is not adversely affected by the visible interior components. 
     The forward face  55  of the toggle block  52  may be visible through the slot  26  when the mounting base  40  is rotated to an intermediate position, such as that shown in FIG.  8 B. Since corner edges on the body portion  42  of the mounting base  40  engage the forward face  55  of the toggle block  52 , the metallic luster or appearance of the forward face may become scuffed or worn over time. Therefore, the forward face  55  of toggle block  52  preferably includes a projecting portion that contacts the mounting base  40  and an inset or recessed portion that does not contact the mounting base. Referring to FIG. 6, the toggle block  52  is shown with a recessed portion  59 . The recessed portion  59  is centered on the forward face  55  and axially aligned with the slot  26  such that the recessed portion is visible through the slot. The recessed portion  59  is centered between two projecting areas  57  which engage the body portion  42  of mounting base  40 . Preferably, the recessed portion  59  has a width slightly greater than the width of the slot  26  such that only the recessed portion is visible through the slot, and the projecting areas  57  are not visible through the slot. As stated earlier, the recessed portion  59  preferably has a luster consistent with the exterior of the jewelry piece  1  so that it does not disrupt or detract from the overall appearance of the jewelry piece. 
     Thus far, the gem mount  10  has been described as a mount that permits adjustment of a gemstone or decorative component between an upward facing orientation and a forward facing orientation relative to the mount. It may be desirable, however, to provide a mount that permits adjustment of a gemstone or decorative component in more than two positions. Referring now to FIGS. 9A-12C, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, featuring a gem mount  110  that is adjustable in three positions on a jewelry piece  101 . The gem mount  110  operates in the same general manner and comprises many of the same elements as those described for the first embodiment previously discussed. For purposes of this description, elements on jewelry piece  101  that correspond to similar elements in the first embodiment are referenced with the same number plus one hundred. 
     The gem mount  110  is mounted on a jewelry piece  101  having a pair of adornments  102  and a pair of opposing passages  103  similar to the first embodiment. The passages  103  are located on a thin band portion  109  of the jewelry piece  101 . The jewelry piece may be worn or displayed as a ring. Alternatively, the jewelry piece  101  is configured to be suspended on a chain  104  so that it can be worn or displayed as a pendant. 
     The mount  110  is configured to position a decorative component, commemorative component, or the like in three different orientations. In FIG. 9A, the mount  110  is shown configured for displaying a gemstone  105  in an upward facing orientation on the jewelry piece  101 . As such, the jewelry piece  101  may be worn or displayed as a ring. In FIGS. 9B and 9C, the mount  110  is shown configured for displaying the gemstone  105  in a pendant configuration. In particular, the mount  110  is configured to display the gemstone  105  in a forward facing orientation in FIG.  9 B. In FIG. 9C, the mount  110  is configured to display the gemstone  105  in a downward orientation relative to the mount (or inward orientation relative to the jewelry piece  101 ). 
     As in the first embodiment, gem mount  110  comprises a cartridge  120  that may be incorporated into the body of a jewelry piece  101 . Cartridge  120  has a hollow cavity  128  that holds a mounting stud  130 . The mounting stud  130  is displaceable to display a gemstone or decorative component  105  in three general orientations. Referring to FIG. 10A, the mounting stud  130  may be pivoted to an upward facing position relative to the mount  110  to display a gemstone in an upward facing orientation, as shown in FIG.  9 A. Referring to FIG. 10B, the mounting stud  130  may also be pivoted to a forward facing position to display a gemstone in a forward facing orientation, as shown in FIG.  9 B. Referring to FIG. 10C, the mounting stud  130  may be further pivoted to a downward facing position relative to the mount  110 , to display a gemstone in an inward facing orientation, as shown in FIG.  9 C. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10A-11, the cartridge  120  comprises an upper corner edge  131  and a lower corner edge  132 . Corner edges  131 , 132  are rounded similar to the first embodiment to minimize the clearance space required between the underside of a gemstone  105  and the exterior of the cartridge  120 . The cartridge  120  has an open rearward end  122  and a generally closed forward end  124 . An elongated slot  126  extends through the generally closed forward end  124 . More specifically, the slot  126  commences from a point on the top side on the cartridge  120  and extends through the forward end  124  to a point on the bottom side of the cartridge. A generally rectangular symmetrical mounting base  140  is disposed in the cavity  128  of cartridge  120 . The mounting base  140  comprises an enlarged body portion  142  and a narrow neck portion  144  extending from the body portion, as shown in FIG. 11. A mounting pin or stud  130  extends longitudinally from the mounting base  140  and projects through the slot  126  to the exterior of the cartridge  120 . The mounting stud  130  is configured for securely holding a gemstone or decorative component  105  on gem mount  110  and may have any shape or configuration suitable for such mounting. 
     A toggling mechanism  150  is contained in the cartridge  120  and engages the mounting base  140  to control rotational displacement of the mounting base and mounting stud  130  as the gemstone  105  is adjusted between different positions. Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12C, the toggling mechanism  150  comprises a toggle block  152  and a compression spring  154  disposed between the toggle block  152  and a rearward interior wall  156  in the cartridge. The toggling mechanism  150  is configured for interaction with the mounting base  140  in a manner similar to the first embodiment. In particular, the bias force exerted by the spring  154  on the toggle block  152  and mounting base  140  urges the mounting base to rotate into a position in which the sides of the body portion  142  engage the interior of the cartridge  120 . This may be one of three positions, which are illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C. FIG. 12A shows the mounting stud  130  rotated into an upward facing orientation. FIG. 12B shows the mounting stud  130  rotated into a forward facing orientation. Lastly, FIG. 12C shows the mounting stud  130  rotated into a downward facing orientation. As in the first embodiment, the mounting base  140  is relatively unstable and does not remain in intermediate positions in which corner edges of the body portion  142  engage the toggle block  152 . 
     The present invention is intended for use with any jewelry configuration, including but not limited to rings, pendants, brooches, bracelets and anklets. As discussed with the first and second embodiments, the toggling mechanism may cooperate with a mounting base to convert a jewelry piece  1  or  101  to a ring, a pendant or other jewelry configuration. Alternatively, the toggling mechanism may be used in a fixed configuration for displaying a decorative article in multiple orientations. Referring now to FIGS. 13A-16B, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown comprising a gem mount  210  on a ring  201 . The gem mount  210  permits rotation of an article  204  about a generally vertical axis on the ring  201 . The gem mount  210  comprises many of the same elements as those described for the first and second embodiments. For purposes of this description, elements in mount  210  that correspond to similar elements in the first embodiment are referenced with the same number plus two hundred. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the article  204  is shown mounted on a ring  201 . A pair of buttresses  208  extend upwardly and inwardly from the ring  201  and are configured to slidably engage the article  204 . The article  204  has a single gemstone  205  on a top side of the article and a plurality of smaller gemstones  206  arranged around the periphery of the article. Mount  210  is configured to permit rotation of the article  204  horizontally such that the single gemstone  205  rotates in place on the top of the article and the peripheral gemstones  206  rotate about the periphery of the article. FIG. 13A shows the article  204  displayed in one orientation, and FIG. 13B shows the article rotated ninety degrees from the orientation in FIG.  13 A. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the gem mount  210  comprises a generally rectangular cartridge  220  that may be incorporated into the body of a jewelry piece. Cartridge  220  is hollow and is configured to hold a mounting base  240  and a toggling mechanism  250 . The mounting base  240  projects through an aperture  226  on a top face of the cartridge  220 . A mounting stud  230  extends from the portion of the mounting base  240  which projects through the aperture  226 , as shown in FIG.  14 . The mounting stud  230  is configured to support and display a gemstone or other article  204  above the mount  210 . 
     Unlike the first and second embodiments, the mounting stud  230  is maintained in an upward facing orientation relative to the cartridge  220 . The mounting stud  230  and mounting base  240  are generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, which is represented by a dashed line and letter “y” in FIGS.  14 . The mounting base  240  is disposed in a cavity  280  adapted to permit rotational displacement of the mounting base about the y-axis. The mounting base  240  and mounting stud  230  are configured to rotate about the y-axis in response to torque applied to an article mounted on the mounting stud. The components are configured for rotation in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, as represented by the circular arrows labeled “Z” in FIG.  14 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 15-16B, the interaction of the toggling mechanism  250  and mounting base  240  will be described in greater detail. As in the previous embodiments, the toggling mechanism  250  comprises a toggle block  252  and a spring  254  compressed between the toggle block and a rearward interior wall  256  in the cartridge  220 . The compressed spring  254  exerts a forward force on the toggle block  252  and maintains the toggle block in an abutting relationship with the mounting base  240 . The toggle block  252  has a forward face  255  configured to slidably engage an edge on the mounting base  240  as the mounting base is rotated. The mounting base  240  is generally square with four sides  241  disposed ninety degrees apart from one another. The sides  241  are separated by corner edges  242  that engage the forward face  255  of the toggle block  252 . The corner edges  242  may be sharp ninety degree corners. Alternatively, the corner edges may be chamfered or rounded to provide a relatively smooth transition as the mounting base  240  is rotated to different orientations. In FIGS. 15-16B, the corner edges  242  are shown chamfered. 
     The mounting base  240  is operable to engage the toggle block  252  in a plurality of orientations so that the article  204  is adjustable into semi-fixed or set positions. In particular, the toggle block  252  is configured to engage the four sides  241  of the mounting base  240  such that the article  204  is rotatable into four set orientations. Once the article is rotated into one of the set orientations, the mounting stud  230  is retained against further rotation until a torque is applied to the article. When a side  241  is rotated toward the forward face  255  of the toggle block  252 , the opposing side on the base  240  bears against an inner face  219  in the cartridge  220  in response to the bias force of the spring  254 , as shown in FIG.  16 A. The engagement of the mounting base  240  against the inner face  219  of the cartridge  220  stabilizes the position of the base and provides moderate resistance to further rotational displacement. This moderate resistance substantially limits rotational displacement that may result from gravitational pull, incidental bumps, or other minor forces that act on the jewelry piece. The resistance may be overcome, and the article  204  rotated out of the set orientation, only by applying a torque on the article or mounting stud  230 . 
     The corner edges  242  of mounting base  240  are also configured to engage the toggle block  252  and interior surfaces of the cartridge  220 . In particular, when a corner edge  242  is rotated toward the forward face  255  of the toggle block  252 , the opposite corner edge  242  bears against the inner face  219  in the cartridge  220  in response to the bias force of the spring  254 . Preferably, the mounting base  240  is configured so that the orientation of the base is relatively unstable and does not remain in an orientation where a corner edge  242  engages the toggle block  252 . In particular, the corner edges  242  are preferably configured to slidably engage the toggle block  252  and inner face  219  with minimal frictional resistance. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the corner edges  242  have a significantly smaller width than the adjacent sides  241 . Therefore, the area of engagement between the inner face  219  and a corner edge of the mounting base  240  is much smaller than the area of contact between the inner face and a side. The engagement between the corner edges and the inner face  219  provides a relatively low frictional resistance to further rotational displacement of the mounting base  240 . As such, the orientation of the mounting base  240  is relatively unstable and does not remain in an orientation where a corner edge engages the toggle block. 
     An important aspect of the present invention is the commonality of components used in the three embodiments. In particular, the three embodiments operate similarly and use the same screws, cover plates, springs and toggle blocks. These components may be mass produced for assembly in all three embodiments of the invention. In addition, the cartridges in all three embodiments are formed from the same cartridge mold. Once the basic cartridge piece is formed, interior and exterior features on each cartridge piece may be cut or shaped to meet the particular specifications for a chosen embodiment. In particular, the slot, interior cavity, and exterior corners may be cut and shaped as necessary to meet the particular specifications of each individual embodiment. Furthermore, the mounting base and mounting stud elements are identical in both the first and second embodiments. Therefore, these components may be mass produced for assembly into the first and second embodiments of the invention. 
     In the foregoing descriptions, the present invention has been described as having a cartridge that can be inserted or assembled into a jewelry piece. The jewelry piece may have a channel configured to receive the cartridge. The cartridge may be secured within the channel using any suitable connection known in the art, such as soldering. The present invention is intended for use with a variety of jewelry pieces. In particular, the components of the present invention may be manufactured as part of a jewelry piece or retrofitted into an existing jewelry piece. Where the components are retrofitted into a jewelry piece, a channel may be cut into the jewelry piece to receive a cartridge. 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced with or without utilizing a cartridge component. In particular, a gem mount in accordance with the present invention may be produced by forming a receptacle in a jewelry piece that has the same interior features as those formed in the cartridge. The hollow receptacle may contain a slot and cavity similar to the slot  26  and cavity  28  shown in the cartridge  20  in FIGS. 6 and 7. The cavity in the hollow receptacle may be adapted to receive a mounting base, mounting stud, biasing mechanism and cover plate as shown and described with a cartridge. 
     The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation. There is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized, therefore, that various modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the jewelry ornamentations have been described herein as being gemstones. The present invention may also be used in jewelry pieces to display artificial stones, fraternity crests, school insignia, artifacts, commemorative items or any other object or design one wishes to display. Accordingly, the invention incorporates variations that fall within the scope of the following claims.