Abstract:
A bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers so as to compliment different flower combinations. The bouquet jewel may have a specific color, dimension, and quality that provides optimal light and texture to popular flower combinations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/696,089 filed Oct. 29, 2003 in the name of the Applicants, to which priority is claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to floristry, and more specifically, to a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be mounted onto a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Flowers may be used for any occasion. They are chosen for their sizes, their colors, and for their scents. Flowers are also chosen to stand singly, in an arrangement, or in a bouquet.  
         [0004]     Jewels have also been used for many purposes. Not only may they be worn as jewelry, but they are also used in decorating. Jewels are especially attractive because of the alluring sparkle created by the jewels&#39; refraction and reflection of light.  
         [0005]     For weddings, a bride will typically choose a certain color scheme for the bridesmaids/groomsmen attire and for her wedding décor. Usually, the bridesmaids will each hold a floral bouquet that is also consistent with and accentuates the color of their dresses. The bridal bouquet may also contain colored flowers, however, many brides insist upon a traditional white bouquet.  
         [0006]     On occasion, some people add accessories to the bouquet, such as feathers or faux butterflies. These accessories, however, may be so large as to inadvertently detract from the natural beauty of the flowers themselves. Furthermore, the colors of the accessories may overwhelm or clash, rather than complement, the particular shades of the flowers.  
         [0007]     Therefore, a need existed for a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers so as to compliment a flower combination.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bouquet jewel having a specific color, dimension, and quality that allows for ideal placement within a bouquet so as to provide optimal light and texture to the most popular flower combinations.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0010]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers and having a display end dimensioned to be proximate the flowers, at least one setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post proximate the display end, and a plurality of jewels dimensioned to be secured into the at least one setting.  
         [0011]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers and having a display end dimensioned to be proximate the flowers, and at least one jewel defining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation about the post proximate the display end.  
         [0012]     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention wherein the setting has the configuration of a cross.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting has the configuration of a butterfly.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of another embodiment of the bouquet jewel of the present invention. The bouquet jewel is shown as having a glass pearl bead coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting has a cluster configuration.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of bouquet jewels shown in use with a bouquet of flowers.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting has the configuration of a bow.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting has the configuration of a monogram letter “B.” 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.  
         [0021]     Flowers, especially when used in wedding decor, are chosen for their distinct colors. Jewels are desired because of their attractive sparkle. In combining the two, the inventor has developed a bouquet jewel. The inventor has discovered that the type of jewel used, its color, and its placement are crucial to creating the perfect floral bouquet. After extensive research, the inventor has determined which bouquet jewels complement the most popular flowers and wedding colors.  
         [0022]     The inventor has discovered that the most beautiful jewels to use are Swarovski Austrian crystal beads and glass pearl beads. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the use of other gems and stones. The inventor has also found that the bouquet jewels, referred to hereinafter as bouquet jewel  10  should have a post  14  (see  FIGS. 1-5 ) that is approximately 4-6 inches long and approximately 2-3 mm in diameter. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may be derived from a post  14  with alternative dimensions, so long as the bouquet jewels  10  may be properly set among the flowers  22  (see  FIG. 5 ). A bouquet insertion end  16  (see  FIGS. 1-4 ) of the post  14  is inserted into the bouquet  20  (see  FIG. 5 ) of flowers  22  in order to give the illusion that the jewels  12  (see  FIGS. 1-4  and  6 - 7 ) are floating among the flowers  22  (see  FIG. 5 ). And although the preferred embodiment discloses a post  14  that is either a gold or silver base metal, depending upon the colors of the flowers  22  in the bouquet  20 , it should be understood that substantial benefit may also be obtained from using other metals.  
         [0023]     The inventor has also discovered that the most ideal position of the jewels  12  is to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to their posts  14 . Such simple positioning prevents the bouquet jewels  10  from overwhelming and detracting from the natural beauty of the flowers  22 .  
         [0024]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 ,  6 , and  7 , a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. A setting  24  is coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post  14  proximate the display end  18  (see  FIGS. 1-5 ). Preferably, the setting  24  is soldered to the post  14 . However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration in which the setting  24  is coupled to the post  14  in some way other than by soldering, such as by glue or some other coupling mechanism so long as the setting  24  is securely coupled to the post  14 .  
         [0025]     The setting  24  may have the configuration of a cross (see  FIG. 1 ), however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be obtained from the setting  24  having the configuration of any religious symbol. The setting  24  is also shown as having a configuration of a butterfly (see  FIG. 2 ), however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be obtained from the setting  24  having the configuration of any animal.  FIG. 4  shows the setting  24  as having a spherical cluster configuration, however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may derived from the setting  24  having an alternatively shaped cluster configuration.  FIG. 7  shows the setting  24  as having the configuration of a bow, however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the setting  24  having the configuration of a ribbon. The setting  24  is also shown as having the configuration of a monogram letter “B” (see  FIG. 7 ). However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the setting  24  having the configuration of any letter of the alphabet as well as any number.  
         [0026]     A plurality of jewels  12 , preferably Swarovski Austrian crystal beads  28  (see  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 ,  6 , and  7 ), are secured into the setting  24  and are dimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the display end  18  of the post  14 . The Swarovski Austrian crystal beads  28  may appear in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, rhinestones (see  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  6 , and  7 ) or multi-faceted spheres (see  FIG. 4 ). It should also be understood that a stone other than the Swarovski Austrian crystal bead  28  may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A jewel  12  defining a bore therethrough is shown to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around the display end  18  of the post  14 . The jewel  12  is preferably a 12 mm diameter glass pearl bead  26 . While it is preferred that the jewel  12  be a 12 mm diameter glass pearl bead  26 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of this embodiment: 1) in which jewels  12  are used that deviate, even substantially, from the preferred diameter; 2) in which jewels  12  other than glass pearl beads  26  are used; and/or 3) in which the jewels  12  are coupled to the post  14  in an alternative manner, so long as the jewels  12  are securely held in place.  
         [0028]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.