Article of jewelry

Abstract

An article of manufacture comprising a chain component having ends with the means to fasten the ends and close and secure the chain. Also provided are one or more character elements, such as a charm or some other form of pendant or the like, and a means attached to or integrally formed with each character element adapted to facilitate the placement and removal of the character elements relative to the chain component. The invention also enables a plurality of the character elements to be placed in abutting relation along particular sections of the chain component to allow the formation of the character elements in a desired and aesthetically attractive sequence.

1 . An article of jewelry, comprising: 
 a chain member, said chain member having a first end and a second end,    said first end of said chain member having a male component and said second end of said chain member having a female component, said male component and said female component being adapted to be joined to enable said chain member to close,    one or more character elements, each of said character elements having means integrally formed therewith to enable said chain member to engage and support said character element,    said male component being adapted to facilitate the placement and removal of said character element relative to said chain member and to enable a plurality of character elements to be placed along sections of said chain member to enable the formation of said character elements in a desired and aesthetically attractive sequence.    
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said character element is adapted in size to accommodate said means integrally formed therewith to enable said chain member to engage and support said character element, said means having an opening adapted in size for permitting entry of said male component.  
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said male component comprises a plunger element and said female component comprises a tubular receptacle for receiving said plunger in releasable engagement therewith.  
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said means integrally formed with said character element comprises one or more tabs affixed to said character element and defining an opening therein.  
     
     
         5 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said character element has a back surface and a front surface, said front surface having decorative indicia thereon.  
     
     
         6 . The invention of  claim 5  wherein said back surface comprises the support base for said tab.  
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said character element is in the shape of a letter of the English alphabet.  
     
     
         8 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said character elements are placed in abutting relation along said chain member.