Article of jewelry and method of manufacture

Abstract

A method and system for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image using a digital image of an anatomical body part such as a fingerprint, handprint, footprint, or the like to create a computer numeric controlled (CNC) software program that drives a machine for producing a wax model of the anatomical image. The wax model is used in a lost wax casting process to create a casting that is used in an article of jewelry. The present invention further provides an article of jewelry containing a novel bail assembly for attaching the article of jewelry to a chain or the like in an aesthetically pleasing manner that hides the attachment hole of the casting.

1 . A method for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image, the method comprising the steps of: 
 a.) taking a print of an anatomical part;    b.) creating a digital image file by taking a digital photograph of the print of an anatomical part;    c.) converting the digital image file to a computer numeric control machine language program;    d.) loading the computer numeric control machine language program on a computer numeric control machine;    e.) placing a sheet of machinable wax proximate the computer numeric control machine;    f.) executing the computer numeric control machine language program on the computer numeric control machine;    g.) cutting a wax model of an anatomical image in the sheet of machinable wax using the computer numeric control machine;    h.) removing the anatomical image from the sheet of machinable wax;    i.) creating a mould from the wax model of the anatomical image;    j.) using the mould to create a casting from the wax model of the anatomical image; and    k.) attaching a finding to the casting.    
   
   
       2 . The method for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image as recited in  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of despruing, polishing and finishing the casting of the anatomical image.  
   
   
       3 . The method for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image as recited in  claim 1  wherein the anatomical image is a fingerprint.  
   
   
       4 . The method for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image as recited in  claim 1  wherein the anatomical image is a footprint.  
   
   
       5 . The method for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image as recited in  claim 1  wherein the anatomical image is a handprint.  
   
   
       6 . The method for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image as recited in  claim 1  wherein the anatomical image is a noseprint.  
   
   
       7 . An article of jewelry containing an anatomical image, the article of jewelry created according to the method of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       8 . A system for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image, the system comprising: 
 a.) a digital image file of an anatomical image;    b.) a software program to convert the digital image file of an anatomical image to a computer numeric control machine language program;    c.) a computer numeric control machine language program created from the software program;    d.) a computer numeric control machine;    e.) a jig to secure a sheet of machinable wax while the computer numeric control machine cuts a wax model of the anatomical image;    f.) a wax model of the anatomical image made with the computer numeric control machine; and    g.) means for metal casting the wax model of the anatomical image.    
   
   
       9 . The system for creating an article of jewelry as recited in  claim 8  wherein the computer numeric control machine includes a rotary cutter.  
   
   
       10 . The system for creating an article of jewelry as recited in  claim 8  wherein the computer numeric control machine includes a laser.  
   
   
       11 . The system for creating an article of jewelry as recited in  claim 8  wherein the anatomical image is a fingerprint.  
   
   
       12 . The system for creating an article of jewelry as recited in  claim 8  wherein the anatomical image is a footprint.  
   
   
       13 . The system for creating an article of jewelry as recited in  claim 8  wherein the anatomical image is a handprint.  
   
   
       14 . The system for creating an article of jewelry as recited in  claim 8  wherein the anatomical image is a noseprint.  
   
   
       15 . An article of jewelry comprising: 
 a.) an anatomical image;    b.) a hole adjacent to the anatomical image; and    c.) a bail to hide the hole, the bail containing a pin that is placed through the hole.    
   
   
       16 . The article of jewelry of  claim 15  wherein the anatomical image is a fingerprint.  
   
   
       17 . The article of jewelry of  claim 15  wherein the anatomical image is a footprint.  
   
   
       18 . The article of jewelry of  claim 15  wherein the anatomical image is a handprint.  
   
   
       19 . The article of jewelry of  claim 15  wherein the anatomical image is a noseprint.  
   
   
       20 . The article of jewelry of  claim 15  further comprising a stone attached to said bail.  
   
   
       21 . The article of jewelry of  claim 15  further comprising an inscription.