Grooved gem mount

Abstract

An article of jewelry includes a gem with a face, and a groove formed along a periphery of the face. A wire may be disposed in the groove, and a hanger may be connected to the wire to suspend the gem. The hanger may be configured to maintain the orientation of the gem, for example, to maintain the face of the gem so that it is generally oriented outward from a wearer of the article of jewelry. In some embodiments, the periphery of the gem may comprise a girdle, and the groove may be formed substantially completely around the girdle.

1 . An article of jewelry comprising:
 a gem having a face and a groove formed along a periphery of the face;   a wire disposed in the groove; and   a hanger connected to the wire.   
   
   
       2 . The article of  claim 1  where the hanger is configured to maintain the orientation of the gem. 
   
   
       3 . The article of  claim 1  where the hanger is configured to maintain the face of the gem so that it is generally oriented outward from a wearer of the article of jewelry. 
   
   
       4 . The article of  claim 1  where the periphery of the gem comprises a girdle. 
   
   
       5 . The article of  claim 1  where the groove is formed substantially completely around the girdle. 
   
   
       6 . The article of  claim 1  where the hanger is integral with the wire. 
   
   
       7 . The article of  claim 1  where the hanger comprises a bail. 
   
   
       8 . The article of  claim 7  further comprising a chain passing through the bail. 
   
   
       9 . The article of  claim 1  where the article comprises an earring. 
   
   
       10 . The article of  claim 9  where the hanger comprises an ear wire, a post, a clip, a screw back, or a lever back. 
   
   
       11 . The article of  claim 1  where the wire is cinched to secure the gem. 
   
   
       12 . The article of  claim 1  where the wire is twisted to secure the gem. 
   
   
       13 . The article of  claim 1  further comprising one or more additional gems or ornaments attached to the hanger. 
   
   
       14 . The article of  claim 1  where the gem comprises a stone. 
   
   
       15 . The article of  claim 1  where the face comprises a table, facets, or a cabochon surface. 
   
   
       16 . The article of  claim 1  where the wire is not visible in the groove when viewed from a position substantially perpendicular to the face. 
   
   
       17 . A pendant comprising:
 a gemstone having a girdle and a groove formed around the girdle;   means for suspending and orienting the gemstone; and   means disposed in the groove for fastening the gemstone to the means for suspending and orienting.   
   
   
       18 . The pendant of  claim 17  where the means for suspending and orienting the gemstone comprises a bail. 
   
   
       19 . A method of suspending a gem comprising:
 fitting a wire into a groove around a girdle of the gem; and   attaching the wire to a hanger.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising maintaining the orientation of the gem relative to the hanger.