Bead System

Abstract

A bead having a cylindrical opening for passage of a strand and a crest mounted on the strand. The opening comprises central cavity having a first diameter, and first and second ends each having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter of the central cavity. The first and second ends further comprises a notch disposed at a selected position along the circumference of the opening, wherein the notch at the first end is not radially aligned along the longitudinal bead axis with the notch at the second end. The diameter of the opening is sufficient along its entire length to permit an unadorned strand to pass through and be rotated freely. The crest is of a size and shape selected to pass through either end of the opening by aligning the crest with the corresponding notch at that end, but is too large to pass through either of the ends of the opening when not aligned with a corresponding notch.

1 . A bead system for a jewelry strand comprising:
 a) bead retention means attached to the jewelry strand for restricting bead removal from the jewelry strand; and   b) one or more beads having an internal opening and obstruction means disposed along the internal opening for restricting bead removal from a jewelry strand.   
   
   
       2 . The bead system of  claim 1 , wherein the bead retention means comprises an annular cap having a crest projecting therefrom, and the diameter of the internal opening, at a position between the first and second ends, is sufficient to permit free rotation of the crest therein. 
   
   
       3 . The bead system of  claim 2 , wherein the obstruction means comprises a first narrowed opening having a first notch extending outwardly from the internal opening at a first end of the bead and a second narrowed opening having a second notch extending outwardly from the internal opening at a second end of the bead, wherein the first and second notches are not radially aligned and permit passage of the crested cap therethrough. 
   
   
       4 . The bead device of  claim 3  wherein the first and second notches are radially opposite each other across the longitudinal axis of the bead. 
   
   
       5 . The bead system of  claim 4  wherein the outer surface of the annular cap and the surface of the opening have a circular cross-section, apart from the notches and crest. 
   
   
       6 . The bead system of  claim 4  wherein the outer surface of the annular cap and the surface of the opening have a polygonal cross-section, apart from the notches and crest.