Magnetically interchangeable jewelry with planar surfaces and recessed magnet

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for magnetically interchangeable jewelry that use planar surfaces and recessed magnets so that planar metallic disks (or other shapes) can be used as interchangeable ornamental features for the magnetically interchangeable jewelry. The interchangeable elements formed of a magnetically attractive material are releasably affixed to a base containing a recessed magnet (e.g., neodymium). The base is substantially flat other than an ornamental design and the ornamental elements rely on the strength of the magnet to firmly hold them in place rather than being recessed into the base or snapped into place. Other shapes could also be used for the interchangeable elements, if desired. The magnetically interchangeable jewelry can take a variety of forms including rings, bracelets, earrings, lanyards, multiple pendants on one necklace and/or other jewelry embodiments.

1 . A magnetic jewelry assembly, comprising:
 a base;   a recess formed within the base;   a magnet positioned within the recess, the magnet and the base forming a first planar surface; and   an ornamental element with a second planar surface, the ornamental element being magnetically coupled to the magnet such that the second planar surface of the ornamental element is engaged with the first planar surface.   
   
   
       2 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base has a width along the first planar surface that is greater than the width of the ornamental element along the second planar surface. 
   
   
       3 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the magnet has a width along the first planar surface that is smaller than the width of the ornamental element along the second planar surface. 
   
   
       4 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the base and the ornamental element are different shapes. 
   
   
       5 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the base and the ornamental element are similar shapes. 
   
   
       6 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the ornamental element is a disk and wherein the base has a circular outer edge. 
   
   
       7 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the base extends 2 mm or more past an outer edge of the disk when the disk is centered on the base. 
   
   
       8 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the base extends 5 mm or more past an outer edge of the disk when the disk is centered on the base. 
   
   
       9 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the base comprises ornamental features. 
   
   
       10 . The magnetic jewelry assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the base is configured to be a pendant for a necklace. 
   
   
       11 . A method for assembling magnetically interchangeable jewelry, comprising:
 providing a base having a magnet positioned within a recess within the base, the base and magnet forming a first planar surface;   providing an ornamental element with a second planar surface; and   engaging the second planar surface of the ornamental element with the first planar surface so that the ornamental element is magnetically coupled to the magnet.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising providing a base having a width along the first planar surface that is greater than a width of the ornamental element along the second planar surface. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising providing a magnet having a width along the first planar surface that is smaller than a width of the ornamental element along the second planar surface. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising providing a base and an ornamental element having different shapes. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising providing a base and an ornamental element having similar shapes. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising providing a circular base and a disk as the ornamental element. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the base extends 2 mm or more past an outer edge of the disk when the disk is centered on the base. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the base extends 5 mm or more past an outer edge of the disk when the disk is centered on the base. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising providing a base having ornamental features. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising providing a base configured to be a pendant for a necklace and coupling the base to a necklace.