Decorative jewelry and methods of making same

Abstract

An article of jewelry includes a stone having a viewing surface and a back surface and epoxy. The stone preferably is transparent or translucent in that it preferably internally and externally reflects and refracts light. The epoxy preferably is provided on the back surface of the stone, the color of which is preferably viewable, including from the stone's front surface. The epoxy may be colored, transparent, translucent or colorless. The design is such that the epoxy surface and the viewing surface of the stone are intended to be left at least partially exposed and viewable in the final article of jewelry.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method of forming an article of jewelry comprising the steps of:
 providing a stone comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the stone allowing passage of light and having one or more facets on the second major surface;   smoothing over the one or more facets on the second major surface by painting an epoxy on the second major surface of the stone, wherein the epoxy has a color, and the color of the epoxy provided on the second major surface is viewable from the first major surface of the stone through the stone; and   having the first major surface of the stone and the epoxy painted to the second major surface of the stone remain at least partially exposed in a final form of the article.   
     
     
         11 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10 , further comprising applying a special effect coating to the stone's surface. 
     
     
         12 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10 , further comprising placing the epoxy-painted stone in an open setting. 
     
     
         13 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10 , further comprising placing the epoxy-painted stone in a cast setting. 
     
     
         14 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10 , wherein the first major surface is substantially exposed in the article of jewelry's final form. 
     
     
         15 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10  wherein the stone is a crystal. 
     
     
         16 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10  wherein the stone is a cut glass. 
     
     
         17 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10  wherein the article of jewelry is freestanding. 
     
     
         18 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10  wherein the stone is natural. 
     
     
         19 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10 , wherein the smoothing comprises smoothing over all of the one or more facets on the second major surface to provide an unfaceted outer surface. 
     
     
         20 . The method of forming the article of jewelry of  claim 10 , further comprising affixing a backing to the stone by using the epoxy as a glue, wherein the epoxy is used as both as the glue and as a colorant for the stone.