Magnetic jewelry

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/829,135, filed Apr. 21, 2004, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/497,352 filed Aug. 22, 2003.

The present invention relates to wearable jewelry and ornaments, and particularly to such made of precious or semi-precious metals and including magnetic material.

Magnetics have long been known to have an effect upon the human body. Many people have found that magnetics have substantial health benefits. For example, people have found that exposure to magnetic results in various healing effects, including reduced pain and swelling. Other stated benefits have been reported, including increased stamina.

One method of exposing the body to magnetics is to place magnetic material adjacent the body. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,587, magnetic material may be located in capsules connected to a chain. When the chain is worn, the magnetic material is located proximate the body.

There are numerous problems or issues to consider when attempting to address a configuration for locating magnetics close to the body. One issue is aesthetics. So that the wearer can frequently wear the magnetic material, it is desirable that the item be aesthetically pleasing. For example, a person could wear a block of magnetic material, such as hematite, connected to a string around their neck. However, this would be unappealing and unacceptable in most settings.

In this regard, the magnetic material may be associated with jewelry, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,587. However, there are additional considerations. As indicated above, it is desirable to wear the magnetic material most of the time, or for long periods of time. Contact with many materials results in discoloration of the skin or irritation of the skin. In addition, wearing of these materials generally subjects them to body acids, sweat, water and other materials which may result in corrosion of the material.

Also, some have found it desirable to increase the amount of magnetic material to which they are exposed. However, it is desirable to do this without making configuration less aesthetically appealing.

An article of jewelry or ornamentation includes a magnetic element.

One embodiment of the invention is an article of jewelry constructed substantially or primarily from titanium. In one embodiment, the article of jewelry is a bracelet comprising a plurality of joined links. The links are constructed primarily from titanium. One or more magnetic elements are associated with the jewelry. In one embodiment, each link has a top or front face and a bottom or rear face. At least one magnetic element is located in or at the rear face of one or more of the links, so that when the article of jewelry is worn, the magnetic element is located adjacent the wearer\'s body.

Another embodiment of the invention is an article of jewelry which is constructed of another precious or semi-precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum. A magnetic element is connected to a body comprising the article. In one embodiment, the magnetic element is mounted in an inset or recess formed in the body.

In one embodiment, the magnetic element has a face or surface which comprises at least 50%, more preferably comprises about 75% or more, and most preferably comprises about 90% or more of the total area of the rear or bottom of the body.

In one embodiment, the body comprises a link, and a plurality of the links are connected to form a bracelet. In this embodiment, the magnetic elements preferably also extend along approximately 75%-90% of the total distance traversed by the links.

In one embodiment, the magnetic element is generally oval in shape and is inset into the body so that the face of the magnetic element is co-planar with the rear of the body.

In accordance with the invention, an article of jewelry includes one or more magnetics. The body of the article is constructed of a material with is compatible with the human body, which does not corrode, and which will not result in discoloration. In one embodiment, the article is constructed to maximize the amount of magnetic material which is located proximate to or in contact with the body, when considering the size or area of the article.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.