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Multiplet gemstones with directly printed embedded translucent imagesRelated Patent Categories: Jewelry, GemMultiplet gemstones with directly printed embedded translucent images description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070209390, Multiplet gemstones with directly printed embedded translucent images. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of jewelry. More particularly, an embodiment of the invention relates to gemstones with embedded translucent images, and methods of making such gemstones. [0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0004] Prior art jewelry products composed of more than one piece of gemstone material, sometimes called multiplet gemstones, are known to those skilled in the art. For instance, a conventional multiplet gemstone is typically composed of two layers of gemstone material, a crown and a pavilion. [0005] A problem with this technology has been the embedding of images within a gemstone. An image embedded within a gemstone is esthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the inclusion of a custom image selected by a wearer of the jewelry item adds significant sentimental value and personal meaning to a given gemstone within a jewelry item. Some examples of such custom images could include pictures of family members or friends, baby pictures or pictures of pets, or images having religious significance for the wearer. Therefore, what is needed is a multiplet gemstone with a custom image embedded within and a reliable method of manufacturing such a gemstone. [0006] One unsatisfactory approach, in an attempt to solve the above-discussed problems involves coating one layer of a gemstone with an opaque material to form insignia thereon and then bonding it with another layer of gemstone to form a composite gemstone with the opaque insignia embedded therein. However, a disadvantage of this approach is that such an opaque image cannot show the details of an image and only appears as a silhouette by light passing through the image. Furthermore, conventional coating processes are inadequate for forming a detailed graphical image on the surface of a gemstone. [0007] US Published Application 20050274144 discloses embedding a translucent image carried by a transparent film within a gemstone. [0008] Another disadvantage of the above approaches has been the relatively high cost of producing custom designs. Therefore, what is also needed is a solution that meets the above-discussed requirements in a more cost-effective manner. [0009] Heretofore, the requirements of embedding graphically detailed translucent images within gemstones and providing a cost effective method of embedding custom images within gemstones referred to above have not been fully met. What is needed is a solution that solves both of these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] There is a need for the following embodiments of the invention. Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. [0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, a jewelry product comprises a first and a second layer of gemstone material, the first and second layers each having an interfacial surface; wherein one of the interfacial surfaces has a translucent image printed thereon. According to another embodiment of the invention, a process comprises providing a first layer of gemstone material having at least one flat surface; providing a second layer of gemstone material having at least one flat surface; direct printing a translucent image onto the flat surface of the first layer; bonding the flat surface of the first layer to the flat surface of the second layer, thereby creating a multiplet gemstone product. [0012] These, and other, embodiments of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given for the purpose of illustration and does not imply limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements may be made within the scope of an embodiment of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and embodiments of the invention include all such substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] The drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification are included to depict certain embodiments of the invention. A clearer concept of embodiments of the invention, and of components combinable with embodiments of the invention, and operation of systems provided with embodiments of the invention, will be readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore nonlimiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings (wherein identical reference numerals (if they occur in more than one view) designate the same elements). Embodiments of the invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the following description presented herein. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. [0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a duplet having an embedded directly printed photographic image, representing an embodiment of the invention. [0015] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate effects of surface roughness of the printed image on light transmission through a duplet having an embedded directly printed image, representing an embodiment of the invention. [0016] FIGS. 3a-3g illustrate isometric views of a process for making duplets having an embedded directly printed image, representing an embodiment of the invention. [0017] FIGS. 4a-4g illustrate orthographic views of a process for making duplets having an embedded directly printed image, representing an embodiment of the invention. [0018] FIG. 5 shows a triplet having an embedded directly printed magnetic strip combined with an imbedded directly printed photographic image, representing an embodiment of the invention. [0019] FIG. 6 shows a double having an embedded directly printed electronic circuit, representing an embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0020] Embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well known starting materials, processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 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