Lightweight omega chain and improved method of manufacture

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to the field of jewelry, and more particularly relates to an ornamental jewelry chain wherein the chain is flexible, made of segmented portions with a hollow core mesh.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a view of a wire mesh made with a hollow wire in accordance with this invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seamless hollow wire cross section in accordance with this invention.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hollow wire cross section with the non-precious metal core still in place in accordance with this invention.

#The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

#The present method in making Omega chains includes initially providing a length of hollow wire that is woven into a “fabric” or mesh 2, as shown in FIG. 1. This mesh 2 is very flexible and can be cut longitudinally to any desired width without losing the flexibility or continuity. The hollow wire can be made by any of the various well-known methods, such as being made out of a seamless tube 4, as shown in FIG. 2, or being made with a non-precious metal core that is chemically, thermally or mechanically removed once the mesh 2 is made. This mesh 2 is generally made of a solid wire that is round in cross section, but could also be made with wires of different cross sections.

#Another method of creating a hollow wire is by longitudinally wrapping a thin sheet of precious metal around a non precious metal round wire in a manner that a small seam or gap runs along the entire length of the wire so formed. This seam or gap allows the core to be etched out after the wire mesh is formed.