[TECHNICAL FIELD]
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for making a chain link for jewelry and
goldsmith's applications, as well as to a chain link and a device for manufacturing
it.
[PRIOR ART]
[0002] In the jeweller and goldsmith's art, necklaces and other accessories, such as bracelets
and earrings, are known which are chain-shaped, i.e. they include a series of chained
metal links which may also be made of precious metals, e.g. gold. In these links,
gemstones of various nature can be set, wrought into various faceted shapes, such
as zircons or precious or semi-precious gems, including natural gemstones. Such links
are therefore given suitable shapes, such as cylinders, cubes and rectangular prisms.
[0003] The chain of the present invention belongs to the typology commonly referred to as
"tennis chain" or "cup chain" .
[0004] In a tennis chain, the links have a partial or through central cavity; on the side
which is open to allow the gem to be positioned (called "setting") there are prongs
which, when appropriately wrought, allow to lock the gem in the desired position.
In addition, the links of a tennis chain may feature side slots useful for both connecting
the links together and allowing more light to pass, thus improving the brilliance
of the gems used in the jewel. Tennis chain links are known to be manufactured through
microcasting processes using lost wax models. In this case, the connection between
the links is obtained by means of a suitably modelled peduncle or by inserting an
additional element between the links, generally consisting of a suitably shaped ring.
As a rule, a weld is made on the connection element in order to improve the strength
of the manufactured article. These steps are carried out manually by using specific
jigs and tools.
[0005] Microcast solutions suffer from the drawback that the necklace becomes heavy due
to the fact that the links are substantially solid and their thickness must be such
as to allow them to be obtained by microcasting; since gold is expensive, this weight
translates into high cost of the raw materials needed for manufacturing the necklace,
which is not desirable for products intended for large market portions. Additionally,
microcast solutions also have the drawback that they require manual work for assembling
and welding the links and for setting the gems, so that production volumes are necessarily
limited.
[0006] Tennis chain links are known to be manufactured through mechanical chip-removal machining
processes, typically by micromilling.
[0007] The links obtained by micromilling suffer from the drawback that the necklace is
heavy due to the fact that the links are substantially solid; this translates into
high raw material costs. Furthermore, the machining process removes precious material
from the necklace, which is then difficult to recover. Finally, although micromilling
gives a pleasant appearance and can be automated to a certain extent, it has the drawbacks
that it is complex due to the small dimensions of the manufactured articles and that
it does not leave much freedom in creating complex shapes.
[0008] Tennis chain links are also known to be made by mechanically pressing a flat strap,
e.g. as described in patents
US1573927,
US6412303 and
US4781038. In these cases, the strap is suitably shaped to create links having the shape of
a cube or a polygonal-base prism, in which gems can be set. The pressing solution
allows to manufacture links which are lighter than those obtained by microcasting
or micromilling.
[0009] One solution for making tennis chain links by pressing a flat strap is described
in patent application
WO2011/086514A2 and in the corresponding Italian patent application
MI2010A000037 by OMBI S.r.l., which relates to a method for making a chain link for jewelry and goldsmith's applications.
According to document
WO2011/086514A2, an outline of the link is cut from a flat metal strap, in which a pair of passage
slots and a pair of junction tines are obtained; the junction tines are bent outwards
from the link, which is then bent to place the ends thereof one against the other.
In order to manufacture a chain, the junction tines of an adjacent link are inserted
into said passage slots, thereby creating a connection.
[0010] However, even the solution known from
WO2011/086514A2, although it allows making links having various shapes and manufacturing chains in
a simple manner, still needs improvement.
[0011] In general, the solutions known in the art for making chain links by pressing a flat
strap do not allow to easily produce links having very small dimensions, in terms
of both their diameter and strap thickness. In fact, the dimensions of the link must
be a compromise between lightness and resistance to mechanical stress when the chain
is worn, and the solutions known in the art typically do not allow the use of diameters
smaller than 1.50 mm.
[0012] Considering the costs of the precious metals that the link is typically made of,
and the costs of the natural gemstones (diamonds, emeralds, topazes, etc.) to be set,
the known links are not optimal for certain applications.
[OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION]
[0013] It is one object of the present invention to provide a chain link for jewelry and
goldsmith's applications as well as a method and a device for manufacturing it, which
allow to overcome some of the drawbacks of the prior art.
[0014] It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a method for making
a chain link which allows to obtain a link that can be manufactured easily by using
automatic machinery.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a chain link having a strong
and light structure, so that chains of small dimensions can be made, resulting in
savings in terms of precious metal, while at the same time providing strong chains
that can be worn with peace of mind.
[0016] Finally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a chain link
which can be manufactured easily in a plurality of shapes, even complex ones, having
more elegant proportions that improve the appearance and charm thereof.
[0017] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved through a method for
making a chain link for jewelry and goldsmith's applications, a chain link and a device
for making said link as set out in the appended claims, which are intended to be an
integral part of the present description.
[0018] One idea at the basis of the present invention is to provide a method for making
a chain link for jewelry and goldsmith's applications, comprising the steps of: cutting
an outline from a flat metal strap, the outline having a main development direction
that defines two ends of the outline itself, wherein the outline comprises at least
two junction tines, each one situated at a respective one of the two ends, the junction
tines being arranged on the flat metal strap in a direction transversal to the main
development direction; bending the at least two junction tines to bring them on respective
bending planes which are transversal to the plane of the flat metal strap; bending
the outline along at least one bending line which is transversal to the main development
direction, thus placing the two ends against each other to close the link, wherein
the junction tines face outwards from said link.
[0019] The present solution allows to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art; first and
foremost, it allows to manufacture a chain link in a simple and quick manner, also
by means of automatic production methods. The link can advantageously have various
cross-sections, e.g. circular or square or more complex, as defined by the bending
thereof along the at least one bending line, into which gems can be set.
[0020] In addition, the present solution allows to produce lighter links that utilize a
smaller quantity of raw material; in fact, the particular structure of the link is
more suitable for the use of thin flat straps and for smaller dimensions, the link
diameter being as small as 1.00 mm or even less. Such dimensions become particularly
advantageous when the link is used for setting natural gemstones.
[0021] At the same time, the present solution allows to produce links that, while still
strong, can be worn as jewels without the risk of frequent breaks.
[0022] Finally, the present solution allows to produce links having a more elegant shape,
advantageously being lower than the links according to the prior art, being as low
as 1.10 mm or less, wherein the height of the link may even be less than the diameter
thereof.
[0023] In addition to the resulting material saving, a chain comprising links according
to the present solution has proportions that reduce its tendency to "overturn" when
bent for being worn as necklaces, thus more elegantly exposing its gems.
[0024] Preferably, a step of shearing, i.e. partially cutting or semi-cutting, each one
of the junction tines is carried out in order to facilitate the bending thereof; the
junction tines protrude, in particular, from opposite edges of the outline when they
lie on the plane of the flat metal strap, with respect to said main development direction.
[0025] Preferably, the outline of the link comprises at least one central recess (preferably
two substantially symmetrical central recesses), which is adapted to reduce the height
of the link to dimensions compatible with the distance between the bending planes
on which the junction tines lie, said distance being in particular equal to or greater
than the height of said link at said at least one central recess.
[0026] Advantageously, the links are connected together by means of tines obtained as one
piece from the outline, which are inserted into the recesses of an adjacent link of
the chain and are bent against each other to create a linking of the chain, wherein
the tines are preferably welded together head to head.
[0027] This type of connection provides the additional advantage that the chain, when worn
as a necklace, will naturally tend to stay in the correct position, i.e. with the
gems exposed.
[0028] The present invention also concerns a related chain link for jewelry and goldsmith's
applications, comprising: a central body having an outline cut from a flat metal strap,
the outline having a main development direction defining two ends of the outline,
wherein the outline is bent along at least one bending line which is transversal to
the main development direction, thus placing the two ends against each other to close
the link, and further comprising at least two junction tines facing outwards from
the link, each one of the at least two junction tines being situated at a respective
one of said two ends; the junction tines are formed in the flat metal strap, having
directions that are transversal to the main development direction, wherein the at
least two junction tines are further bent on respective bending planes which are transversal
to the bending line along which the outline was bent. Preferably, the junction tines
comprise a sheared portion obtained as one piece from opposite edges of the outline
with respect to the main development direction.
[0029] Preferably, the link comprises at least one central recess that reduces the height
thereof, wherein the junction tines of an adjacent link are adapted to engage, externally
to the link, into the recess, so as to form a coupling between adjacent links for
creating a chain. Preferably, the junction tines are then adapted to be bent around
the adjacent link until they are placed against each other, being then preferably
welded together head to head. Preferably, the link comprises a plurality of prongs
adapted to hold at least one gem, e.g. a diamond, within the central body, the prongs
being located on at least one support surface formed on at least one edge of the outline,
other than the ends of the latter, for improving the brilliance and charm of the chain
itself.
[0030] The present invention further relates to a chain for jewelry and goldsmith's applications,
comprising a plurality of links, and to a device for making chain links for jewelry
and goldsmith's applications, comprising means configured for implementing said method.
Further particular and advantageous aspects will become more apparent from the following
detailed description and from the appended claims, which are an integral part of the
present description.
[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]
[0031] Some preferred and advantageous embodiments will now be described by way of nonlimiting
example with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:
- Figure 1 shows a flat strap from which a chain link according to the present invention
is made.
- Figure 2 shows in detail a first portion of the strap of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 shows in detail a second portion of the strap of Figure 1.
- Figure 4 shows in detail a third portion of the strap of Figure 1.
- Figure 5 shows in more detail a fourth portion of the strap of Figure 1, highlighting
a semifinished link.
- Figure 6 shows in detail a semifinished link in the non-bent configuration.
- Figure 7 shows in detail the semifinished link of Figure 6 in the bent configuration,
forming a closed link.
- Figure 8 shows a first step of connecting links together according to the present
invention.
- Figure 9 shows a second step of connecting links together according to the present
invention.
- Figure 10 shows a third step of connecting links together according to the present
invention.
- Figure 11 shows a fourth step of connecting links together according to the present
invention.
[0032] The drawings show different aspects and embodiments of the present invention and,
where appropriate, similar structures, components, materials and/or elements are designated
in the various drawings by the same reference numerals.
[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]
[0033] Figure 1 shows an example of a strap 101 from which links for a chain according to
the present invention are obtained. The thickness of the strap 101, typically made
of precious metal, is such as to allow it to be easily worked, and is typically comprised
between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably 0.1 mm; the raw strap 101 is placed into a
suitable device, typically a shearing/bending machine, which processes it "continuously"
according to known mechanical working methods, so that different portions of the strap
101 represent different link processing stages. For this very reason, while describing
the sequence of processing operations to which the strap 101 is subjected, it is possible
to exemplify some steps of the process for producing chain links according to the
present invention. Said sequence of operations will be described in detail below with
reference to the portions 102, 103 and 104 of the strap 101.
[0034] Figure 2 shows in more detail the portion 102 of the strap 101. The processing of
the strap 101 begins by making a pilot hole 201 for centering the strap, located in
the middle of the width of the strap 101. The width of the strap 101 is such as to
allow creating links lying in a plane, and is typically comprised between 4 mm and
20 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm; in general, it is determined on the
basis of considerations about the desired link size. The pilot hole 201 will be used
as a reference during the next processing steps to which the strap 101 will be subjected;
the strap's feed pitch must be such as to allow the links to be formed for their entire
height, and is preferably comprised between 2 mm and 6 mm, more preferably 3 mm; in
general, it is determined on the basis of considerations about the desired link size.
[0035] The processing of the strap 101 continues with a first cutting 202 of the upper contour
of the link and a second cutting 203 of the lower contour of the link. As will be
described more in detail below, during the cutting steps 202 and 203 suitable recesses
are created in the link outline.
[0036] The processing of the strap 101 may optionally include a step of making light slots
204 that will be positioned on the side walls of the link, as will be described in
more detail below.
[0037] After this step, there is a step where no machining takes place; the processing of
the strap 101 may in fact include steps where no cutting or bending occurs, but which
allow to make room lengthwise between the various strap processing stations, where
the tools and actuators of the link-making device can be accommodated.
[0038] The processing of the strap 101 continues with a third cutting 205 of the contour
of a first end of the link and a fourth cutting 206 of the contour of a second end
of the link. Preferably, the cutting steps 205 and 206 take place simultaneously.
[0039] As can be seen, the flat outline 207 of the link is now created by development cutting
with less than four bridges of holding material, which keep the flat outline 207 constrained
to the strap 101 for the next processing steps. Of course, the material removed from
the strap is recovered and melt again, since it usually is precious metal.
[0040] The flat outline 207 has a main development direction which is transversal to the
strap 101 and, in general, to the feeding direction of the strap 101 during the process.
[0041] On the flat outline 207 one can immediately identify two ends which are defined by
the main development direction; on these two ends junction tines are obtained, preferably
two of them, arranged in a direction which in its turn is transversal to the main
direction, i.e. in this case parallel to the feeding direction of the strap 101. In
particular, the junction tines protrude from opposite edges of the flat outline 207,
in particular one facing in the feeding direction and the other facing in the direction
opposite to the feeding direction of the strap 101.
[0042] Four prongs, preferably smaller than the junction tines, can also be identified on
the flat outline 207, which are located at the edge of the outline 207 comprised between
the two ends.
[0043] On the flat outline 207 one can also identify a pair of slots on those portions of
the outline 207 that will be located on walls not engaged by the junction tines; said
slots in the link will allow more light to strike the gemstone, to advantage of the
brilliance and charm of the jewel. The presence of the slots is optional as far as
the processing of the strap is concerned, as will become apparent later on.
[0044] Figure 3 illustrates in more detail the portion 103 of the strap 101. The processing
of the strap 101 continues with the bending of the junction tines obtained in the
flat outline 207 constrained to the strap 101.
[0045] In particular, a first junction tine is bent 301 onto a first end, along a bending
line which is substantially parallel to the main development direction of the flat
outline 207. A second junction tine is then bent 302 onto a second end, still along
a bending line substantially parallel to the main development direction of the flat
outline 207, but in the direction opposite to the bending 301.
[0046] By so doing, both junction tines are bent on bending planes which are substantially
transversal to the plane of the strap 101 and of the outline 207.
[0047] Preferably, prior to said bendings 301 and 302, a shearing step is also carried out,
wherein the strap material is cut partially without detachment and the junction tines
remain connected to the outline, at the leading edge of each junction tine. This facilitates
the bending 301 and 302 of the tines without excessive local deformation of the material,
thus preventing it from breaking during the process or afterwards. The shearing step
is preferably carried out simultaneously with the cutting 205 and 206 of the ends
of the outline 207, or it may be carried out afterwards.
[0048] This step may be followed by further steps, e.g. three steps, where no processing
takes place.
[0049] The processing of the strap 101 then continues with a partial bending 303 of the
outline for raising both ends thereof, wherein the outline is bent along two respective
bending lines which are transversal to the main development direction of the outline
itself, so as to partially raise the tines, which will thus face outwards from the
strap 101.
[0050] In order to properly and easily carry out the partial bending 303, it is well known
to score and/or carve the strap material at the bending line near the inner bending
edge, i.e. on the strap surface facing up in the drawing.
[0051] The processing of the strap 101 then continues with a further final bending 304,
wherein the ends of the strap 101 are further bent to obtain the desired configuration;
in this case, they are placed on a bending plane which is orthogonal to the plane
of the strap 101.
[0052] Figure 4 illustrates in more detail the portion 104 of the strap 101.
[0053] After an appropriate number of steps where preferably no processing takes place following
the bending 304, a configuration of the outline 401 is obtained wherein the junction
tines face outwards from the outline with respect to the axis of the strap, thus being
aligned with the main development direction of the link outline.
[0054] The semifinished outline 402 thus obtained can then be detached from the strap 101
by shearing the material bridges on the lower and upper edges of the outline.
[0055] The semifinished outline 402 will then be picked up by an automated transport mechanism
and subjected to additional processing steps that will be described below, including
further bending steps for creating the chain link.
[0056] In fact, once the link outline has been obtained by pressing, it must be further
worked in order to be closed and connected into a chain.
[0057] Figure 5 illustrates in more detail the configurations 303 and 304, wherein the outline
is bent in order to raise the junction tines. Said Figure highlights the main development
direction 501 of the link, which is, in fact, transversal to the strap 101, and which
defines the two ends 502 and 503 where the junction tines are located, which are first
bent and then raised outwards from the outline, as previously described. In particular,
the junction tines are first obtained with directions transversal to the development
direction 501; next, they are bent on bending planes which are transversal to the
axis of the flat strap; then they are raised by bending the outline, so as to become
transversal to the bending lines that will be used for making the link, as will be
further described below.
[0058] Figure 6 illustrates in detail one variant of the semifinished outline 601 of a link
according to the present invention; the semifinished outline 601 essentially corresponds
to the semifinished outline 402, without however the optional slots for allowing the
light through the link.
[0059] The semifinished outline 601 comprises, as already shown, a pair of junction tines
602 and 603, which face outwards from the semifinished outline 601.
[0060] The semifinished outline 601 further comprises four prongs 604 that will be used
for setting a gem inside the link, once the latter is completed
[0061] The semifinished outline 601 further comprises a first central recess 605, formed
on the lower edge of the link, and also a respective second central recess 606 formed
on the upper edge of the link, where also the prongs are located. The central recesses
605 and 606, which are preferably symmetrical to each other, allow reducing the height
of the link in order to make it compatible with the pitch of the junction tines, as
will become apparent below.
[0062] The method for making a link comprises a further processing step wherein the semifinished
outline 601 is bent three-dimensionally, i.e. the outline is bent along two respective
bending lines which are still transversal to the main development direction of the
outline 601 itself, so as to raise the side walls of the link.
[0063] Figure 7 illustrates the link 701 obtained by bending the semifinished outline 601
as described above, wherein the same elements are designated by the same reference
numerals.
[0064] As can be appreciated, the further bending along lines transversal to the main development
direction of the outline allows the ends of the link to be placed against each other
to create a closed loop. In this manner, the link 701 forms a substantially box-like
structure with four transversal bending lines, with curved corners and without a bottom.
[0065] Therefore, the link ends to be matched have a compatible shape, e.g. as shown in
the drawing. In general, the ends of the outline have such a shape as to ensure a
perfect coupling when the outline is bent to form the link, which can then be further
subjected to local welding in order to obtain a strong junction.
[0066] In the link 701, the junction tines 603 and 604 face outwards, and one can appreciate
that the thickness of the junction tines equals that of the link walls, since all
these elements are obtained from the same metal strap having a constant thickness.
[0067] Once bent, the junction tines 603 and 604 turn out to lie on respective bending lines
which are transversal to the four bending lines along which the outline was bent,
as previously described.
[0068] In particular, the distance between the planes in which the junction tines 603 and
604 lie is equal to or slightly greater than the height of the link at the recesses
605 and 606; this advantageously allows the links to be connected together into a
chain, as will be described below.
[0069] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therefore, the chain
link 701 for jewelry and goldsmith's applications comprises side walls bent around
a central axis, thus creating a box-like shape having a substantially polygonal cross-section;
inside, the link is completely hollow, and there is a through aperture at the central
axis. The setting, i.e. that portion into which the gem is to be set, is formed in
the region of the link 701 that comprises the prongs 604. The gem rests on suitable
support surfaces, and the prongs 604, when bent downwards, hold the gem within the
setting.
[0070] Figure 8 illustrates an initial step for connecting the links into a chain according
to the present invention. A semifinished outline 601, obtained through the above-described
pressing process, is brought near a link 701. The link 701 is preferably already connected
to a plurality of links 801 connected together into a chain.
[0071] Figure 9 illustrates a second step for connecting the links into a chain according
to the present invention. The semifinished outline 601 is inserted, at its recesses,
into the junction tines of the adjacent link 701, this coupling being allowed by the
particular geometry of the recesses and of the tines, as previously described.
[0072] Figure 10 illustrates a third step for connecting the links into a chain according
to the present invention. The link 701 is further processed by bending the junction
tines inwards, until they are placed substantially against each other. This creates
the linking of the chain.
[0073] The link 701 is thus connected into a chain, having become similar to the above-mentioned
links 801.
[0074] Preferably, the countered junction tines are welded together head to head by local
laser welding 1001 in order to improve the strength of the chain.
[0075] Figure 11 illustrates a fourth step for connecting the links into a chain according
to the present invention. The outline 601 is in fact bent, as previously described,
into the configuration 701 shown in the drawing.
[0076] Preferably, a local laser welding 1011 is carried out on the ends 502 and 503, which
have been placed against each other as previously described, in order to further improve
the strength of the chain.
[0077] This leads to a chain configuration wherein the linking is complete; when comparing
Figure 11 and Figure 8, one can appreciate that the chains shown therein are the same,
except for a different number of links. It is therefore apparent that, according to
the present invention, the chain can then be fed by a distance equal to its pitch,
and then the above-described steps can be repeated in order to create a new link.
[0078] In particular, an automatic device can be conceived for making chain links and chains
for jewelry and goldsmith's applications, which comprises means configured for implementing
the above-described method. As can be understood, a link according to the present
invention is well suited for production by means of fully automated machinery, during
a "sequential" process for creating a chain of interconnected links. Because of the
effectiveness of the method for making a chain link according to the present invention,
some existing machinery can advantageously be adapted and re-configured for implementing
the method proposed herein.
[0079] A chain for jewelry and goldsmith's applications comprising a plurality of links
made in accordance with the present invention is very strong, because the stress generated
when placing the gem into the setting is distributed evenly along the entire edge
of the link, without any free corners weakening the structure.
[0080] Furthermore, the connection between the links by means of junction tines coupled
to respective recesses of an adjacent link allows the chain to remain in the correct
position when worn, i.e. with the gems exposed and without any torsion about the longitudinal
axis. In addition to saving material, a chain link made in accordance with the present
invention also allows reducing the height of the link itself to approx. 1.10 mm. This
change of proportions, which can advantageously be attained through the method of
the present invention, further contributes to improving the behaviour of the chain
when it is worn as a necklace, with less tendency to overturn.
[0081] In the light of the above description of some preferred and advantageous embodiments
of the present invention, it will be apparent to the man skilled in the art that the
invention may be subject to further modifications and variations.
[0082] For example, it is clear that links having different cross-sections than the one
described herein, e.g. rectangular or circular or hexagonal or octagonal, can be made,
as well as more complex shapes, e.g. elliptical or lobed ones, by simply bending the
flat outline in a different manner, along at least one bending line.
[0083] Furthermore, if the link dimensions allow, the number of tines may be greater than
two, typically always in pairs.
1. A method for making a chain link for jewelry and goldsmith's applications, comprising the steps of:
- cutting (202, 203, 205, 206) an outline (207, 601) from a flat metal strap (101),
said outline (207, 601) having a main development direction (501) that defines two
ends (502, 503) of said outline (207, 601), wherein said outline comprises at least
two junction tines (602, 603), each one of said at least two junction tines (602,
603) being situated at a respective one of said two ends (502, 503), said junction
tines being arranged on said flat metal strap (101) in a direction transversal to
said main development direction (501);
- bending (301, 302) said at least two junction tines (602, 603) to bring them on
respective bending planes which are transversal to the plane of said flat metal strap
(101);
- bending (303, 304) said outline (401, 701) along at least one bending line which
is transversal to said main development direction (501), thus placing said two ends
(502, 503) against each other to close said link (701), wherein said junction tines
(602, 603) face outwards from said link (701).
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each one of said junction tines (602, 603)
is sheared for facilitating said bending (301, 302) of said at least two junction
tines (602, 603), and wherein said at least two junction tines (602, 603) protrude
from opposite edges of said outline (207) on said flat metal strap (101) with respect
to said main development direction.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said outline (207) comprises at least
one central recess (605, 606) adapted to reduce the height of said link (601, 701),
and wherein said respective bending planes are different from each other and are spaced
apart by a distance which is equal to or greater than said height of said link (601,
701) at said at least one central recess (605, 606).
4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of: inserting said at least
two junction tines (602, 603) into a recess of a corresponding adjacent link (601)
to create said chain (801).
5. A method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of: further bending said
at least two junction tines (602, 603) around said adjacent link (601) to place them
against each other in order to create a linking of said chain (801), wherein said
junction tines (602, 603) are preferably welded (1001) together head to head.
6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said ends (502, 503) placed
against each other have compatible shapes when countered, and further comprising the
step of: welding (1011) together said ends placed against each other.
7. A chain link (701) for jewelry and goldsmith's applications, comprising:
- a central body having an outline (207) cut from a flat metal strap (101), said outline
(207) having a main development direction (501) defining two ends (502, 503) of said
outline (207), wherein said outline is bent along at least one bending line which
is transversal to said main development direction (501), thus placing said two ends
(502, 503) against each other to close said link (701),
- and further comprising at least two junction tines (602, 603) facing outwards from
said link (701), each one of said at least two junction tines (602, 603) being situated
at a respective one of said two ends (502, 503), characterized in that:
said junction tines (602, 603) are formed in said flat metal strap (101), having directions
that are transversal to said main development direction (501), wherein said at least
two junction tines are further bent (301, 302) on respective bending planes which
are transversal to said at least one bending line along which said outline was bent
(303, 304).
8. A link according to claim 7, wherein said junction tines (602, 603) comprise a sheared
portion obtained from opposite edges of said outline with respect to said main development
direction (501).
9. A link according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said link (601, 701) comprises at least
one central recess (605, 606) that reduces the height thereof, and wherein the distance
between said junction tines (602, 603) is equal to or greater than said height of
said link at said at least one central recess (605, 606).
10. A link according to claim 9, wherein said junction tines (602, 603) and said at least
one central recess (605, 606) are adapted to be coupled between adjacent links (801)
for creating a chain.
11. A link according to claim 10, wherein said junction tines (602, 603) are adapted to
be bent around said adjacent link (601) until they are placed against each other,
being preferably welded together (1001) head to head.
12. A link according to any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising at least four of said transversal
bending lines, wherein said central body has a substantially box-like shape, its cross-section
being preferably circular or polygonal, with or without smoothed corners.
13. A link according to claim 12, further comprising a plurality of prongs (604) adapted
to hold at least one gem within said central body, said prongs (604) being located
on at least one support surface formed on at least one edge of said outline (207)
other than said ends (502,503).
14. A chain for jewelry and goldsmith's applications, comprising a plurality of links (801) according to any one of claims 9 to 13.
15. A device for making chain links for jewelry and goldsmith's applications, comprising means configured for producing links according to the method of any one
of claims 1 to 6.