HK1110179B - Clip for jewellery - Google Patents

Description

Jewelry clamp

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a clip for jewellery which acts as a link between a necklace and jewellery pieces such as pendants.

Background

Since ancient times, women and jewelry were inseparable. Women generally prefer to wear jewelry because jewelry symbolizes wealth. Wealthy people are willing to spend hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to obtain an elegant or rare piece of jewellery or to have a collection of various jewellery items so that they can wear different pieces of jewellery according to different clothes to suit different occasions and moods. Unfortunately, to be able to match these garments, moods or occasions, a large collection of jewelry must be obtained, which is only possible if one has a wealth of property. Thus, less abundant people have to be provided with fewer jewelry to be dazzled.

The above concessions are due to the fact that jewellery items in general, and in particular pendants or hanging boxes, will comprise precious stones made of gold or silver. A decorative pendant loop or simply loop forms part of the housing for mounting the gemstone and is a fixed part through which a necklace is threaded. Due to the permanence of the pendant loop, the wearer cannot wear a necklace having an overall diameter greater than the circumference of the pendant loop with the particular pendant piece. This means that the flexibility of interchanging different necklaces and pendants is limited, i.e. by whether the pendant loop can accommodate the overall diameter of the necklace, due to its size dependence. In other words, a person wishing to wear a number of different jewellery pieces on different garments or occasions must indeed have a collection of a considerable number of jewellery pieces, and the interchangeability of jewellery pieces is largely limited.

Another disadvantage of conventional types of pendants with permanently fixed eye loops is that no change can be obtained by wearing a combination of two or three small pieces of jewellery pieces at the same time, which can give the wearer a more attractive and impressive effect, or give the wearer the impression that a new piece of jewellery has been obtained.

It is very expensive for jewelry wearers to purchase larger decorative pendant loops to ensure that they match necklaces or chains of different thicknesses and girths.

It would be extremely advantageous and cost effective if a decorative clip could be obtained which is not only simple to use, but also versatile by allowing the exchange of jewellery pieces and combination with a necklace without being limited by the circumference of the pendant loop. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide such a clip.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that operates with a single application of finger pressure, which is capable of connecting a wide range of necklaces with a wide range of pendants;

it is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that operates with a single application of finger pressure, which clip can be used with large diameter chains and necklaces, including pearl necklaces;

it is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that is operated by a single application of finger pressure, which is simple and easy to use;

another object of the invention is to provide a versatile clip for jewellery having an integral latch that operates with a single application of finger pressure, which clip allows for quick replacement of jewellery pieces on a case-by-case basis, and which provides the wearer with the flexibility to interchange jewellery items without being limited by the size of the sling;

it is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that operates with a single application of finger pressure, which clip allows for the simultaneous wearing of at least two pieces of pendant, thereby making the combination a more impressive and eye-catching whole;

it is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that operates with a single application of finger pressure, the clip acting as a modifier to any pendant that can impart a new style to an old or ordinary piece of jewelry;

it is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that operates with a single application of finger pressure, allowing a user to clasp the versatile clip for jewelry on a necklace, even when the necklace is worn on the neck;

it is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that is operated by a single application of finger pressure, the clip being capable of being used to hold a ring by positioning in a hole;

another object of the present invention is to provide a versatile clip for jewellery having an integral latch that operates with a single application of finger pressure, which clip allows some variation so that a person without too many jewellery pieces can appear to have a collection of an appropriate amount of jewellery;

it is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clip for jewelry having an integral latch that is operated by a single application of finger pressure, the clip being capable of holding a pendant captive in a locked condition;

these and other objects are achieved by the present invention, which provides in a first aspect:

a clip 2 comprising a loop portion 4 to which a first jewellery piece can be attached, and a gate portion 6 attached to the loop portion, the gate portion being moveable between an open position in which the loop portion 4 is open so that the first jewellery piece can be attached to and removed from the loop portion 4 and a closed position in which the loop portion is closed so that the first jewellery piece cannot be removed from the loop portion 4, wherein the clip further comprises a jewellery engaging means 18, a second jewellery piece being attachable to and removable from the engaging means 18 when the gate portion 6 is open but not removable from the engaging means 18 when the gate portion 6 is closed.

This arrangement preferably ensures that the first jewellery piece, which in use is attached to the loop portion, is held separately from the second jewellery piece, which in use is attached to the jewellery engaging means, on the clip. In other words, the first and second jewellery pieces cannot be interchanged with one another once the gate portion is closed. Thus, preferably, closure of the gate portion prevents movement of the first jewellery piece from the loop portion to the jewellery engaging means. And preferably the closure of the gate portion constrains the second jewellery piece to the jewellery engaging means. Preferably, the second jewellery piece is prevented from moving from the jewellery engaging means onto the loop or gate portion.

Suitably, the loop portion and the gate portion enclose a first jewellery piece aperture which is formed when the gate portion is in the closed position. Preferably, the clip receives a first jewellery piece in the first jewellery piece aperture formed between the loop and gate portions. Furthermore, for example, a second jewellery piece may be accommodated on the jewellery piece engaging means whilst the first jewellery piece is retained on the clip by the loop and gate portions. When the gate portion is closed, the second jewellery piece cannot be removed from the jewellery piece engaging means. Preferably, the jewellery engaging means defines a second jewellery piece aperture when the gate portion is closed, wherein the first jewellery piece cannot move from the first jewellery piece aperture to the second jewellery piece aperture when the gate portion is closed. Likewise, when the gate portion is closed, preferably the second jewellery piece cannot move from the second jewellery piece aperture to the first jewellery piece aperture.

Two or more jewellery pieces may be attached to the loop and gate portions, for example in the first jewellery piece aperture 12. For example, a chain and a "loop" type pendant can both be received in the aperture 12 formed by closing the loop and gate portions. Another jewellery piece may be attached to the second jewellery piece engaging means, for example to the second jewellery piece aperture 13 formed by the jewellery engaging means when the gate portion is closed.

Reference herein to jewellery piece is to any piece or member of jewellery that can be suitably connected or linked to another piece or member of jewellery. Typically, these jewellery pieces will have a loop or other means by which they can be attached to the clip; in some cases (e.g., a chain) they may be a ring. In particular, the term "jewellery piece" refers to pendants and chains. Thus, in one embodiment, the first jewellery piece is a chain (necklace) which is retained in the loop portion when closed by the gate portion, and the second jewellery piece is a pendant which is retained on the jewellery engaging means when the gate portion is closed. Of course the arrangement could be reversed, with the chain being attached to the jewellery engaging means and the pendant being retained in the loop and gate portions.

Preferably, the jewellery piece engaging means 18 comprises a hook. A hook is preferred because it is relatively easy to attach a jewellery piece (e.g. a pendant) to a hook, and the open end of the hook can be closed to prevent removal of the jewellery piece. Alternatives to hooks may also be used.

Preferably, the gate portion 6 is connected to the loop portion 4 by a hinge so that the two portions can move relative to each other. However, alternative connections between the ring portion and the gate portion may be used.

Preferably, the door part 6 and the loop part 4 comprise locking means 11, such that in the closed position the loop part is in locking engagement with the door part. Suitably, if the clip includes a locking arrangement, no special locking mechanism is required, such as double wire loops (double wire loops) for securing the carrier. However, the clip may not include the locking means, include a wire lock (wire lock), or both the locking means and a wire lock to secure the loop portion and the gate portion together.

Preferably the locking means causes one or both of the loop and gate portions 4, 6 to deform during closure of the clip.

Preferably, the locking means is provided by a flange, point or protrusion on one of the engaging ends 10A, 10B of the loop and gate portions 4, 6 respectively.

Preferably, the flange 11 is formed as part of the curved profile of one of the respective engaging ends 10A, 10B.

Preferably, the locking means provides a resistance or barrier to movement of the two engaging ends when they are moved together. Preferably, the locking means causes one or both of the loop portion and the gate portion (e.g. the engaging end thereof) to deform (e.g. such that a force such as finger pressure must be applied to overcome the resistance) during closure of the clip. Once the resistance has been overcome (e.g. the engaging end has moved past the locking means, the overlap increases) the loop and gate portions preferably return to their normal shape.

Suitably, the locking means is provided by a flange or tip on one of the two engaging ends (such as the ring portion) which acts as a barrier, or a projection or protrusion on one of the two engaging ends (such as the ring portion).

Preferably, the jewellery piece engaging means is located on the loop portion. Alternatively, the jewellery engaging means may be located on the gate portion.

Preferably, the jewellery piece engaging means 18 is located outside the loop portion 4.

Preferably, the loop portion 4 and the gate portion 6 are curved.

Preferably, a substantially elliptical aperture is formed between the loop portion and the gate portion when the gate portion is in the closed position. A first jewellery piece, such as a chain, can be attached to the clip by opening the gate portion, surrounding the jewellery piece between the loop portion and the gate portion, and closing the clip. Alternatively or additionally, a jewellery piece may be attached to the clip by passing it through the aperture, i.e. without opening the gate portion.

Preferably, in the closed position, the respective engaging ends 10A, 10B of the loop portion 4 and gate portion 6 are in an overlapping arrangement.

Preferably, in the closed position, the loop portion engaging end 10A is located outside the gate portion engaging end 10B.

Preferably, one or both of the engaging ends 10A, 10B include overlap limiting means to limit the extent of overlap of the engaging ends.

Preferably, the overlap limiting means comprises a lateral projection 26 projecting from an inner surface 28 of the ring-like or gate portion 4.

Preferably, the engaging end 10A of the loop portion 4 includes a recess or cut-out 16A to accommodate the jewellery piece engaging means 18.

Preferably, the hook 18 has an end 20 and an unsecured end 24, the end 20 being permanently secured to the outer surface 22 of the loop portion 4 adjacent the base 16C of the recess 16A, the unsecured end 24 extending freely into the recess 16A. In fact, the hook (or other engagement means) may be secured to any portion of the loop portion.

Preferably said engaging end 10B of the gate portion 6 is also provided with a notch 16B to surround the free unfixed end 24 of the hook 18 to hold the second jewellery piece captive when the gate portion is closed. Alternatively, the hook (or other engaging means) may be secured to the gate portion with its free end extending into a recess at the engaging end of the gate portion, and the loop portion has a recess surrounding the free end of the hook to hold the second jewellery piece captive when the gate portion is closed.

Preferably, the recess and hook are arranged so as to maintain the loop portion and the gate portion in alignment. Thus, a sliding fit is preferably employed between the groove and the ring portion.

Preferably the width of the notch 16B of the gate portion 6 (or the notch of the loop portion in the alternative arrangement) is narrower than the width of the notch 16A of the loop portion (or the gate portion in the alternative arrangement) so that the unsecured end 24 of the hook 18 is snugly encompassed thereby holding any jewellery piece captive on the hook 18.

A similar arrangement may be used for other engagement means.

Preferably, the gate portion can be opened and closed by applying finger pressure. Preferably, only a single application of finger pressure is required. Suitably, the clip comprises lever means 30 for assisting the opening of the gate portion 6. Preferably, the lever means comprises a lateral projection 30 projecting from an outer surface 32 of the gate portion 6.

The features of the preferred arrangements described below, as well as the embodiments described in the detailed description, may be applied to the clip of the first aspect described above, either individually or in any combination.

In the following description, including the detailed description, the terms "front piece" and "back piece" are examples of a ring portion and a door portion, respectively.

In a preferred arrangement, the present invention provides a self-locking versatile clip 2 for use with a single application of finger pressure, the clip comprising a front member 4 and a rear member 6 having curved profiles and hinged at one end, and respective engaging ends 10A, 10B of the front and rear members 4, 6 opposite the hinge 8 being capable of being integrally locked to present a central aperture 12; said engagement end 10A of the front element 4 opposite the hinge 8 is provided with an indented (anchored) recess 16A for receiving a hook 18, the hook 18 having an end 20 and an unsecured end 24, said end 20 being permanently secured to the outer surface 22 of the front element 4 near the base 16C of the indented recess 16A, the unsecured end 24 extending freely into the indented recess 16A; the engaging end 10B of the rear part 6 opposite the hinge 8 is also provided with a recessed recess 16B to snugly surround the free unfixed end 24 of the hook 18 to retain the pendant when the engaging ends 10A, 10B are locked in interlocking relation; at a predetermined position near the base 16C of the indented groove 16A, the front member 4 is also provided with a lateral projection 26 projecting from an inner surface 28 of the front member 4, the projection 26 serving as a means for limiting the overlap of the engaging end 10B of the rear member 6 on the engaging end 10A of the front member, thereby maintaining the shape of the clip.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a jewellery piece comprising a clip according to the first aspect, wherein the jewellery piece comprises a chain which is accommodated between the loop and gate portions, and a pendant which is connected to the jewellery piece engaging means.

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising a clip according to the first aspect, the kit comprising two or more chains and two or more pendants, wherein a selected chain can be interchangeably attached to any one of the pendants by: opening the clip, placing the selected chain between the loop portion and the gate portion of the clip, placing the selected pendant on the jewellery piece engaging means, and closing the clip.

Drawings

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated upon reading the detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a locked state;

FIG. 1-A shows a two-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a locked state;

FIG. 1-B shows a cross-section through the center of symmetry of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the front piece of the universal jewelry clip disassembled;

FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the rear component of the universal jewelry clip disassembled;

figure 4 shows a two-dimensional view of the front and rear components disassembled.

Detailed Description

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of embodiments given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale.

Referring to fig. 1, a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of a universal clip 2 in a locked position includes two components, a front component 4 and a rear component 6, joined by a hinge 8. The front and rear members 4, 6 each have a curved profile, thus creating a central aperture 12, preferably of oval configuration, when the respective engaging ends 10A, 10B of the front and rear members 4, 6 are in interlocking relationship (the engagement being explained below) to form an integral latch. The size and configuration of the apertures 12 depends on the length and contour of the front and rear members 4, 6 and can be made to accommodate necklaces of different sizes and configurations.

Referring to fig. 1-a, there is shown a two-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a locked state. In the locked state, the inner surface of the engaging end 10A of the front member 4 is in contact with the outer surface of the engaging end 10B of the rear member 6; in fig. 1-a, the contact surface is enlarged and indicated by reference numeral 14. The contact surfaces 14 of the first and second engagement ends 10A, 10B form a secure latch.

Referring to fig. 1-B, a cross-section through the centre of symmetry of fig. 1 shows the clip 2 in its locked state, and the preferred location of the unsecured free end 24 of the hook 18, the unsecured free end 24 being surrounded by the indented groove 16B of the engaging end 10B of the back member 6, thereby enabling a pendant (not shown) to be tethered.

Referring to fig. 2, there is shown a three-dimensional view of the front piece 4 with the universal clip 2 disassembled. The front member 4 has a curved profile with a first hinged end 8A and a first engaging end 10A arranged thereon. The first hinged end 8A is configured to complementarily fit the second hinged end 8B of the back member 6 (see fig. 1 and 3). The first engagement end 10A opposite the first hinged end 8A has a first indented notch 16A, preferably U-shaped, to receive a hook 18 between the sides of the first U-shaped indented notch 16A. The hook 18 has a fixed end 20, the fixed end 20 being permanently disposed on an outer surface 22 of the front member 4, and preferably at a predetermined location near the base 16C of the first indented notch 16A, while the free unsecured end 24 terminates above the inner surface of the first U-shaped indented notch 16A. The front member 4 is also provided with a lateral projection 26 projecting from an inner surface 28 thereof at a predetermined surface near the base 16C of the first U-shaped indented notch 16A. The lateral projection 26 may be configured such that one side thereof projects from the inner surface 28 of the front member 4, acting as a stop, while the opposite side thereof meets or tapers along the curved surface of the inner surface 28 of the front member 4. Lateral projections or stops 26 on the inner surface 28 of the front member 4 are used to prevent the second engaging member 10B of the back member 6 from exceeding a preferred point when engaging the first engaging end 10A, thereby preventing deformation of the curved surface of the aperture and thus keeping the shape of the clip constant.

Referring to fig. 3, a three-dimensional view of the back component 6 with the universal clip 2 disassembled. The back member 6 also has a curved profile with a second hinged end 8B and a second engaging end 10B arranged thereon. The second hinged end 8B is configured to complementarily fit the first hinged end 8A of the front member 4 (see fig. 1 and 2). The second engagement end 10B opposite the second hinged end 8B has a second indented notch 16B, preferably U-shaped, to receive and surround the hook 18 when the second engagement end 10B of the back member 6 is in interlocking relationship with the first engagement end 10A of the front member 4. The gap width of the second indented notch 16B is sized to snugly surround the hook 18 without leaving a large gap to prevent the pendant from slipping off the hook 18, and is preferably narrower than the gap width of the first indented notch 16A of the front member 4. So that the pendant is restrained and there is no possibility that the pendant or hanging box will fall off the hook 18 once the engaging ends 10A, 10B are in the locked state.

The front member 4 is preferably longer than the rear member 6 so that when the first hinged end 8A of the front member 4 is complementarily joined to the second hinged end 8B of the rear member 6 to form the hinge 8, the hinge 8 will not be visible from the front. This is not only for aesthetic purposes but also to facilitate a good resilient effect of the front part 4 opening and closing the latch.

Referring to fig. 4, there is shown a two-dimensional view of the front and rear members 4, 6. The front part 4 comprises a "C" shaped configuration, but with the portion with the hinge 8 protruding longer than the portion with the first engaging end 10A, while the rear part 6 comprises a configuration similar to a partial "C" shaped cross-section (transverse cut), where only the second engaging end 10B appears curved. Fig. 4 also shows the distance between the center of the first hinged end 8A and the central contact point of the first engaging end 10A of the front member 4, indicated by the numeral 38, which is equal to the distance between the center of the second hinged end 8B and the lowest or outermost peripheral point of the second engaging end 10B of the rear member 6, indicated by "x". In the locked or unlocked state, the distance between the center of the hinged end 8A, 8B and the center contact point 38 of the engaging end 10A, 10B is always constant. The tip 11 of the first engaging end 10A terminates at a point above the central contact point 38, the tip 11 acting as a barrier or stop so that when the first and second engaging ends 10A, 10B are brought to push against each other by the application of finger pressure, the second engaging end 10B will forcefully push the tip 11 on the first engaging end 10A (the tip being at the higher point), which will temporarily cause the front piece 4 to spring downward and the rear piece 6 to spring upward, thereby causing the second engaging end 10B to be able to pass the tip 11 on the first engaging end 10A. After passing over the initial obstacle or obstruction, i.e. the tip 11 on the first engagement end 10A, the front and rear members 4, 6 spring back to their equilibrium positions and the distance between the center of the hinged ends 8, 8A and the contact point 38 is maintained at the distance before engagement, which is indicated by "x" in fig. 4. It should be noted that the distance indicated by "x" in figure 4 need not be a suitable distance, and may vary depending on the length of the front and rear members 4, 6 and their curvature, but is the same for both members 4, 6 of a single clip. The latch of the present invention is operated by the above-mentioned spring effect made possible by the construction of the front and rear members 4, 6. Due to the interlocking relationship between the engaging ends 10A, 10B and the higher tip 11 on the first engaging end 10A, the latch is prevented from disengaging without applying any external force.

To unlock the versatile clip 2, the rear member 6 is also provided with a lateral lever 30 projecting from its outer surface 32 for finger placement at a predetermined location near the base 34 of the second U-shaped groove 16B. The latch is unlatched by applying sufficient finger pressure on the lever 30, as indicated by the direction of arrow "a", to separate the engaging ends 10A, 10B from one another.

When the necklace is worn on a neck, one or more pendants may first be hung from the hook 18 before the front and rear members 4, 6 of the versatile clip 2 are positioned to be clamped or clasped to the necklace. The advantage of being able to clamp the versatile clip to the necklace while the necklace is being worn on the neck is to provide the user with more convenience and to reduce the time spent dressing up, since the user does not have to remove the necklace each time he intends to change a different pendant to see if it matches the user's suit. This is not possible without the universal clip.

Although the apertures have been described and illustrated in some detail as being oval in configuration, the above is not the only configuration or shape that can be used. For example, the hole may have a circular or rectangular configuration, however the advantage according to the invention lies in the fact that: the present invention can provide the flexibility to interchange jewellery pieces or combine them without having to remove the item to which the versatile jewellery clip is attached.

Although the first and second setbacks have been described and illustrated in considerable detail as being provided in grooves of generally "U" shaped cross-section, the above is not the only configuration or shape that may be employed, for example, the setback grooves may be "V" shaped or square, however the advantage according to the invention lies in the fact that: the present invention can provide the flexibility to interchange jewellery pieces or combine them without having to remove the item to which the versatile jewellery clip is attached.

Although the hooks have been described and illustrated in some detail as being provided on the outer surface of the front member, the hooks may also be provided on the outer surface of the rear member.

It will also be appreciated that although the universal clip has been described and illustrated in considerable detail for use with various jewellery items or accessories, the above is not the only use of the clip. The clip may also be used for decorative purposes to clip onto bracelets and chains.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been disclosed in the foregoing detailed description, the invention is not limited thereto but only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (28)

1. A clip (2) for jewellery, comprising:

(a) a ring-shaped portion (4);

(b) a door portion (6);

(c) -means (8) for connecting the loop-like portion (4) to the gate portion (6);

(d) engagement means for locking the loop portion (4) to the gate portion (6) when the gate portion (6) is rotated to engage with the loop portion (4) to connect a first jewellery piece;

(e) a jewellery piece engaging means (18) for engaging a second jewellery piece;

the method is characterized in that:

said loop portion (4) having a notch or cut-out portion (16A) at its engaging end (10A), the notch or cut-out portion (16A) accommodating an unsecured end (24) of said jewellery piece engaging means (18);

said gate portion (6) having a recess at its engaging end (10B) which surrounds a portion of said unsecured end (24) of said jewellery piece engaging means (18) when said gate portion (6) is rotated to engage with said loop portion (4);

said jewellery piece engaging means (18) having one end secured to the outer surface (22) of said loop portion (4) and another unsecured end (24) extending freely into a recess or cut-out portion (16A), forming an externally located jewellery piece engaging means (18), the jewellery piece engaging means (18) acting as a bail to enable attachment or removal of at least one second jewellery piece when the gate portion (6) is open and not to enable removal of the jewellery piece when the gate portion (6) is closed to surround the unsecured end (24);

the engagement means to lock the loop portion (4) to the gate portion (6) are located on the engagement ends (10A, 10B) of the loop portion (4) and the gate portion (6).

2. A clip (2) according to claim 1, wherein the jewellery piece engaging means (18) comprises a hook.

3. A clip (2) according to claim 1, wherein the jewellery piece engaging means (18) is located outside the loop and gate portions (4, 6).

4. A clip (2) according to claim 1, wherein the loop portion (4) and gate portion (6) are curved.

5. A clip (2) according to claim 1, wherein a first jewellery piece aperture (12) is formed between the loop and gate portions (4, 6) when the gate portion (6) is in the closed position, a first jewellery piece passing through the first jewellery piece aperture (12), and a second jewellery piece aperture (13) is formed externally by one of the engaging ends (10A, 10B) by the surrounding of the jewellery piece engaging means (18), through which second jewellery piece is attached.

6. A clip (2) according to claim 5, wherein the first jewellery piece aperture (12) is a substantially oval aperture.

7. A clip (2) according to claim 1, wherein, in the closed position, the respective engaging ends (10A, 10B) of the loop (4) and gate (6) portions are in an overlapping arrangement.

8. A clip (2) according to claim 1, wherein in the closed position the loop portion engaging end (10A) is located outwardly of the gate portion engaging end (10B).

9. A clip (2) according to claim 8, including overlap limiting means to limit the extent of overlap of the engaging ends (10A, 10B).

10. A clip (2) according to claim 9, wherein the overlap limiting means for limiting the extent of overlap of the engaging ends (10A, 10B) comprises a lateral projection (26) projecting from an inner surface (28) of the loop (4) or gate (6).

11. A clip (2) according to claim 3, wherein the locking of the engaging means is such that one or both of the loop and gate portions (4, 6) deform during closure of the clip.

12. A clip (2) according to claim 11, wherein the engagement means is provided by a flange, point or protrusion on one of the respective engaging ends (10A, 10B) of the loop and gate portions (4, 6).

13. A clip (2) according to claim 12, wherein the flange (11) is formed as part of a curved profile of one of the respective engaging ends (10A, 10B).

14. A clip (2) according to claim 2, wherein the hook (18) has one end (20) permanently fixed to the outer surface (22) of the loop portion (4) adjacent the base (16C) of the recess (16A) and an unsecured end (24) extending freely into the recess (16A).

15. A clip (2) according to claim 14, wherein said engaging end (10B) of the gate portion (6) is also provided with a notch (16B) to surround the free unfixed end (24) of the hook (18) to hold captive at least a second jewellery piece when the gate portion (6) is closed.

16. A clip according to claim 15, wherein the width of the notch (16B) of the gate portion (6) is narrower than the width of the notch (16A) of the loop portion (4) so that the unsecured end (24) of the hook (18) is snugly encompassed thereby retaining any jewellery piece captive on the hook (18).

17. A clip (2) according to claim 14, wherein the gate portion comprises a lateral lever (30) projecting from an outer surface (32) of the gate portion (6) at a predetermined position adjacent a base (16C) of the indented groove (16A) for providing finger leverage for unlocking.

18. A clip (2) according to claim 1, wherein the clip is operable by the application of finger pressure, the loop portion comprising a front part (4), the gate portion comprising a rear part (6), both having a curved profile and being connected at one end by a hinge (8), and respective engaging ends (10A, 10B) of the front and rear parts (4, 6) opposite the hinge (8) being capable of being locked together to form a central aperture (12) for receiving a first jewellery piece; -said engaging end (10A) of said front element (4) opposite the hinge (8) is provided with a recessed groove (16A) to accommodate the jewellery piece engaging means comprising a hook (18), said hook (18) having one end (20) permanently fixed to the outer surface (22) of the front element (4) near the base (16C) of the recessed groove (16A) and an unsecured end (24) freely extending into the recessed groove (16A); the engaging end (10B) of the rear part (6) opposite the hinge (8) is also provided with a recessed recess (16B) to snugly surround the free unfixed end (24) of the hook (18) to retain captive the second jewellery piece when the engaging ends (10A, 10B) are locked in interlocking relationship.

19. A clip (2) according to claim 18, wherein the engagement means is provided by a flange, point or protrusion on one of the respective engaging ends (10A, 10B) of the loop and gate portions (4, 6).

20. A clip (2) according to claim 18, wherein, at a predetermined position near the base (16C) of the indented groove (16A), the front member (4) is further provided with a lateral projection (26) projecting from an inner surface (28) of the front member (4), the projection (26) serving as a means of limiting the overlapping of the engaging end (10B) of the rear member (6) on the engaging end (10A) of the front member, thereby maintaining the shape of the clip.

21. A clip (2) according to claim 18, wherein locking the engaging ends (10A, 10B) is by interlocking and interference.

22. A clip (2) according to claim 18, wherein the distance (x) between the centre of the hinged end (8B) of the rear member (6) and the outermost peripheral point on the rear member (6) opposite the hinged end (8B) is equal to the distance (x) between the centre of the hinged end (8A) of the front member (4) and the central point of contact (38) of the engaging end (10A) on the front member (4) opposite the hinged end.

23. A clip (2) according to claim 19, wherein the tip (11) of the engaging end (10A) of the front member (4) is located at a higher point than the central contact point (38) of the engaging end (10A) of the front member (4) such that the distance from the hinge to the tip (11) is less than the distance (x) between the hinge and the contact point (38).

24. A clip (2) according to claim 22, wherein the slight temporary deformation is caused by interference in an initial stage of closing the clip, in which the engaging end (10A) of the front piece (4) is pushed down and the engaging end (10B) of the rear piece (6) is pushed up.

25. A clip (2) according to claim 24, wherein the front and rear members (4, 6) spring back to an equilibrium position after disengagement of the initial interference, thereby maintaining the same and constant distance between the hinge (8) and the contact surface.

26. A clip (2) according to claim 18, wherein the indented groove (16A, 16B) is of "U" or V-shaped configuration, or the indented groove is square in cross-section.

27. A clip (2) according to claim 18, wherein the configuration of the central aperture (12) is circular or rectangular after closing of the clip.

28. A clip (2) according to claim 18, wherein one end of the hook (18) is permanently secured to the outer surface (32) of the back member (6).