WO2005027677A2

WO2005027677A2 - Electronic identification of gemstones

Info

Publication number: WO2005027677A2
Application number: PCT/IL2004/000892
Authority: WO
Inventors: Howard Loboda; Michael Jacoby
Original assignee: Gemtouch Inc.S
Priority date: 2003-09-25
Filing date: 2004-09-23
Publication date: 2005-03-31
Also published as: WO2005027677A3

Abstract

An information-bearing gemstone including a gemstone and an integrated circuit (100) mounted onto the gemstone (102). The integrated circuit (100) is read a RFID reader (150).

Description

ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION OF GEMSTONES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to gemstones and more particularly to information- bearing gemstones as well as systems and techniques useful in merchandizing thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following U.S. Patents are believed to be relevant to the subject matter of the invention: 5,983,238; 6,187,213; 6,211,484; 6,696,954; 6,268,796 and 6,043,746.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved information-bearing gemstone as well as systems and techniques useful in merchandizing thereof. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an information-bearing gemstone including a gemstone and an integrated circuit mounted onto the gemstone. There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of associating information with a gemstone including providing an integrated circuit capable of bearing information relating to a gemstone and mounting an integrated circuit onto the gemstone. There is additionally provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention an information-bearing gemstone system including a gemstone, an integrated circuit mounted onto the gemstone and a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in the integrated circuit. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the gemstone includes multiple facets including at least a first plurality of facets defining viewing surfaces of the gemstone and at least a second plurality of facets defining non-viewing surfaces of the gemstone and wherein the integrated circuit is mounted onto one of the second plurality of facets. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated circuit includes a non-volatile memory. Preferably, the integrated circuit includes interrogation functionality. Typically, the integrated circuit additionally includes a remote communications antenna. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated circuit includes information indicating value parameters of the gemstone. Additionally or alternatively, the integrated circuit includes information indicating history parameters of the gemstone. Optionally and preferably, the integrated circuit includes information useful to a salesman attempting to sell the gemstone to a potential customer. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated circuit is mounted onto the gemstone in a manner such that unauthorized removal or tampering with the integrated circuit renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative. Additionally or alternatively, the integrated circuit is operative such that attempted unauthorized re-writing of information thereon renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative. Preferably and typically the integrated circuit includes an RFID circuit. Preferably, the integrated circuit is coated with a protective coating. In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated circuit is mounted in such a manner that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of the gemstone. Additionally or alternatively, the integrated circuit is colored such that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of the gemstone. As a further alternative, the integrated circuit is mounted so that it is readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of the gemstone. There is further provided with accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention an information-bearing jewelry system including an item of jewelry, an integrated circuit mounted onto the item of jewelry and a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in the integrated circuit, the reader including an array of antenna elements. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated circuit includes information indicating value parameters of the jewelry. Additionally or alternatively, the integrated circuit includes information indicating history parameters of the jewelry. Optionally and preferably, the integrated circuit includes information useful to a salesman attempting to sell the jewelry to a potential customer. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated circuit is mounted in such a manner that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of the jewelry. Additionally or alternatively, the integrated circuit is colored such that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of the jewelry. As a further alternative, the integrated circuit is mounted so that it is readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of the jewelry. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the reader includes apparatus for sequentially operating the antenna elements. Preferably, the reader also includes an RF switch and an RF coupler as well as integrated circuit reading electronics communicating with the array of antenna elements via the RF switch and RF coupler. Additionally or alternatively, the reader also includes a controller operative to select antenna elements from among the array of antenna elements. There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention an information-bearing jewelry system including at least one item of jewelry, an integrated circuit mounted onto the at least one item of jewelry, a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in the integrated circuit, a computer coupled to the reader for providing information relating to the item of jewelry and a salesman prompting output device operative to provide to a salesman information received from the computer and relating to the at least one item of jewelry. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the output device includes a visible display. Optionally, the output device includes an audio output device. There is also provided in accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention an information-bearing jewelry system including at least one item of jewelry, an integrated circuit mounted onto the at least one item of jewelry, a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in the integrated circuit, a computer coupled to the reader for providing information relating to the item of jewelry and a customer inquiry monitoring system operative to provide information related to customer interest in the at least one item of jewelry based on outputs from the reader. There is additionally provided in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention an information-bearing gemstone merchandising system including a multiplicity of gemstones, integrated circuits mounted onto each of the multiplicity of gemstones, an assortment tray including a plurality of gemstone grouping locations and having associated therewith at least one reader operative for wirelessly reading information contained in the integrated circuits and correlating it with gemstone locations of gemstones on which the integrated circuits are mounted and an output device operative to provide an operator sensible output indicating information relating to the multiplicity of gemstones according to their placement in the plurality of gemstone grouping locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a simplified illustration of an information-bearing gemstone constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a simplified illustration showing particulars of a preferred configuration and mounting arrangement of an RFID chip on a gemstone in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a simplified illustration showing UV curing of a chip mounting adhesive via a gemstone in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a simplified illustration showing the appearance of an information-bearing gemstone constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a simplified illustration of an integrated information-bearing gemstone information entry system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a simplified illustration of part of an integrated information-bearing gemstone information reading system, which may be integrated with the system of Fig. 5 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a simplified illustration of a customer inquiry monitoring system which may be integrated with the systems of Figs. 5 and 6 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a simplified block-diagram illustration of a RFID reader constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a simplified partially pictorial, partially block-diagram illustration of a RFID reader constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention operative in association with a personal digital assistant; Fig. 10 is a simplified, partially pictorial, partially block-diagram illustration of a gemstone assortment management system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 11 is a simplified, partially pictorial, partially block-diagram illustration of a jewelry merchandising system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention seeks to provide an improved information-bearing gemstone as well as systems and techniques useful in merchandizing thereof. The term "value parameters" as used hereinbelow in the present invention includes but is not limited to physical characteristics such as color, clarity, cut, weight, to assayed value and to gemological certification. The term "history parameters" as used hereinbelow in the present invention includes but is not limited to authentication, certification, "non-conflict", non-synthetic, origin, rough lot number, ownership and insurance appraisal. Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a simplified illustration of an information-bearing gemstone constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 1, an RFID integrated circuit 100 is mounted onto gemstone 102. Various types of RFID integrated circuits 100 may be employed, such as a Mu chip of model MRA200, which is commercially available from Hitachi of Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, a T- Junction Chip, which is commercially available from Toppan of Tokyo, Japan, an MM Chip which is commercially available from First- Hills Electronics Company (FEC) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and a Coil-on-Chip of model ME-Y2000 which is commercially available from Maxell of Tokyo, Japan. It is appreciated that as new types of suitable RFID integrated circuits 100 having enhanced functionalities become commercially available, it will be beneficial to employ such circuits. The RFID integrated circuit 100 is preferably mounted onto a downward- facing facet 104 of the gemstone 102 and is coated, preferably prior to mounting, with a coating 106 which camouflages the chip 100 as seen from the side of the stone and preferably also provides mechanical and chemical protection thereto. Preferably the RFID integrated circuit 100 is not mounted on a surface of a gemstone 102, such as a girdle, culet or table which are normally engaged in processing and handling of the gemstone, so as to prevent damage to the integrated circuit and render the RFID less visible. For example, a white matt opaque coating is preferred for transparent stones such as diamonds. Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a simplified illustration showing particulars of a preferred configuration and mounting arrangement of an RFID integrated circuit 100 on a gemstone 102 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 2, the RFID integrated circuit 100 is preferably mounted with its metal layer, circuit defining side 110 facing the facet 104 and is adhered to the gemstone 102 by a layer of adhesive 112, preferably UV curable adhesive, such as UV15X-5 or UV15-7DC, commercially available from Master Bond Inc. of Hackensack, New Jersey or alternatively OG142, commercially available from Epoxy Technology Inc. of Billerica, Massachusetts. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nature of the mounting of the RFED integrated circuit 100 onto the gemstone 102 is such that removal of the RFID integrated circuit 100 either destroys some or all of the functionality thereof or leaves a traceable record on the chip. Destruction of the RFID integrated circuit 100 typically occurs due to partial removal of the metal layer, circuit defining side 110 of the RFID integrated circuit from the remainder of the RFID integrated circuit 100, as the RFID integrated circuit is separated from the gemstone 102. Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a simplified illustration showing UV curing of a chip mounting adhesive, such as adhesive 112 (Fig. 2) via a gemstone in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a particular feature of the present invention that adhesive curing radiation 120 such as that emitted by a handheld UV source 122, such as a UVA-26 commercially available from Ultra-Lum Inc. of Claremont, California, or BONDWand 81002 commercially available from PolyTec GMBH of Waldbronn, Germany, passes through the gemstone and through facet 104 (Fig. 1), for curing adhesive 112 between facet 104 and the circuit defining side 110 of RFID integrated circuit 100. For example a diamond is transmissive to radiation having a wavelength longer than 300 nm and accordingly the UV curable epoxy and UV source may be selected to minimize curing time. For colored stones which are less transmissive to UV radiation a heat curable epoxy, such as UV15-7DC or EP19-HT commercially available from Master Bond Inc. of Hackensack New- Jersey, may be employed. Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a simplified illustration showing the appearance of an information-bearing gemstone constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is noted that due to the pattern of reflections in most cut gemstones as seen from the top, an RFID integrated circuit 100 mounted onto a downward facing facet 104 as shown, is not seen through the gemstone 102, even by an observer using a jeweler's loupe 128 and hence will not affect the appraisal or value of the stone or jewelry. Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a simplified illustration of an integrated information-bearing gemstone information entry system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system of Fig. 5 is based on gemstone identification technology of the type described hereinabove and preferably comprises a plurality of computer workstations 130 located at disparate locations. The computer workstations 130 may be interconnected via a network 132, such as the Internet but may alternatively be stand-alone. As seen in Fig. 5, a typical scenario is that a wholesale distribution facility, detailed identification, value parameters and history information, such as an identification number, color, clarity, weight, description, certification, authentication, country of origin and parcel number is written into an RFED integrated circuit 100 (Fig. 1) on each of a plurality of gemstones 102. Writing into the RFID integrated circuit 100 is preferably permanent and is not capable of being written over and is accomplished by directing modulated IR radiation through the gemstone 102 onto a suitable detector (not shown) forming part of an RFID integrated circuit, such as an MM chip, commercially available from First-Hills Electronic Company of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Optionally and preferably, an electronic scale 136 is connected to workstation 130 such that the weight of gemstone 102 is automatically entered and may be written to RFID integrated circuit 100. Typically at a retail outlet and/or at an intermediate stage, such as at a jewelry manufacturing facility, further information may be written into the RFID integrated circuit 100 of a given gemstone 102, which by this time may have been mounted onto a piece of jewelry, such as a ring 138. This additional information may include information relating to the jewelry, such as its item identifier, the total weight of all gemstones on an item of jewelry, certification , date of acquisition, sales price and appraisal value. Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a simplified illustration of part of an integrated information-bearing gemstone information reading system, which may be integrated with the system of Fig. 5 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system functionality shown in Fig. 6 includes a gemstone-mounted RFID reader 150, a computer work station 152 which communicates with the reader 150 and preferably but optionally has a connection to a remote or local database 154 via a data network 156, such as the Internet and an output device 158, such as a conventional printer, which can be used for printing some or all of the information contained in a gemstone- mounted RFID 160 read by reader 150. The gemstone-mounted RFID reader 150 is preferably generally in the form of a tablet having formed thereunder an array of RFID interrogation antennas, such as pairs of antenna elements 162. Each pair of antenna elements 162 has a detection region indicated by a dashed circle 164. In readers 150 suitable for reading currently available gemstone- mounted RFIDs, the radius of each dashed circle 164 is typically about 3 - 5 mm. The gemstone-mounted RFID reader 150 may be of the type described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 8 or of the type shown in Fig. 9 or any other suitable RFID reader. Computer workstation 152 operates reader 150 to interrogate and read the gemstone-mounted RFID 160 in a conventional manner and may store and/or transmit any or all of the information contained therein to database 154 via network 156. The computer workstation 152 may also provide a hard-copy output of any or all of the information, using output device 158, typically in the form of a gemological certificate 166. Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a simplified illustration of a customer inquiry monitoring system which may be integrated with the systems of Figs. 5 and 6 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, a presentation tray 170, conventionally employed in retail jewelry environments for showing jewelry to customers preferably includes an RFID reader 172, such as gemstone- mounted RFID reader 150 (Fig. 5). Reader 172 preferably is operative to read RFIDs mounted on gemstones as well as RFIDs mounted in any other suitable manner on items of jewelry. Reader 172 preferably communicates with a computer 174, such as computer workstation 152 (Fig. 6). Computer 174 or another computer linked thereto via network 156 (Fig. 6) is operative to date and time stamp each reading of a jewelry-mounted RFID by reader 172, thus providing a record of customer interest in a given item of RFID- equipped jewelry 180, in many cases without requiring attachment of a tag thereto. Alternatively, a handheld PDA reader as described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 9 may be used to perform all the above functions. The recorded information may be used for statistical purposes and various business management purposes, such as to gauge customer interest in various items of jewelry. Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is a simplified block-diagram illustration of a RFID reader constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 8, the reader includes an antenna array 190 including a multiplicity of RFID interrogation antennas, such as pairs of dipole antennas 192 printed onto a suitable substrate. Each pair of antennas has a detection region indicated by a dashed circle 194 of diameter typically about 3 - 5 mm. Antennas 192 preferably communicate via an RF matrix switch 200, such as model SW90-0004A, commercially available from MA-COM of Lowell, Massachusetts, and an RF coupler 202, such as model BDCN-15-25, commercially available from Mini- Circuits of Brooklyn, New- York, with a controller 204, such as a suitably programmed microprocessor such as for example model M68HCO5B8 which is commercially available from Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois, with RFID reading electronics 206, such as a Mu chip of model MRA200, which is commercially available from Hitachi of Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK and an MM Chip which is commercially available from First-Hills Electronics Company (FEC) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. RFID reading electronics 206 typically provides interrogation pulses to the antenna array 190 via RF coupler 202 and RF matrix switch 200 and the controller 204, which preferably includes an interrogation pulse sensor receiving an input from RF coupler 202, operates RF matrix switch 200 to interrogate the plurality of antennas 192 in a suitable order and manner to most time efficiently, power efficiently and reliably read the information on RFID-equipped jewelry irrespective of its precise location on antenna array 190. It is noted that the apparatus of Fig. 8 is suitable for use with a wide range of commercially available RFID reading electronics and RFID protocols. Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a simplified partially pictorial, partially block-diagram illustration of a RFID reader constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, which operative in association with a personal digital assistant (PDA). As seen in Fig. 9, the reader is preferably embodied in a card 220, which is insertable into a port 222 such as an SDIO port or an SD port, which are commercially available from PalmOne of Milpitas, California or a Compaq Flash I port or a Compaq Flash II port which are commercially available from HP (Compaq) of Palo Alto, California, of a conventional PDA 224. The reader preferably includes an antenna array 230 having a multiplicity of RFID interrogation antennas, such as pairs of dipole antennas 232. Each pair of antennas has a detection region indicated by a dashed circle 234 of diameter typically about 3 - 5 mm. Antennas 232 preferably communicate via an RF matrix switch 236, such as model SW90-0004A, commercially available from MA-COM of Lowell, Massachusetts, and an RF coupler 238, such as model BDCN-15-25, commercially available from Mini- Circuits of Brooklyn, New- York, with a controller 240, such as a suitably programmed microprocessor such as for example model M68HCO5B8 which is commercially available from Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois, with RFID reading electronics 242 such as a Mu chip of model MRA200, which is commercially available from Hitachi of Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK and an MM Chip which is commercially available from First-Hills Electronics Company (FEC) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. RFID reading electronics 242 typically provides interrogation pulses to the antenna array 230 via RF coupler 238 and RF matrix switch 236 and the controller 240, which preferably includes an interrogation pulse sensor receiving an input from RF coupler 238, operates RF matrix switch 236 to interrogate the plurality of antennas 232 in a suitable order and manner to most time efficiently, power efficiently and reliably read the information on RFID-equipped jewelry irrespective of its precisely location on antenna array 230. It is noted that the apparatus of Fig. 9 is suitable for use with a wide range of commercially available RFID reading electronics and RFID protocols. All or part of the electronic circuitry providing functionalities of the controller 240 and the RFID reading electronics 242 may be located in the PDA 224 rather than on card

220. The PDA 224 additionally provides the functionalities of a display, a computer and a database and thus may be employed to provide all or part of the functionalities of the systems of Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 as described hereinabove. Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is a simplified, partially pictorial, partially block-diagram illustration of a gemstone assortment management system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 10, a gemstone trader typically works alone or with a customer using a gemstone assortment tray 300 having RFID reading capabilities associated with each of a plurality of bins 301. Each gemstone preferably has mounted thereon an RFID integrated circuit in a suitable manner, such as that described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 1 - 3. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, gemstone assortment tray 300 includes in a base thereof an RFID reader 304. Reader 304 preferably includes an antenna array 310 comprising a multiplicity of RFID interrogation antennas, such as pairs of dipole antennas 312 printed onto a suitable substrate. Each pair of antennas has a detection region indicated by a dashed circle 314 of diameter typically about 3 - 5 mm. Antennas 312 preferably communicate via an RF matrix switch 320, such as model SW90-0004A, commercially available from MA-COM of Lowell, Massachusetts, and an RF coupler 322, such as a such as model BDCN-15-25, commercially available from Mini-Circuits of Brooklyn, New- York, with a controller 324, such as a suitably programmed microprocessor such as for example model M68HCO5B8 which is commercially available from Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois, with RFDD reading electronics 326, such as a Mu chip of model MRA200, which is commercially available from Hitachi of Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK and an MM Chip which is commercially available from First-Hills Electronics Company (FEC) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. RFID reading electronics 326 typically provides interrogation pulses to the antenna array 310 via RF coupler 322 and RF matrix switch 320 and the controller 324, which preferably includes an interrogation pulse sensor receiving an input from RF coupler 322, operates RF matrix switch 320 to interrogate the plurality of antennas 312 in a suitable order and manner to most time efficiently, power efficiently and reliably read the information on gemstone mounted RFIDs irrespective of their precisely location on antenna array 310. It is noted that the apparatus of Fig. 10 is suitable for use with a wide range of commercially available RFID reading electronics and RFID protocols. Reader 304 preferably communicates with a computer 330, such as computer workstation 152 (Fig. 6). Computer 330 or another computer linked thereto via network 156 (Fig. 6) is operative to monitor the contents of each of the bins 301 and to provide to a display 332 information relating to one or more bins 301, separately or in any combination. Such information may include total bin contents, weight, price, average weight, color, clarity, and classification information in real time. Reference is now made to Fig. 11, which is a simplified, partially pictorial, partially block-diagram illustration of a jewelry merchandising system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system of Fig. 11 is designed to assist sales personnel in a retail jewelry establishment in interacting with customers, by providing visually and or aurally sensible information to a sales person relating to a given item of jewelry which bears an RFID integrated circuit. As seen in Fig. 11, a gemstone trader typically works with a customer using a presentation tray 370 and an RFID reader 374. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, presentation tray 370 includes in a base thereof RFED reader 374. Reader 374 preferably includes an antenna array 380 comprising a multiplicity of RFID interrogation antennas, such as pairs of dipole antennas 382 printed onto a suitable substrate. Each pair of antennas has a detection region indicated by a dashed circle 384 of diameter typically about 3 - 5 mm. Antennas 382 preferably communicate via an RF matrix switch 390, such as model SW90-0004A, commercially available from MA-COM of Lowell, Massachusetts, and an RF coupler 392, such as model BDCN-15-25, commercially available from Mini- Circuits of Brooklyn, New- York, with a controller 394, such as a suitably programmed microprocessor such as for example model M68HCO5B8 which is commercially available from Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois, with RFID reading electronics 396, such as a Mu chip of model MRA200, which is commercially available from Hitachi of Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK and an MM Chip which is commercially available from First-Hills Electronics Company (FEC) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. RFID reading electronics 396 typically provides interrogation pulses to the antenna array 380 via RF coupler 392 and RF matrix switch 390 and the controller 394, which preferably includes an interrogation pulse sensor receiving an input from RF coupler 392, operates RF matrix switch 390 to interrogate the plurality of antennas 382 in a suitable order and manner to most time efficiently, power efficiently and reliably read the information on gemstone mounted RFIDs irrespective of their precisely location on antenna array 380. It is noted that the apparatus of Fig. 11 is suitable for use with a wide range of commercially available RFID reading electronics and RFID protocols. Reader 374 preferably communicates with a computer 400, such as a PDA or a computer workstation. Computer 400 or another computer linked thereto via a suitable network, such as network 156 (Fig. 6) is operative to read an RFID mounted onto jewelry on tray 370 and to provide to a display 402, which may be incorporated into a PDA, to be viewed by the sales person as or just before he makes his sales pitch to the customer. Alternatively, the handheld PDA reader described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 9 may optionally be used to perform all the functions above. The information preferably includes marketing and promotional statements and may include weight, price, color, clarity, cut and certification information. This information may be transmitted to an earpiece 404 in the sales person's ear simultaneously or in place of the visually sensible display. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof as would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing specification and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. An information-bearing gemstone comprising: a gemstone; and an integrated circuit mounted onto said gemstone.

2. An information-bearing gemstone according to claim 1 and wherein said gemstone includes multiple facets including at least a first plurality of facets defining viewing surfaces of said gemstone and at least a second plurality of facets defining non- viewing surfaces of said gemstone and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted onto one of said second plurality of facets.

3. An information-bearing gemstone according to either of claims 1 and 2 and wherein said integrated circuit includes a non-volatile memory.

4. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit includes interrogation functionality.

5. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit includes a remote communications antenna.

6. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating value parameters of the gemstone.

7. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating history parameters of the gemstone.

8. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit includes information useful to a salesperson attempting to sell the gemstone to a potential customer.

9. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted onto said gemstone in a manner such that unauthorized removal or tampering with the integrated circuit renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

10. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit is operative such that attempted unauthorized rewriting of information thereon renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

11. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit comprises an RFID circuit.

12. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted in such a manner that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

13. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit is colored such that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

14. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said integrated circuit is coated with a protective coating.

15. An information-bearing gemstone according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 11 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted so that it is readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

16. A method of associating information with a gemstone comprising: providing an integrated circuit capable of bearing information relating to a gemstone; and mounting an integrated circuit onto said gemstone.

17. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to claim 16 and wherein said gemstone includes multiple facets including at least a first plurality of facets defining viewing surfaces of said gemstone and at least a second plurality of facets defining non-viewing surfaces of said gemstone and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted onto one of said second plurality of facets.

18. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to claim 16 or claim 17 and wherein said integrated circuit includes a non-volatile memory.

19. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 18 and wherein said integrated circuit includes interrogation functionality.

20. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 19 and wherein said integrated circuit includes a remote communications antenna.

21. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 20 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating value parameters of the gemstone.

22. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 21 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating history parameters of the gemstone.

23. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 22 and wherein said integrated circuit and wherein said integrated circuit includes information useful to a salesperson attempting to sell the gemstone to a potential customer.

24. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 23 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted onto said gemstone in a manner such that unauthorized removal or tampering with the integrated circuit renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

25. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 24 and wherein said integrated circuit is operative such that attempted unauthorized re-writing of information thereon renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

26. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 25 and wherein said integrated circuit comprises an RFID circuit.

27. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 26 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted in such a manner that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

28. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 - 27 and wherein said integrated circuit is colored such that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

29. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 -28 and wherein said integrated circuit is coated with a protective coating.

30. A method of associating information with a gemstone according to any of claims 16 — 26 and 29 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted so that it is readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

31. An information-bearing gemstone system comprising: a gemstone; an integrated circuit mounted onto said gemstone; and a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in said integrated circuit.

32. An information-bearing gemstone system according to claim 31 and wherein said gemstone includes multiple facets including at least a first plurality of facets defining viewing surfaces of said gemstone and at least a second plurality of facets defining non-viewing surfaces of said gemstone and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted onto one of said second plurality of facets.

33. An information-bearing gemstone system according to either of claims 31 and 32 and wherein said integrated circuit includes a non-volatile memory.

34. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 —

33 and wherein said integrated circuit includes interrogation functionality.

35. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 — 34 and wherein said integrated circuit includes a remote communications antenna.

36. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 - 35 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating value parameters of the gemstone.

37. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 —

36 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating history parameters of the gemstone.

38. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 —

37 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information useful to a salesperson attempting to sell the gemstone to a potential customer.

39. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 —

38 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted onto said gemstone in a manner such that unauthorized removal or tampering with the integrated circuit renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

40. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 —

39 and wherein said integrated circuit is operative such that attempted unauthorized rewriting of information thereon renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

41. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 —

40 and wherein said integrated circuit comprises an RFID circuit.

42. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 —

41 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted in such a manner that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

43. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 -

42 and wherein said integrated circuit is colored such that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

44. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 -

43 and wherein said integrated circuit is coated with a protective coating.

45. An information-bearing gemstone system according to any of claims 31 - 41 and 44 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted so that it is readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said gemstone.

46. An information-bearing jewelry system comprising: an item of jewelry; an integrated circuit mounted onto said item of jewelry; and a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in said integrated circuit, said reader including an array of antenna elements.

47. An information-bearing jewelry system according to claim 46 and wherein said integrated circuit includes a non-volatile memory.

48. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

47 and wherein said integrated circuit includes interrogation functionality.

49. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

48 and wherein said mtegrated circuit includes a remote communications antenna.

50. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 — 49 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating value parameters of the jewelry.

51. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46-50 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information indicating history parameters of the jewelry.

52. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46-51 and wherein said integrated circuit includes information useful to a salesperson attempting to sell the jewelry to a potential customer.

53. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

52 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted onto said jewelry in a manner such that unauthorized removal or tampering with the integrated circuit renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

54. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 —

53 and wherein said integrated circuit is operative such that attempted unauthorized rewriting of information thereon renders the integrated circuit at least partially inoperative.

55. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

54 and wherein said integrated circuit comprises an RFID circuit.

56. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

55 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted in such a manner that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said jewelry.

57. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

56 and wherein said integrated circuit is colored such that it is not readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said jewelry.

58. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

57 and wherein said integrated circuit is coated with a protective coating.

59. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46-55 and 58 and wherein said integrated circuit is mounted so that it is readily noticed when viewed from a viewing surface of said jewelry.

60. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

59 and wherein said reader comprises apparatus for sequentially operating said antenna elements.

61. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

60 and wherein said reader also comprises an RF switch as well as integrated circuit reading electronics communicating with said array of antenna elements via said RF switch.

62. An information-bearing jewelry system according to any of claims 46 -

61 and wherein said reader also comprises a controller operative to select antenna elements from among said array of antenna elements.

63. An information-bearing jewelry system comprising: at least one item of jewelry; an integrated circuit mounted onto said at least one item of jewelry; a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in said integrated circuit; a computer coupled to said reader for providing information relating to said item of jewelry; and a salesperson prompting output device operative to provide to a salesperson information received from said computer and relating to said at least one item ofjewelry.

64. An information-bearing jewelry system according to claim 63 and wherein said output device comprises a visible display.

65. An information-bearing jewelry system according to claim 63 or claim 64 and wherein said output device comprises an audio output device.

66. An information-bearing jewelry system comprising: at least one item ofjewelry; an integrated circuit mounted onto said at least one item ofjewelry; a reader for wirelessly reading information contained in said integrated circuit; a computer coupled to said reader for providing information relating to said item ofjewelry; and a customer inquiry monitoring system operative to provide information related to customer interest in said at least one item ofjewelry based on outputs from said reader.

67. An information-bearing gemstone merchandising system comprising: a multiplicity of gemstones; integrated circuits mounted onto each of said multiplicity of gemstones; an assortment tray including a plurality of gemstone grouping locations and having associated therewith at least one reader operative for wirelessly reading information contained in said integrated circuits and correlating it with gemstone locations of gemstones on which said integrated circuits are mounted; and an output device operative to provide an operator sensible output indicating information relating to said multiplicity of gemstones according to their placement in said plurality of gemstone grouping locations.