Apparatus for laser engraving indicia on gemstones

摘要

Apparatus and methods for engraving indicia on gemstones and the gemstones created thereby. The indicia may be either decorative indicia, readily visible to the naked eye, or identification indicia, invisible to the naked eye, and is engraved on or adjacent a predetermined exterior surface portion of the gemstone. The gemstone may be semi-precious, man-made, or precious and has another exterior surface portion for engagement by a portion of the apparatus. The apparatus basically comprises a support for supporting the gemstone and laser device for generating a laser beam and for directing it beam to the predetermined exterior surface of the gemstone to engrave the indicia therein. The support is constructed to engage the other exterior surface portion of the gemstone in such a manner that a significant portion of the laser beam is precluded by the support from reflecting internally within the gemstone, thereby ensuring that the gemstone is not damaged by the laser beam. The support can comprise either a fixture for engaging only the periphery of the gemstone or may comprise base having a recess therein for engaging the entire underside of the gemstone. In either case the support is formed of a laser-light transmissive material. A laser-light absorbing coating is preferably applied to the surface of the gemstone which is to be engraved by the laser beam.