Smart Jewellery: Combining Luxury and Technology

Smart Jewelry, as the name implies, connects the ‘smart’: that comes from the digital world of technology, with jewellery: that relates to precious metals, stones and luxury. The idea of combining the two is an evolution of the growing prominence of wearables. With wearable technology, driven by the entry of big tech companies, and other smaller competitors, into this particular sphere. With the growing demand to meet rising expectations, the focus will naturally shift towards this other type of “wearable” jewellery: Smart jewellery.

Smart jewellery is an emerging trend in wearables and jewellery. That is the main interesting point: for it is the encounter between these two product categories and with it the tastes, preferences and expectations that goes with them, that gives rise to this new range of products. Smart jewellery, despite being a relatively new kid on the block, is here to stay. Whilst the popularity of producers and Tech companies taking an active interest in this field is still in its early stages, the convergence between technology, and luxury: specifically those that are represented by precious jewellery is coming. Here I will briefly outline of some of the key factors that are starting to impact, and in time, will come to determine these changes that will take place in this arena.

A Smart Addition to the Internet of Things

The term ‘smart’, is a product of the growing integration of microchip powered technology into durable products. From mobile phones-which went from normal communication and multi-media devices to hand-held computers, to watches, refrigerators, to even cars and much, much more. Essentially the possibilities for the integration of technology into everyday things is almost limitless. At this point, if you have been following developments in the technology world, one may have heard about the Internet of Things (IoT). Which refers to a state where devices, across a range of categories, are interconnected via a network, enabled by the presence of a microchip and other sensors, that help unite them. A connected framework, where devices communicate with each other, as information is transferred, aiding better decision making on part of the user who is immersed in such an environment.

Connected (Smart) Jewelry

Wearables are naturally a key part of this framework. In addition to being connected to the internet, these devices are connected to the person. For in addition to being devices that provide a variety of functions: communication, health info, multi-media etc. These devices become part of the image that the person comes to the project. As these digital items are worn, there is a greater onus on the visual component. So in the smart jewellery arena, wearable, as durable goods, are no longer just about form and functionality, but also about style and luxury. If one follows the design trends with wearables: From smartwatches, Fitbits to fitness trackers, greater emphasis is being placed on the look and presentation of the devices. Why is that?

In jewellery, the visual component is at the centre of the product experience. As an item which communicates style, value and status; in addition to the various cultural and sentimental importance that is attached to them, precious jewellery places a premium on external appeal. With smart jewellery, you find the effective combination of elements that are found in both categories of products: Jewelry items, and computers: Miniaturized ones. An argument can be made, that with the stylistic demands of smart jewellery, computer makers will have to innovate more to meet the requirements that the combination of luxury, style and usability entails.

Smart Jewelry Range

Smart Rings

Rings are arguably the most notable form of a jewellery item. Their ubiquity is so great, that in some ways they may not be considered as just another wearable, but almost as a part of the person, like a clothing item. For rings: from wedding rings, engagement rings, token rings, and rings which carry other cultural and symbolic value are a mainstay of wearables. Smart or otherwise. Hence the importance of rings is not likely to diminish. In the context of its integration with technology, one wonders what does this arena have in store when it comes to its inclusion, under the range of fine jewellery. Since the room for innovation at the technological level is great, owing to its widespread use, which could open the doors to new applications that can take advantage of the unique characteristics of this instrument. 

Smart Bracelets

Arguably the most standpoint form-factor of the range of the wearable device is smart bracelets, smart devices that are worn on or near the wrist, have been the most popular choice. From Fitbits, smartwatches, smart bands, to activity trackers of various types. The options in this range are arguably the biggest. This is understandable. From the standpoint of the user, the wrist area, which has been reserved for watches and bracelets, has now been used as a space for adding technological value to the user. Timekeeping and style have been combined into a more unified device. The key feature being, user demands. Whether it is fitness tracking, communication, simplicity of use, the wrist-hand area is a great location these functions. When it comes to smart jewellery, the expectations of style, luxury, will naturally combine with the extant functions of the wearable. Given its visibility and high usability, the addition of luxury: in the form of precious stones, the use of precious metals, and other design qualities that unique to fine jewellery, will prove a welcome challenge to wearable device makers. However, it will be one which opens up new possibilities.

Smart Necklaces

Necklaces have always been known for their visual appeal. As one of the more visible jewellery items, a necklace is a form that permits a number of innovations and technological applications. From the standpoint of the jeweller, the necklace is an arena for experimentation. From the type of metal, the type and number of gemstones, the combination of metals, thickness, length etc. Given these possibilities, the addition of technology can enable new possibilities with this range of smart jewellery. Besides being yet another communication, information storage and retrial device, smart necklaces could become the new platform for product-centred innovation. From wearable lens to whatever the scientists would be able to think up. Smart necklaces, owing to their prominence and placement, could stand to become the smarter version of smart jewellery.

Smart Earrings

Earrings are among the smaller jewellery option when it comes to wearables. Owing to their smaller size and placement, these are good candidates when it comes to communication. As smart communication devices, smart earrings, besides the opportunity for design innovation: where the technology can become part of the visual component of the smart device, can also simplify communication. No more the task of reaching for your phone, or even the hassle of raising your smartwatch to your head, the wearable device can perform both functions: Act as a communications medium, and be an attractive wearable. Smart earrings, one could predict, would become one of the more widely adopted smart jewellery items. Owing to their simplicity, placement and the stylistic options that will become available, people are more likely to wear earrings than necklaces, smart earrings could become a prominent addition to the smart jewellery space.