Smart Jewelry: Learn about the Future of Fashion

What are they?

The rapid rise of digital technology over the past decade, due to the shrinking sizes of transistors, has enabled the application of digital power in a wide array of tools and instruments. The most notable change has been seen in mobile computing. With the growth of smartphones in popularity: In terms of usage, their growing capabilities have been the most notable change. The rapid adoption of “smart” technology from phones, tablets and obviously computers, meant that the transition of this technology, to a wider array of applications, was only a matter of time. Portable timepieces like watches are a noteworthy example. But this is just the beginning of smart technology.

Growth of Wearable Technology

Wearable technology refers to instruments and tools that carry chips that are able to perform functions that go beyond the specific role of the product. Notable here are smartwatches, whose growth in recent years has been led by smart device manufacturers like Samsung and Apple. Smartwatches have become the most notable addition to wearable technology since the transition seemed natural. Here it is important to understand the thinking that guided the combination of a traditional instrument, like watches, with digital technology.

Most people own watches. Watches serve a number of functions, in addition to keeping time, which is central to what people do. But unlike smartphones and tablets, watches come with a level of convenience, owing to their wearable character. This a feature that technology companies, notably those who develop mobile operating systems like Android have exploited.

Health and Wearable Technology

A key factor leading to the growth in wearable technology is the rising focus on health. As societies develop, with populations with growing income levels, people begin to place a greater emphasis on their well-being. Technology companies are recognizing the demand for health-related (smart) technology products. A key feature here is data. Medical analysis of any kind requires the patient to provide information about his/her health for study. Wearable technology is well-positioned to take advantage of this, for given the proximity to the person’s body, gives the device the ability to retrieve data, accurately and in real-time opening up new possibilities for the application of technology in the area of health and fitness.

The growth of companies like Fitbit, formerly known as Healthy Metrics Research, Inc (recently Google moved to acquire the company) specialize in developing devices that combine mobile technology with wearable smart devices that help users to better manage their daily routines; from workouts, time spent on specific actives like meditation, by motoring the activities. And to combine it with the collection of user data: like heart rates, oxygen saturation, skin temperature etc. Providing valuable information on user health status. Which is an indication of where this industry is going. Further, in health and fitness, research is currently underway in areas like blood glucose measurement, with a closer relationship between health and technology moving ahead. As one could imagine, the widespread use of mobile technology, now combined with wearable devices, will open the doors to new applications. Jewellery is one of them.

Smart Jewelry: A Brilliant Combination?

Smart jewellery can be considered the next step in wearable technology. When one thinks of the range of things that people choose to wear, in addition to clothes, jewellery is always on the list. Watches, for example, have been the mainstay of wearable technology so far. Owing to their functionality and widespread use. As many would know, the popularity of watches, with the addition of mobile technology, have become instruments that measure health: such as checking your heart rate, to providing fitness data. However, this is just the start. Instruments like watches are worn for reasons that go beyond function alone: that is timekeeping and health monitoring.

Watches are not just about function and use. For many, it is a fashion statement. It is a way to communicate status. Luxury watchmakers have long recognized this, and over the years have designed and priced their products accordingly. Watches for example have long been considered luxury items, and in some ways can be considered a type of jewellery. Smart jewellery is a step forward in this direction. Where the addition of technology to watches, bracelets, and even rings, earrings and necklaces is the next stage in this journey.

Consider the role of the bracelets. Which have long been a standard in the jewellery range. Unlike watches, bracelets have no specific function, besides carrying sentimental or religious interests, other than to communicate a sense of luxury, usually by adding a sense of glow to other jewellery articles the person may be wearing. Now, the addition of mobile technology, with integrated sensors, combined with the luxury element of the item, adds a whole dimension to the experience.

Whether male or female, bracelets as articles of jewellery, and as digital instruments which carry added functionality increases the market value of this product range. This means the opportunities for device makers, and jewellers are many. Not to mention, more options for buyers, who are seeking luxury, style and technology. The success of companies like Fitbit, and soon Google, is an indication of where the market is heading.

What of the Future

The rise of wearable technology is not something that is limited to jewellery and other ornamental devices. Increasingly, even clothing is becoming the next step in the application of mobile technology. Companies like Ralph Lauren are developing t-shirts that integrate with iWatch or iPhone, providing data to the device to better help it collect data to provide more accurate information on health and fitness: 

However, the changes are not going to stop there. Imagine how it would be to have a sensor in your ring. A ring with a precious stone, but also contains a chip that can collect data, communicate with other devices, and even work with your home security system. The possibilities are endless. Fashion will no longer be about wearing the best designs, and materials in clothing. But it would also be about combing the latest technology with a luxurious range of jewellery. Precious stones and metals will combine with technology to provide greater smarter jewellery to users.