FEATURE

“ looking at issues around digital health and wearable technology and thinking about the various ways in which it impacts those products in that industry ”, it has learned some of the reasons why this particular type of jewellery is making a mark on the industry .

“ There ’ s been a very noticeable increase in the mashing up of clothing and jewellery and having technology based application ,” Marfe points out . “ It is a very lucrative market for companies to get involved in .” He notes that with products such as the FitBit

and Apple Watch dominating the market , it ’ s natural that brands would see the success of wearable tech and work to create an alternative offering . “ There ’ s a clear appetite in the market for wearable technology and if you can combine that with your own existing brand that ’ s clearly going to be a good selling point for luxury brand companies like jewellers and fashion houses .”

Seeing as many wearables are used as either a constant health aid or an electronic assistant , Marfe explains the move to a more luxury

There ’ s been a very noticeable increase in the mashing up of clothing and jewellery and having technology based application

look and feel as making “ more sense ”. “ It ’ s aesthetically pleasing ,” he says , “ while having that added attraction of being a wearable technology which is being designed to be worn continuously rather than just when you ’ re exercising .”

In terms of the Helios ring , its design stands out because of that simple fact – it ’ s a ring . The market has slowly become accustomed to seeing wearables in wristwear that other types of wearable tech are still seen as fresh and new . It also helps to combat some of the issues that may come along with wearables , as it tends to be more discreet as well as make room for the wrist piece one may already own . Marfe notes : “ It allows it to be worn with other things and another one is it makes it a bit different and I think that difference makes an attractive product .”

Other forms of this kind of jewellery have popped up as the trend expands into the luxury sector ; wearables now come as bracelets and necklaces as well as watches and rings and have a sleeker more sophisticated appearance . For example , the Bellabeat health tracking jewellery is a leaf-shaped pendant which can be worn as a necklace , bracelet or clip and monitors the wearer ’ s sleep and movement . Beyond this , the device connects to an app on the user ’ s phone and provides guided meditation , predicts stress levels and monitors the menstrual activity . It goes further than simply making sure one is moving enough with the promise of being an aid for the “ body and mind ”. On the other hand , there are products which don ’ t aim to better or monitor your health , but instead keep you safe . The Mangos ring sends an SOS message and a