Photo by Opt Lasers from Poland
How Technology is Changing the Jewellery Industry!
We all know how much of an impact technology is having on so many different industries, and jewellery is no exception. There are so many fantastic ways that technology is improving jewellery and making jewellery high-tech, from the shopping experience to being more environmentally friendly, improving precision, and even providing safety elements! So, we’re here to explore just a few of the ways that technology has changed the jewellery industry, with a very exciting future ahead.
Virtual Try Ons
The first way that technology has changed the jewellery industry is with virtual try-ons! As jewellery is such a personal thing, some people may be cautious about shopping online without being able to see what it would look like. However, now there is technology available to use on websites and apps that utilise augmented reality, and a user can put their hand in front of the camera or use the front camera to show their neck and/or ears. This has also been used in lots of other industries, from hairdressing to fashion, as well as the world of jewellery.
The AR technology will position the jewellery on the person so they can try pinky rings, chunky bracelets, face piercings, sterling silver necklaces, solid gold earrings and so much more from the comfort of their home. You can also mix and match to try out different styles together, which could help a business increase its average order value Plus, it’s a novelty that’s fun and something different for the user!
Lab Grown Diamonds
While the technology for lab-grown diamonds is nothing new, dating back as far as the 1950s, it’s only in the last 5-10 years that the popularity of lab-grown diamonds has taken off. This technology works by mimicking the natural conditions that are required to form diamonds and other precious stones in a much more condensed amount of time, so rather than a diamond taking over 1 billion years to develop in nature, it can be created in 6 to 10 weeks in an artificial environment. This completely removes the often inhumane and unsustainable practices that are required to mine diamonds; it makes the stones more affordable for customers as they can be created on demand; and overall, it’s beneficial for everyone. They also look identical to natural diamonds, with them only being able to be differentiated by a very experienced jeweller with a microscope. Save money and help the environment. Sounds good!
Laser Cutting and Engraving
Another great piece of technology that has helped to improve the engraving process is laser cutting. A high-power laser can be connected to computer software to engrave jewellery in an extremely precise way, with fantastic results every time. This removes any space for human error involved with engraving, speeds up the process, and allows jewellers to provide their customers with a wider range of options for their engraving, from different fonts to motifs, flowers, and everything in between. With laser technology like this, often free engraving can be offered to customers, which can incentivize people to commit to the purchase in a saturated marketplace.
Safety Elements
Something else that has helped to transform the world of jewellery is the incorporation of safety elements. Working in a similar way to wearable wellness, this technology is keeping people safe. Some fantastic companies are now creating jewellery that incorporates safety elements into their designs, such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets with GPS technology. They can also be bought as keyrings that you simply attach to your keys or your car. Most of this jewellery works similarly, in that it contains a panic button, so when it’s double-clicked, it automatically sends your GPS location in a text message to several emergency contacts of your choice (usually 5). This will alert them that there is an issue and prompt them to ask for help discreetly. There is also the option for you to set up connections with the emergency services, so they will be alerted to your location.
Whether you’re walking alone at night, a stranger is a bit too close, or, in general, you just don’t feel completely safe, this can be a life-changing technology that saves lives. There are endless stories about all of the fantastic ways that this combination of jewellery and technology is being used, helping to put people’s minds at rest. Some people also buy them for their children to have at all times, which is another great use!
Final Thoughts
Technology is being used in so many different ways in the world of jewellery, helping to improve experiences for customers, whether through price or results, while simultaneously speeding up processes for businesses. It’s exciting to see what else is to come in the next decade, considering how much has changed in the decade that has just passed.