Jewelry has signified the bond between people since the historical Egyptians invented wedding rings. But the digital revolution is fast changing jewellery from a symbol of connection to a wireless way to stay connected.
Rings, watches, pendants – even cufflinks – have been turned into miniature electronic devices that keep us in touch with people, including ourselves. This amalgamation of fashion and function quickly caught on with consumers.
According to Gartner Inc., a research and knowledge technology advisory firm, purchases of smart wearables will increase by 16 percent in 2016, with sales of smartwatches alone expected to increase by up to 66 percent.
The wearable trend took off a decade ago, particularly for fitness. The Nike+iPod fitness tracker was the precursor to a flood of new products embedded with tiny sensors that reported the wearer’s workout progress.
Function, aesthetics determine the price
Today, just about all major technology companies compete in the smartwatch market, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, Motorola and Samsung. Meanwhile, some traditional watchmakers – such as Tag Heuer – have developed their own high-tech watches.
Top designers also collaborate with high-tech developers to create rings, bracelets, necklaces and other luxury and fashion jewellery. FitBit, for example, offers a line of fitness trackers initiated by Tory Burch, a widely known women’s clothing designer. This technology is embedded in embossed metallic pendants and bracelets.
Protect smart investments
Because smart jewelery can be a major jewellery investment – second only, perhaps, to engagement rings – it is important to protect it adequately with insurance.
Most house owners insurance policies cover jewelery to some extent. However, in many cases, your coverage may be limited. In addition, jewellery claims can affect the status of your entire policy. That’s why it is important to evaluate your insurance options.
General warranties and protection plans will not refund your money if your smart jewelery mysteriously goes missing – meaning you are not sure if it was lost or stolen. The best jewelery insurance companies, such as the Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, a leader in jewelery insurance since 1913, will cover losses in such circumstances. They will also repair or replace the item through your preferred jeweler or manufacturer and loss.
If you are someone who values socially responsible company, there are other reasons to look for Jewelers Mutual. This summer, the company made news by offering a $2 million donation to nonprofits that fight hunger, provide affordable housing, and supply medical research and extraordinary care to kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
As part of its “Band Together” campaign, Jewelers Mutual is inviting consumers to vote for which cause will receive the lion’s share of the unprecedented philanthropic gifts. For everybody who votes on JewelersMutual.com/BandTogether from July 11-31, this campaign offers so much more than a chance to help their favourite nonprofit. Any individual who answers the call for “Band Together” online will be eligible to win a set of three stacked bands from Stacked New York. Three lovely sets will be awarded during the campaign. Although, the bands aren’t the kind that are equipped with smart technology, they’re a smart fashion choice and symbolize the enduring bond that connects people to something bigger than themselves.
Article Provided by BPT
