GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
SurveysFeb 17, 2014
44 percent of consumers would buy ‘smart’ jewelry
The latest study from the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council shows that consumer interest in so-called wearable technology, smartwatches and bracelets designed to make everyday life easier, is growing.
Paso Robles, Calif.--The latest study from the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council shows that consumer interest in so-called wearable technology, smartwatches and bracelets designed to make everyday life easier, is growing.
For the study, called “Is Wearable Technology the Next Big Jewelry Category?,” JCOC surveyed 520 U.S. consumers between Jan. 21 and Feb. 2. It was designed to measure consumer preferences and likely behaviors related to this new category.
According to the study, 72 percent of those polled had heard of wearable technology.
When asked if they would buy jewelry equipped with secure technology that can unlock doors, cars, personal computers and cell phones, 44 percent said they were likely to do so. A total of 29 percent said they were neither likely nor unlikely to purchase, with the remaining 27 percent somewhat unlikely or not at all likely.
Of the 44 percent who said they would buy wearable technology jewelry, 13 percent said they were very likely to purchase while the remaining 31 percent categorized themselves as somewhat likely to purchase.
About 55 percent of survey-takers said that they would be interested if this type of security technology could be added via a chip to a piece of jewelry that they already own.
When presented with the idea of wearable tech jewelry that could read and send texts and email as well as manage a phone, clock, music and camera, about 75 percent of participants thought that it would be useful in some way, while 13 percent said it wouldn’t be very useful and 12 percent said it would be not at all useful.
Approximately 53 percent of those surveyed also indicated that they would be interested in an earring that would work with their smartphone as a listening device and microphone, made for both men and women.
Though the majority of those surveyed had heard of wearable technology before, in terms of exposure to smartwatches-- the most buzzed-about example of which is Apple’s yet-to-be-released, but allegedly on the way, iWatch--only about 30 percent of participants said that they had ever seen one before in a store, online or in an advertisement.
RELATED CONTENT: Apple's iWatch: The next big thing
“Is Wearable Technology the Next Big Jewelry Category?” is available to view for free on MVIMarketing.com.
The JCOC is an Internet-based market research service for the gem, watch and jewelry industries. It is the consumer research
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
division of Paso Robles, Calif.-based MVI Marketing.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
