SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
EditorsSep 03, 2014
A gemstone cap that can read your mind
Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator takes a look at a new headpiece designed by U.K.-based fashion house The Unseen, which is covered in gemstones that respond to brain activity by changing color.
As a child of the ‘90s, I was big on the mood ring. Not to be deterred by the fact that they were basically always either dark blue or green no matter how I was feeling, they were a chosen accessory for me for a while when I was young.
So when I saw an article on Huffington Post titled “This Gemstone Cap, Which Changes Color According To Brain Activity, Is The Mood Ring Of The Future,” naturally I had to click through. (In case the multitude of articles posted online and spread through social media haven’t somehow clued you in, we Millenials love to reminisce about the heyday of our childhood and the things we grew up with, what toys were popular back then, what cereals we were eating, and much more. So how could I not read the story that was going to update me on the modern-day mood ring?)
What I found was even cooler than I expected (other reactions when I shared the content included “creepy”). U.K.-based fashion studio The Unseen, led by Lauren Bowker, partnered with Swarovski to create a headpiece made of gemstones that change color in response to brain activity.
Fashion studio The Unseen, led by Lauren Bowker, designed this cap that is covered in black spinel gemstones that respond to brain activity through color change.
According to The Unseen, more than 4,000 black spinel stones were used for the cap, chosen for their composition--“being similar to that found in the human bone,” the studio’s website says, a factor that makes the gemstone compatible with humans and enabling “each stone when worn to act as a conduction insulator, absorbing energy loss from the head.”The stones were grown in Swarovski’s lab to ensure uniformity throughout for qualities like shape and symmetry.
“When worn the headpiece becomes a reflection of the inner human thought,” The Unseen said.
The stones cover the top of the headdress on overlapping layers of leather. They are covered with a signature ink that was designed by Bowker to respond to different environmental factors, which enables the stones to visualize the energy loss with a color-change gradient--black, orange, red, green, blue, and purple. The stones absorb the energy loss and change color accordingly.Excitement, fear, and anxiety all would create different colors on the stones, and quicker shifts in emotion produce a more dramatic pattern on the cap.
I think this is one of the more fascinating combinations between technology, science and accessories that I’ve seen. Local news reports that The Unseen will unveil the cap at London Fashion Week this month. I’d love to see the action in person, but unfortunately, I think for now I’m stuck with mood rings. What do you think? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments.
More on Editors
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue BookThe “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
