FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
EditorsAug 11, 2015
Wearable tech I can really get behind
One of my first jobs out of college was for a content marketing company where I was helping to monitor the flow and publishing schedules of text for multiple websites.
I had to regularly check the stories, features and any other user-facing aspects of the website for errors. While we did have a programming/development department to help us fix certain things, they were so backlogged with work that I had to take it upon myself to learn some HTML code, unless I wanted errors to be on the site for days before they could get to it.
This skill was such a great thing to be able to add to my resume and has been so helpful since that first job, especially now that I’m working for a web-only publication where we are posting our own stories every day.
Not only will being able to code and having technical literacy only continue to grow in importance for those seeking to enter the job market in the future, but the tech arena itself is providing so much room for opportunity in careers.
However, a 2012 study from the Girl Scouts of America showed that while 75 percent of girls were interested in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math), and at the same time creative pursuits like drawing, writing, and fashion, they still are not choosing to study computer science.
And according to a new documentary to be released this year, Code: Debugging the Gender Gap, the reality is that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs in “computing-related fields.” Of those 1.4 million jobs, less than 29 percent will be filled by Americans, and of those, less than 3 percent will be women.
This is why it’s so important that we not only recognize but encourage curiosity in these areas in girls from a younger age, when their interests can so quickly be either piqued or put out.
Enter Jewelbots, a new wearable tech company cofounded by Sara Chipps, Brooke Moreland and Maria Paula Saba that is trying to get teen girls to learn how to code through friendship bracelets.
The project had a page on the Kickstarter crowdsource funding website where it brought in more than five times its original goal, closing at nearly $167,000 just a few days ago.
[caption id="attachment_3286" align="aligncenter" width="510"]
Tapping into the curiosity and creativity of young girls who love communicating with their best friends, the bracelets use a Jewelbots app and also communicate with each other via Bluetooth, so the girls can program them
to light up when their BFFs are near or send secret messages to each other using Morse code.
Then, once they get the hang of it, they can “code the bracelets to do anything they want” using an open source program, including things like social media notifications, text messages and even controlling a drone. By plugging the bracelet into a computer using a micro USB and getting code snippets on the brand’s site once it’s live, they eventually will be able to customize their bracelets any way they want.
“Our hope is to get girls so excited about programming their Jewelbots that they inspire one another to create amazing functionality while learning to code,” co-founder Brooke Moreland said in a video on the Kickstarter.
Now that is wearable tech that I will 100 percent support.
Then, once they get the hang of it, they can “code the bracelets to do anything they want” using an open source program, including things like social media notifications, text messages and even controlling a drone. By plugging the bracelet into a computer using a micro USB and getting code snippets on the brand’s site once it’s live, they eventually will be able to customize their bracelets any way they want.
“Our hope is to get girls so excited about programming their Jewelbots that they inspire one another to create amazing functionality while learning to code,” co-founder Brooke Moreland said in a video on the Kickstarter.
Now that is wearable tech that I will 100 percent support.
More on Editors
The Latest
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
