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South China Morning Post

The continued rise of luxury smart jewellery: Gucci, Hermès, Tag Heuer, Vertu and other brands are combining Silicon Valley's wearable tech with exquisite European craftsmanship

Once reserved for fitness fanatics and Silicon Valley insiders , wearable tech is entering a new era – one of precious metals and exquisite craftsmanship. Smart jewellery is now a fashion-forward essential, merging high design with intelligent functionality. As the boundaries between style and innovation continue to blur, the luxury world is paying close attention, rethinking what adornment can offer beyond beauty alone. Today's upscale pieces aren't just decorative – they're practical, signalling a future where aesthetics and utility are seamlessly intertwined. After all, smartwatches have long bridged the gap between function and finesse. Leading the latest charge is the Apple Watch Series 10, with its advanced health features and streamlined design. Hublot's Big Bang e Gen3 is powered by the brand's powerful Wear OS technology, offering extravagance without compromising functionality. Meanwhile, Tag Heuer's Connected Calibre E4 channels classic Swiss watchmaking through a digital lens with a high-definition screen and data-driven fitness goals. Whichever is your preference, these accomplished timepieces prove that engineering and elegance aren't mutually exclusive. The Gucci X Oura ring. Photo: Handout Advertisement Jewellers are putting their stamp on wearable technology too. At the heart of this revolution lies a blend of digital flair and artisanal skill, showcased by smart rings and bracelets fitted with biometric sensors, AI-driven features and contactless payment systems. Far from the clunky, utilitarian wearables of the past, these pieces are often crafted with precious metals and adorned with dustings of gemstones. Limited-edition creations, such as the Gucci × Oura Ring, further introduced functionality into sought-after designer collectibles. The Gucci x Oura collaboration, which was unveiled in May 2022, fused the Italian fashion house's signature motifs and opulent materials with the Finnish health tech company's advanced biometric tracking technology. Described by Gucci as 'a smart accessory that tracks the body's messages to provide personal insights that allow the wearer to own their potential', the ring combines high fashion, in the form of Gucci's instantly recognisable interlocking G motif and intricate braided torchon detailing, with Oura's health-tracking technology. The Oura Ring 4 collection. Photo: Handout Like the original, more tech-led products, these bands discreetly monitor sleep, heart rate, temperature and activity, among other metrics. The likes of the Gucci x Oura collection demonstrate that such accessories are as appropriate for the boardroom or red carpet as they are for the gym; proof positive that smart jewellery is the new frontier for a style‑and‑tech‑savvy generation that places equal value on elegance and cutting-edge technology. After all, this trend's rise results from a perfect storm of refined aesthetics and shifting consumer priorities. Market research company Custom Market Insights forecasts the global smart jewellery sector will nearly triple in size over the next decade. Fuelled by the surging popularity of connected devices among younger buyers – particularly Gen Z and millennials – demand is booming for multifunctional accessories that marry connectivity with design. Vertu AI diamond ring. Photo: Handout Collaborations between digital trailblazers and luxury labels – think Apple Watch Hermès – and advances in miniaturised sensors have elevated smart jewellery from niche novelty to mainstream staple. Embracing the ethos of 'quiet luxury', these pieces favour subtle discretion over flashy logos and seamlessly integrate into daily life. Rather than announcing their capabilities, they whisper them, appealing to modern consumers who demand ever more from their purchases and regard such technology as an essential.