Here at the Technology Therapy Group, one of the things we specialize in is helping independent jewelers – both retailers and designers – market themselves more effectively. Over the past few months, I’ve had some great opportunities to spend lots of time with jewelry people, both at the Smart Jewelry Show in Chicago, and most recently, at the Leading Jeweler’s Guild event in Newport Beach, CA.

There’s been some amazing conversations about how technology is changing the industry. It’s obvious to see that the rise of smartphones and tablets makes mobile marketing a top priority for the jewelry industry. What may be less obvious is how technology is influencing something as fundamental as jewelry design – even introducing new categories of products!

For example, check out Tony Burch’s new Fitbit Jewelry Collection. Here we see very traditional jewelry forms – bracelets and pendants – transformed to incorporate one of the most popular pieces of wearable technology, the Fitbit fitness tracker.

Personally, I’m in love with this idea. I’m a Fitbit fan, but I can’t wear it all the time (the way it should be worn for best results!) because it just doesn’t look right with some professional or dress attire. Tony Burch’s designs provide a stylish alternative for women who are in the same situation I’m in.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. Wearable tech is a trend that can’t be ignored; I am confident we’ll see other designers following in the path Burch is blazing. Fashion is far from the only field that will be impacted by wearable tech.

Now is the time to start thinking about what these changes might mean for your industry. Being able to recognize and capitalize on trends is a great way to boost your bottom line: witness what happened to Nike when they saw that the public’s enthusiasm for cross-training would require new footwear specifically designed for this application.

Trend-spotting requires a type of dual vision, focused both on your particular industry and on the marketplace as a whole. Tony Burch appears to be in the right place at the right time with the right idea. Will we be talking about your company the same way tomorrow?