Nowadays consumers want more than a single style and function. The stackable rings, charm bracelets and custom engagement rings that have taken the market by storm have substantiated the trend of customised designs. Empowered by design and technology, jewellery and watch practitioners across the globe put their best foot forward to meet the ever-changing demands of customers.
Modular smartwatch
Besides jewellery, smartwatches can now be customised as well. London-based Blocks Wearables’ latest modular smartwatch ‘BLOCKS’ is comprised of a core module that is already equipped with standard features such as calls, activity tracker, messages, and built-in microphone and a strap which is made up of different function-embedded modules that serve as links of the strap. Currently available modules include extra battery module, NFC contactless modules, heart rate module and GPS module. Compatible with both iOS and Android, ‘BLOCKS’ also has an open platform to allow third-party development of new modules. The product development began in November 2013 and on 13 October 2015 the team launched a Kickstarter campaign to sell the smartwatch. In just a few days the project had raised several folds of the amount it originally pledged. Claiming ‘BLOCKS’ to be ‘future-proof’, the company prides itself on producing a sustainable product that will lead to less electronic waste.
Sleek slide clasp
Having manufactured clasps since 1926, German company Koehle launched the new ‘Slide’ magnetic clasp in January 2015. Managing partner, Karina Ratzlaff said the slide clasp took their team nearly a year to develop and their invention differs from other magnetic clasps in that their clasp cannot be opened by tearing the ends of the chain. Instead, the two parts of the clasp can only be pushed open in a direction perpendicular to the chain line, adding extra security without sacrificing convenience as the action can be performed with a single hand. The mechanism also triumphs over technical challenges to withstand a weight of 2kg. Models of different designs and materials are available to suit clients’ needs.
Versatile pendant
Osun International Co, Ltd from Korea released its latest patented product ‘Pencharm’ in September 2015. It is an interchangeable jewellery part that combines the concept of pendant and charm. Behind ‘Pencharm’ is a double-locking clasp that comprises of a hook and a perpendicular handle where the two components are connected by a spring (see Figure 1 for how to use). It can be used with any type of chain under 2.5mm in thickness. The user can attach ‘Pencharm’ to a necklace, a purse, a bracelet, an anklet and even a mobile strap securely. According to Khunho Lim, president of company, ‘Pencharm’ is available in various materials such as gold, silver and Swarovski elements. Some buyers have shown interest in the item since its launch.
New 3D printing materials
Belgium-based online 3D printing service provider iMaterialise launched their latest 3D printing in copper in October 2015, after introducing wood, 18-karat and 14-karat gold. The company’s technology for printing in copper, gold, silver, bronze and brass are all based on lost wax casting and the final step of filing and sanding is done by hand. Though a lot of complicated structures can be 3D-printed, designs such as ‘ball within a ball’ and links of chain cannot be made with this process. iMaterialise now offers 3D printing services in 17 materials including precious metals and ceramics with over 90 combinations of materials and finishes. While the company is expanding its services around the world, marketing manager, Katrien Vandenplas reminds buyers that the exclusive use of their platform in Hong Kong and China has been sold to Golden Laser, a laser system manufacturer based in China. The Chinese company will run the iMaterialise platform on its site ‘3DEazer’ and 3D printing will take place in the company’s manufacturing centre in Wuhan.
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