The tenth and final edition of this year’s pre-Congress special reports has been released, with only six days till the commencement of the 2023 CIBJO Congress in Jaipur, India, on October 3rd, 2023. The research, prepared by the CIBJO Technology Committee, led by Stéphane Fischler, examines the effects of emerging technologies on the jewelry industry, namely those linked to artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and big data.
“We need to learn as we move along, investing in digital infrastructure and talent, and using the data we capture in a legal and optimal fashion,” argues Fischler. “To prosper in this brave new world, we have to innovate in order not to be left behind.”
According to him, all of the numerous systems outlined are dependent on the availability of data collected via the internet, as well as data generated by the new technologies being implemented. “But it is not enough to gather data – you need to understand its relevance and implement measures based upon it to maximise returns,” Fischler goes on. “In essence, gathering, validating, understanding, and then protecting information is becoming increasingly important in enabling us to make optimal decisions at any given time.” It’s increasingly what gives those in our industry a competitive advantage.”
According to Fischler, artificial intelligence (AI) is a game changer. Misinformation is always a worry, he says, but deep learning incorporates a continuous element of self-improvement, which means that as time passes and the data pool expands, a system’s understanding of the information becomes more accurate.
“The question is now how to make the most of the opportunities that technology offers while maintaining and increasing the unique appeal of jewellery,” says Fischler. “How do we maintain the centuries-old desire to adorn oneself and enjoy the mental benefit of it, in a virtual setting?”
“How will jewellery retailers adapt to the virtual mode, and manage to enhance both the digital and physical retail experiences, with customers often connected to one or more devices, through which they themselves are producing a steady stream of data,” he continues. “And, importantly, how do we protect creativity and intellectual property? Are copyright laws currently equipped to face this new challenge?”