Former Fitbit executive launches UV-tracking necklace aimed at women
The90 launches The Gem, a smart necklace that tracks UV exposure and provides personalised sun-safety guidance.
A former Fitbit executive has introduced a new piece of smart jewellery designed to help women monitor their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the day.
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The device, called The Gem, has been developed by The90, a company founded by Stacy Salvi. Salvi spent eight years at Fitbit, working with the fitness technology company both before and after its acquisition by Google in 2021. The launch marks the company’s entry into the growing market for health-focused wearable technology.
The Gem is a round pendant necklace designed to provide real-time information about a user’s exposure to UVA and UVB rays. According to the company, the device continuously measures UV levels as a person moves between indoor and outdoor environments, helping to build a more accurate picture of daily exposure.
Smart jewellery designed to monitor UV exposure
The necklace contains sensors that track both UVA and UVB radiation, two types of ultraviolet light that can affect skin health. Exposure levels can vary significantly throughout the day depending on location, weather conditions and time spent near natural sunlight.
The90 said the device is intended to provide reliable readings in a range of situations, including outdoor activities and time spent indoors near bright windows. By collecting exposure data throughout the day, the necklace aims to give users a clearer understanding of the amount of UV radiation they receive.
The information gathered by the sensors is transmitted to a companion mobile application. The app analyses the data and creates a personalised skin profile for each user, enabling recommendations tailored to individual needs and exposure patterns.
Personalised guidance through a companion app
The companion application is designed to do more than display UV readings. It uses collected data to provide practical guidance intended to help users manage their sun exposure more effectively.
Features include personalised UV thresholds, reminders to apply sunscreen, and recommendations on suitable times to spend time outdoors. The goal is to help users make informed decisions about sun protection based on their own exposure levels rather than relying solely on general advice.
Growing awareness of the health risks associated with excessive UV exposure has increased interest in wearable technologies that provide real-time monitoring. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation is linked to skin damage and other health concerns, underscoring the importance of preventive measures as part of daily health routines.
By combining continuous monitoring with personalised recommendations, The90 hopes to offer users a more proactive approach to managing their exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Entering a growing wearable technology market
While The90 describes The Gem as a new category of wearable device, UV-monitoring technology is not entirely new. Several companies have previously launched products designed to track UV exposure, including specialist startups and major beauty and technology brands.
However, The Gem distinguishes itself through its jewellery-focused design. Unlike many existing UV sensors, which are typically worn as clips, patches or wrist-based accessories, The Gem is designed as a pendant necklace intended to blend with everyday fashion.
The company believes this approach may appeal to consumers who want health-monitoring technology without the appearance of traditional wearable devices. The combination of fashion and wellness has become an increasingly important trend within the broader wearable technology sector.
The Gem is available for purchase directly from The90. The company said the necklace will eventually retail for US$300, although an introductory offer allows early customers to buy the device for US$200 for a limited period.
As wearable technology continues to evolve beyond fitness tracking and smartwatches, products such as The Gem highlight how companies are exploring new ways to integrate health monitoring into everyday accessories.
