Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Web Tech Co. Brings Augmented Reality to Jewelry Industry
Augmentes provides a shopping platform for retailers designed to entertain, engage and educate today’s consumers.

Houston--Global technology firm Augmentes is bringing a shopping platform to the jewelry industry that is designed to engage and educate today’s consumers.
The company is offering retailers e-commerce solutions ranging from web to mobile and allowing print and social media platforms to be more transactional with consumers through augmented reality.
Augmented reality is technology that superimposes a computer generated image onto a user’s view of the real world, providing a composite view. The proprietary software modules that Augmentes brings to retailers provide a cohesive digital consumer experience across online, mobile and in-store channels.
Augmentes said it can implement its turnkey solutions into existing software systems within 90 days.
Among the offerings for retailers are mobile-augmented commerce, augmented product catalog, print and product augmentation, 3-D augmented view, virtual touch and try-on, beacons for “near me” coupons and offers, image recognition for digital offers, and geo-fencing and sensor integration.
Rapid City, South Dakota-based Riddle’s Jewelry is the company’s first jewelry retail partner. The 65-store chain has said that since it partnered with Augmentes this year to redesign its website, e-commerce sales were up 30 percent in April and May, and 400 percent in June compared to last year.
Website page views are up 30 percent and online sessions increased by more than 20 percent, the store added.
The augmented reality market, along with that of virtual reality, is skyrocketing. In 2016, the market size of the two was $6.1 billion dollars, according to Statista, and is expected to more than double to $13.9 billion this year and reach $143.3 billion in 2020.
“You can imagine the potential augmented technologies have for the buyer socially and visually,” Augmentes founder Sundar Moorthi said. “Give customers the chance to interact on their smart phones and mobile devices, and you will compel them to purchases more often, simply because they are more involved with and stimulated by your products. More than any other industry, selling jewelry is about establishing empathy and creating desire, and nothing spurs desire like trying on jewelry. Augmented apps place customers virtually inside a product or store.”
For more information, call 281-401-9883, email sales@augmentes.com or visit augmentes.com.
The Latest

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”


In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.

Sponsored by De Beers Group





















