World’s Largest Jeweler Embraces Augmented Reality

DeBeers, the world’s largest jeweler, is letting its customers try on diamonds without ever leaving home.

The company’s new “My Forevermark Fitting” software uses augmented reality to test drive earrings, necklaces, engagement rings and more. All you need is a webcam and a printer.

Once you print out DeBeers’ special marker, the software detects the mark and virtually “places” the selected jewelry on your body using your webcam. The effect is much like looking at yourself in a mirror, only with the big engagment rock you’ve been pining after.

DeBeers is just the latest company to take advantage of augmented reality tech. Do you think this is the next big trend in online shopping — or just a fad?