The90 Gem UV-Tracking Necklace Offers New Insights Beyond Skin Deep

Image: The UV-tracking Gem made me rethink how sunlight affects my health, not just my appearance · Source

The90's $249 Gem necklace tracks UVA and UVB exposure, encouraging users to rethink sun safety and health impacts. Its app provides detailed UV metrics, vitamin D estimates, and personalized advice, revealing surprising insights about sun protection and daily UV exposure.

The90 has introduced the Gem, a UV-tracking necklace designed to inform wearers about their ultraviolet radiation exposure beyond the typical sunburn risk. Priced at $249, the Gem provides continuous monitoring of UVA and UVB rays through a sensor embedded in a stylish, lightweight pendant that can be worn on a titanium chain. The device syncs with a mobile app that delivers detailed analyses and personalized recommendations based on skin type and other factors.

Unlike many UV trackers that focus mainly on ambient UV forecasts, the Gem distinguishes between UVA and UVB radiation, shedding light on their different effects. UVB radiation primarily causes sunburn and facilitates vitamin D synthesis, while UVA contributes to skin aging and can cause damage without visible burning. This detailed tracking provides users with metrics such as estimated vitamin D production, cumulative UV exposure, circadian light benefits, and possible skin aging risks.

The device’s companion app, praised for its user-friendly interface, translates sensor data into useful insights like personalized ‘‘Sun Scores’’ and sunburn countdowns, enabling users to balance the benefits and risks of sunlight exposure. Users can input a skin profile including sensitivities, sunscreen use, and clothing to refine the estimates. However, measurements rely on keeping the app running in the background, as the sensor does not store data independently.

One reviewer’s experience highlighted how the Gem challenged assumptions about sun safety and heat protection. Despite sitting under shade and near a fan, the sensor detected increased UV exposure, leading to the realization that objects like umbrellas do not fully block UV radiation due to scattered and reflected rays. This insight prompted the reviewer to recognize personal health factors, such as medication-induced heat sensitivity, influencing sun tolerance.

Moreover, the reviewer discovered they often accumulated less UVB—and thus vitamin D—than expected, despite living in a sunny climate. This prompted greater mindfulness about time spent outdoors and sun exposure’s dual roles in health and skin aging. While some app metrics fluctuated significantly, users found value in the overall patterns rather than exact thresholds.

At nearly $250 without subscription fees, the Gem is positioned for those seeking comprehensive, fashion-friendly UV monitoring—particularly individuals spending substantial time outdoors or with specific sun sensitivity concerns. The90 plans to expand the product line with accessories like a hat clip and bag tag, expected early next year, to offer alternative wearing options.

By combining elegant wearable design with detailed UV analytics, the Gem encourages awareness of how sunlight affects both appearance and broader health factors, prompting users to rethink their relationship with sun exposure in daily life.