Expo shines light on next generation of jewelry pieces

Sales of expensive precious metal and natural gem jewelry have dropped, but those embedded into wearables or smart devices are becoming increasingly popular, according to traders and experts attending the Shanghai International Jewelry Expo 2016 this week.

They said the shifting trend illustrates just how different generations of buyers now view investing in such expensive items.

"Elderly consumers prefer gold and natural gem jewelry because they believe they retain value," said Liu Yuhua, general manager with Yuecai Jewelry Co, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.