Recently I was at a bridal shower when I noticed another guest intently staring at the black Fitbit on her wrist, where it mingled with other bangles and bracelets. I motioned to her slim black device, which matched her attractive black and pink dress.

And for manly men who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a necklace — the main unit is detachable.

“Are you keeping track of your steps today?” I inquired, taking a sip of my mimosa.

She grinned. “I should be, but I’m getting texts on this. I can’t look away!”

Texts on her Fitbit? Today’s wearable fitness apps have evolved into communication devices and jazzy jewelry — seamlessly combining fashion with texts, social media updates, and email alerts. Even ovulation tracking and stress levels can be monitored on today’s smart jewelry.

Since when did fitness (the health-boosting kind) have anything to do with eye-catching accessories?

“I started tracking my daily steps on this, at first not even wanting to be bothered with texts or alerts,” said my new 20-something friend. “But I can’t look away — my own wrist is like a traffic accident that I’m rubber-necking!”

The effectiveness of fitness apps may be dubious anyway. A 2014 study by Endeavour Partners found that “more than half of U.S. consumers who have owned a modern activity tracker no longer use it.” And — “A third of U.S. consumers who have owned one stopped using the device within six months of receiving it.”

Maybe if they’re hidden inside trendy jewelry, fitness apps will be more effective? Below are several smart jewelry finds.

Aries from Ringly
This smart bracelet has a fitness-tracking capability as well as the ability to get alerts from a smartphone. Ringly bracelets send customized notifications through vibrations and light — so the bracelet may start glowing during a fabulous dinner party. The Aries bracelet is connected to over 100 different apps. It also has a fitness tracking capability. $195.

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LEAF from Bellabeat
The stylish LEAF necklace can track the wearer’s stress levels through breathing patterns. If you’re trying to have a baby, LEAF can also track menstrual cycles and advise on ovulation periods, so mothers-to-be may find themselves staring at their LEAF necklace for long periods of time. Steps taken and sleep monitoring are also offered. $119.

Shine from Swarovski
This sparkly bracelet is a partnership between Misfit and Swarovski. The black bejeweled bracelet hides step and activity tracking and sleep monitoring from the Misfit smartphone app. The jewels are custom-applied in France. Ooh-la-la! $169.

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Opening Ceremony from MICA
MICA stands for My Intelligent Communication Accessory, and its Opening Ceremony bracelet comes with a free AT&T two-year contract, for starters. Text messages and alerts can be received “untethered” from the trendy chunky bracelet decorated with pearls and obsidian, which means you can leave your smartphone at home. This wearable tech is a collaboration with Intel. $495.

Ear-o-Smart
If you like the pirate look, Ear-o-Smart is a single earring that tracks calories burned, heart rate, and physical activity, all of which can be synced to a smartphone. A kit is available as well to bedazzle the lone earring, too. Not yet available, but should be soon. Price to be determined.

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Pendant by Arc
The men aren’t left out of smart jewelry thanks to the Arc Pendant, available soon. Worn underneath a shirt or T shirt, the Arc Pendant can help cyclists around busy city streets and is voice-activated. It’s water resistant and tracks body position and posture. And for manly men who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a necklace — the main unit is detachable. Price yet to be determined.

Smart jewelry is not just a trendy fad but a legitimate look into our mobile digital future. Apple has filed a patent for a smart ring, which could potentially control smartphones, tablets, and devices around the home such as lights and door locks, according to urbanwearables.com. Not to be outdone, Microsoft is apparently also planning a new way to control its devices — also in the form of a smart ring.

The upshot? In the near future you may be able to turn off your lights, lock your doors, and check your Facebook page — all from the little ring on your finger.