Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

Shop Talsam at talsam.com.

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A truly personal gift for a loved one. Talsam is smart jewelry you can use to let someone know you're thinking about them, exchange private messages, and get notified if they need help.

Talsam offers two people an intimate way to communicate. When you give​ one to​ someone, you transform the way you stay in touch with them.

The person wearing the charm can:

Get light and vibration alerts when they receive a message

Send an SOS alert with their location by holding down a button for 5 seconds

Unlock private messages by pressing a button

​The person that gifted the charm can: ​

Send private messages to its wearer ​

Receive an SOS alert with its wearer's location

Send a message using the Talsam app and the charm lights up like a shooting star.

The wearer can also use the charm to send you an SOS alert with their location if they ever need help.

It's human connection - without the noise - that makes them feel cared for all the time. No matter where you are.

The New York City based design team spent months carefully constructing every aspect of the charm to ensure that it offers wearability and style.

We handpicked semi-precious stones as the main accent of the charm and adorned them with Swarovski crystals to add elegance to the overall look.

We tested a range of silhouettes for the charm before choosing the one with the most versatility, able to suit an array of different personalities.

Omar, the founder, drew inspiration from his own experiences being away from people he loved. He had also been struggling to come up with original gift ideas for his girlfriend.

Our teaser video captures the essence of what Talsam is about:

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Talsam is for anyone looking for a better way to stay connected with someone they love, whether it's a friend, family member, or romantic partner.

Express your love in a video, photo, voice note or text message, or choose from a collection of animated emojis.

Send any type of message using the app and the charm lights up like a shooting star.

A loved one can send you an SOS alert by holding down a button on the side of the charm for 5 seconds. The charm vibrates to confirm that the alert was sent.

You instantly receive an email and SMS containing their location, along with an automated phone call.

You can mark any message you send the person wearing the charm as a private message.

The wearer then has to press a button on the charm to authenticate their identity before the message is displayed in the app.

We approached the app as if it was a standalone product and designed it to offer an intimate experience even without the charm. The end result is a full-featured messaging app built to support your most precious relationships.

Tag a message you receive according to how it makes you feel, choosing from five emotions: amused, happy, loved, optimistic, and thankful.

Replay old messages based on how they made you feel in the past. So, if you're ever feeling blue, just tap on a random happy moment and turn that frown upside down.

When you buy Talsam as a gift for someone, you can record a welcome message that is played while the recipient is setting up their charm. Imagine their delight when they see a video from you right after they create an account.

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We exhausted every detail in the design of the charm to ensure it offers maximum wearability and style.

We explored an array of semi-precious and man-made stone options before picking the final six, each of which has its own unique set of properties.

Amazonite is a soothing stone that is thought to have a calming effect and an array of healing qualities. Some say that it boosts loving communication and even has the potential to empower you to discover your truth.

Amazonite charm on gold-plated chain bracelet

Black Sardonyx is a stone of protection and strength. It is said that the Ancient Greeks and Romans believed Sardonyx rewarded its wearer with true love and faithfulness. Wearing this stone is thought to attract friends and fortune.

Black Sardonyx charm on silver-plated bracelet

Blue Goldstone is historically known as Aventurine Glass, from the Italian word for 'accidental,' because it is said that it was accidentally discovered by alchemist monks, who were trying to make gold. Its sparkle comes from flecks of copper suspended in glass. It is the stone of ambition, promoting wisdom, energy, and courage.

Blue Goldstone charm on rose gold-plated necklace

Gray Agate is known as a grounding stone that harmonizes the mind, body, and soul. It has been used for healing as far back as Babylon and it was considered so powerful in Medieval times that tying it to the horns of oxen was thought to yield a plentiful harvest.

Gray Agate charm on silver-plated bracelet

Lapis Lazuli has been sought after for its protective qualities for centuries. The sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen was lined with this stone and it is said that Michelangelo grounded it up into powder and used it to paint the Sistine Chapel. Lapis is thought to shield its wearer from harm and bestow them with wisdom, truth, and understanding.

Lapis Lazuli charm on gold-plated chain bracelet

White Howlite is a stone of awareness and positivity. It is thought to have therapeutic properties, helping to absorb anger and release tension. It promotes peace, kindness, and calmness. Some even say that wearing it has the same effect as spending hours in a spa.

White Howlite charm on rose gold-plated necklace

We added six Swarovski crystals to the stone face laid out like the Lyra Constellation, a group of stars associated with music and love.

We chose stainless steel for its durability and hypoallergenic properties, and applied gold-plating with a protective PVD coating.

Featuring a loop and pin closure to keep the charm cap secure, and rings on either end that can be attached to a bracelet or necklace.

We produced a range of accessories to suit different styles, occasions, and moods.

Every charm is compatible with a range of bracelet and necklace options

There's a USB connector hidden inside Talsam that can be plugged into a power source, your computer, or even your smartphone.

Talsam can be charged in less than 2 hours, with an expected standby life of approx. 300 hours.

The charm packs quite a punch for something its size. We managed to squeeze a motor, a battery, an electronics board, six LED lights, and a USB connector into its compact frame.

You will receive a survey at the end of the project to enable you to choose the charm and accessories you want. Here are your options!

Chipp'd (chippd.com) is a young company based in New York, whose mission is to create fun and personal ways for people to connect online.

We operate another brand called StoryChips (storychips.com), physical stickers that let you share videos, photos, and voice notes.

Talsam (talsam.com) was born out of our founder's experience spending years away from loved ones. He came to us about 2 years ago with a question: how could we create a beautiful piece of jewelry that helped people stay connected with loved ones?

We dove right in and set out to answer it together.

We've been fortunate enough to work with several people that have made valuable contributions to this project.

Launchlight Films for video production

Leadoff Studio for industrial and jewelry design

Samit Patel and Joopio for marketing

Takamasa Ota for photography

Verena Michelitsch for branding and illustration

We're ready to go into production. Here are the key milestones from closing our Kickstarter campaign to delivering finished product to all our backers:

August 2nd: Kickstarter campaign ends

Kickstarter campaign ends August: Final functional prototype

Final functional prototype August: Final jewelry hardware

Final jewelry hardware September: Final electronics and PCB

Final electronics and PCB September: Obtain necessary certifications

Obtain necessary certifications October: Test jigs and tooling

Test jigs and tooling November: Produce "golden" sample

Produce "golden" sample December: Final production starts

Final production starts February 2019: Talsam delivered to backers

Join us in our journey to transform the way we connect with loved ones online with Talsam: smart jewelry for your most precious relationships.