Ice, Ice Baby: A Guide to Avi & Co.’s Diamond-Pave Timepieces

Gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds may be gaining popularity, but diamonds are forever. They are coveted for their beauty and timelessness. The unmatched sparkle that diamond-pave timepieces have when worn around a wrist is distinct. For anyone looking to feel like royalty by wearing a piece of history on their wrists, a diamond-pave watch is a must-have addition to your collection.

Incorporating diamonds into watches dates back to the 19th century. Patek Philippe crafted the first diamond watch in 1868 for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. By the 1950s, watches featuring dials adorned with precious stones instead of traditional indexes became popular. For Avi Hiaeve, the founder and CEO of Avi & Co., diamond-studded accessories are an extension of his commitment to luxury.

It is no surprise that Hiaeve loves curating one of the biggest diamond-pave watch collections in the country. He was covered head to toe in decadent diamonds at the Grand Opening of the Avi & Co. showroom in Miami, Florida. “I wanted to feel like a king,” Hiaeve said with a soaring grin.

“I had a crown chain. I had my Avi & Co watch. The diamonds on the shoes were just a little extra.” And Hiaeve was far from the only one in the store decked out in diamonds. His watch collections, both from heritage brands like Audemars Piguet and Rolex and his own Avi & Co. lines, sparkled to match his iced-out ensemble.

Even celebrities such as DJ Khaled and Sylvester Stallone have purchased from Avi’s glamorous collection. Customers around the globe look to Avi & Co. to get their hands on the most prized diamond-pave pieces that you cannot find anywhere else. At Avi & Co., we specialize in providing certified pre-owned luxury watches with high-quality features such as factory-set diamonds and numerous complications.

When it comes to diamond-pave watches, you will want to ensure that you are purchasing a factory-set watch rather than one that has been altered after market. A factory-set timepiece means that the stones were applied directly by the brand’s manufacturer without any third-party involvement. The alignment, orientation, position, strength, and proportion of the gems are precise, and this designation adds to the value of an upscale timepiece.

While New York City is well known for its fast-paced environment, the watch industry is quite the opposite. Artisans train for almost a decade to produce luxury watches by hand. The client base for factory-set watches is limited to a select, elite group. Because of this, they are created with flawless dials, bracelets, and bezels set with precious stones.

Additionally, many gem-set watches are produced in small quantities. In addition to adding to the exclusivity and prestige of the watch, this ensures that it remains a luxury good rather than a normal commodity that anyone can get their hands on. In fact, many luxury watchmakers force customers to jump through numerous hoops just to get on the list for a hand-crafted piece. That is where the appeal of the secondary market comes in.

When you shop with a trusted secondary market provider like Avi & Co., you are paying for access: the watches you want, when you want them.

Diamond-pave watches are expensive because of their rich history, investment value, and craftsmanship. Value can increase depending on the quality of the diamonds, their carat weight, brand reputation, and overall condition. Brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe are known for their exclusivity and craftsmanship. If the market is in a good position, you will likely see an increase in value over time.

Watch collectors looking for a diamond-pave piece typically also appreciate the fact that diamonds are always in demand. When jewelers talk about determining the value of a diamond, they typically reference the “Four Cs.” Those are cut, clarity, color, and carat. These factors influence a diamond’s value, whether it is sitting solo atop an engagement ring or adorning the face of a diamond-pave watch.

It comes as no surprise that a diamond-set watch stands out in a crowd. These statement pieces are more dramatic than those without gem-adorned dials. A lot of fascination also stems from hip-hop culture, athletes like Floyd Mayweather, and celebrities such as Rihanna, who love the iced-out look of these head-turning pieces.

Now, consumers are choosing to wear diamond-encrusted timepieces to make a statement with any ensemble. And who is to say any aficionado needs a reason to sport something flashy if not simply because of its aesthetic? Diamonds are not only a girl’s best friend, after all. As we like to say, diamonds are for everyone. Everyone who can afford them, anyway.

There are plenty of ways to style a gem-studded watch, whether you are wearing it at your wedding, a chic red carpet event, or for an everyday look. Usually, when someone wears a fashionable timepiece such as this, they want to show it off as best as possible. Wear it with designer clothes, a bespoke suit, or business attire. No matter what you choose, ensure your wrists can see the light of day.

Give your watch the attention it deserves. You could try a muted color like black, brown, or navy to make your watch the star of the show. Your outfit will look subdued against the sparkle on your wrist. Either way, you will feel an air of luxury as you stroll the streets or drive in your Rolls-Royce. Wear what makes you feel like a king or queen, and your watch will be the crown on top.

Exploring the secondary market for a diamond timepiece is a more valuable way to invest in this stand-out accessory. Nowhere else in New York City will you find such a large variety of brands all in one place. Plus, we offer competitive pricing to allow you to feel confident when you add a statement piece to your watch collection.

For anyone looking to sell a watch down the line, purchasing that watch on the secondary market is the best path forward. Retail prices rarely offer much investment potential due to their steep price premiums. This means that pre-owned diamond watches will yield a much better return on investment (ROI) at the end of the day. At Avi & Co., we have a broad range of diamond watches. Some of our timepieces have diamond hour markers for a small sparkle. We also sell ones completely covered in diamonds. And the best part? You will never have to wait on a list to purchase these discontinued or rare watches.

Looking for a sophisticated style with diamonds on just the bezel? Be sure to shop our Patek Philippe Aquanaut or Nautilus collections.

Prefer a diamond dial? Scroll through our Rolex Day-Date 36 collection, where you will find beauties like this striking 18K yellow gold watch with a diamond-pave dial and colored gemstone index dial markers.

And if you prefer to be dripping in diamonds, our Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has got you covered. On this beautiful, 18K rose gold watch, you will find countless diamonds emblazoning the dial, the bezel, and even the beginnings of the integrated strap, before it transitions to a striking brown leather alligator band.

Of course, our number one favorites are the Limited Edition Avi & Co. AH10, AH17, and AH23 pieces. These three watches from the Iced Collection are perfect for anyone looking for a totally iced-out look that complements any ensemble.

Created by Avi and his team in 2021, Avi & Co.’s exclusive timepieces were inspired by the legacy of a man who built his home from the ground up. The pattern on the bracelet mimics the house’s deck, and the dial caricatures the brick of the driveway. With its limited edition status, this future heirloom is ready to pass down for generations.

The AH23, AH10 and AH17 come in both 18K white and rose gold. The AH17, which is the largest of the three models, sports a 44 mm case and a 120.55 carat diamond dial. The AH10, which offers a midsize case of 40 mm, has 91.19 carats of diamonds on its dial. And the AH23, which comes with a more subtle 37 mm case, offers a 82.67-carat diamond dial.

If you are looking for a more subtle look, you might also consider Avi & Co.’s Frosted Collection. These watches boast diamond-set bezels and dials. The bracelets have a “frosted” effect, achieved through a proprietary technique that lends a unique finish to the timepiece. Available in 18K rose gold and 18K white gold, the Frosted watches are available in a 40 mm case size and a 44 mm case size. Whichever size you choose, you are sure to love the majestic diamond dials and understated bracelets, which combine to create an effect of ultimate luxury.

We recently expanded our Frosted Collection with the addition of the Frosted Rainbow watches. These exquisite creations replace the traditional diamond bezel of the Frosted watches with an explosion of color: 32 naturally mined sapphires in a selection of rainbow hues. These limited edition pieces are available in a 44 mm case size in both white gold and rose gold. They are also compatible with our Color in Motion rubber straps for even more personalization and vibrant aesthetics that will never go out of style.

No matter how many diamonds you want your timepiece to have, always do your research before buying to ensure you are getting a watch from a reputable source. Consider which features you want and know your budget before deciding on what you want to add to your collection.

At Avi & Co., all of our watches are inspected by our in-house repairman. They are guaranteed to be 100% fully functional and authentic. We back every watch with our worry-free, two-year warranty. With us, you do not need to worry about coming across any surprises after you bring your watch home.

Contact us today to see what diamond-set timepieces we have in stock. We look forward to making you feel like royalty.