Popular Gemstones in Watches and Jewelry

Which gems are turning heads in the world of watches and jewelry? Today, we are going to take a look at some of the prestigious natural stones that are dominating horology in the 21st century. Can you guess which gems will make the list?

We cannot possibly talk about gem-set watches and not start with diamonds. These exceptional gemstones are by far the most popular choice for watches and jewelry, and with good reason. Diamonds top the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning they are incredibly scratch resistant and difficult to damage. This is perfect for jewelry worn in high-touch places or pieces you rock every day, such as engagement rings and high-end watches. Plus, the translucent coloring of diamonds makes them a versatile choice that perfectly complements endless outfits and aesthetics. There is no such thing as a diamond “not matching” your look.

When it comes to luxury timepieces, you will see a variety of different diamond applications. For instance, the Avi & Co. Iced Collection watch pictured above shows off flawless baguette-cut diamonds across its bezel, dial, and bracelet for a look that pushes the boundaries of sparkle. For a slightly more subtle visual, you might choose a watch with diamonds only on the bezel, or even diamonds used as hour markers, adding just a slight shine factor. The perfect example? This memorable Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, which exemplifies sophistication and elegance with its chic blue dial and gorgeous diamond-set bezel.

If we are talking about diamonds, we cannot forget about jewelry. Our sophisticated and unique Diamonds by Avi & Co. line of fine diamond jewelry showcases the best and brightest of naturally mined diamonds in breathtaking sizes, cuts, and settings. We are not afraid to show off high-carat pieces that are made for the trendsetters and the move-makers of the world. One of our favorite pieces right now has to be the Nois Trois Diamond Cuff Ring, which features three diamonds that lay across the hand: one pear-cut, one marquis-cut, and one brilliant-cut.

You cannot go wrong with choosing diamond watches or jewelry. This timeless and elegant gemstone is the world’s most elite for a reason, and it is sure to stun on any wrist. At Avi & Co., we have many diamond watches to choose from, and we will help you find a piece that ignites your inner sparkle.

Like diamonds, sapphires are an extremely durable and iconic gemstone. They have been among the world’s most prized jewels for centuries, and they are symbols of wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and sincerity. Sapphires offer an air of nobility and refinement to any watch, and they are currently extremely in vogue.

Sapphires are perhaps best known for their deep blue hues, which are rich and vibrant. You can see these gorgeous tones on the Avi & Co. Hue Collection watch shown above, which is decked out in numerous naturally mined sapphires, 945 of them to be exact. As the light catches these precision-cut gems, you will get a glimpse of the kinetic and captivating nature of the sapphires, which are sure to immediately grab a place in your heart.

Though blue is the most common (and in some cases, most prestigious) color for sapphires, these renowned stones also come in a variety of other hues, ranging from pink to green to purple. For example, check out another member of the much-loved Hue Collection, the pink sapphire watch. Nicknamed “Pink Ice,” this gorgeous piece showcases sapphires in a rosy pink hue. Perfect for anyone who wants to add a little bit of color and fun to their ensemble, the pink sapphire watch is a must-have for avid sapphire lovers, watch collectors, and gem enthusiasts. It showcases an unusual yet breathtaking sapphire coloration while maintaining everything we love about this precious stone: Its durability, vividness, and historical significance.

The best news? Sapphires are not limited to pink and blue! Take in this gorgeous Rolex Daytona watch for a perfect example of how sapphires transcend traditional boundaries and encompass all of the colors of the rainbow:

The rainbow Rolex Daytona is a staple of modern watch collecting, and it is much-loved by celebrities like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, John Mayer, Mark Wahlberg, DJ Khaled, and so many others. There is nothing quite like a rainbow of sapphires to turn heads, and you can add yourself to this elite list of connoisseurs when you shop for sapphire watches at Avi & Co.

One of the most coveted gemstones in the world, rubies are an eternal symbol of passion, fire, love, and beauty. These rich, red jewels are mined primarily in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique (the latter is where we get the stones in our iconic Hue Collection red ruby watch, pictured above). Rubies have been sought after for centuries, and have been part of royal crowns and jewelry collections that only the world’s most elite can get their hands on.

Rubies are a close cousin of the sapphire, and they are rated a 9 on the Mohs scale, meaning they are nearly indestructible and virtually scratch-proof. These exceptional gems are a memorable edition to any watch or jewelry collection. Once you get your hands on one gorgeous ruby, you are sure to want even more. We are obsessed with the countless rubies adorning the Hue Collection watch above, but if you are looking for a more subtle aesthetic, check out this Rolex GMT-Master II watch:

This impressive feat of watchmaking and jewelry craftsmanship combines the top three stones on this list: diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. The sapphires top the bezel while the rubies surround the bottom half. You will also see baguette-cut diamond hour markers and round diamonds on the watch’s integrated bracelet. The versatility of this gorgeous watch is just one of the many impressive features that it boasts.

Now, we will get into some more unique and unusual gems that are used in watches and jewelry, starting with the garnet. The birthstone for the month of January, garnet is usually pictured in deep red, but it actually comes in a wide variety of different colors. Additionally, there are many types of garnet. The name “garnet” is actually an umbrella term for a collection of different silicate minerals, including spessartite and tsavorite. Garnet stones are great for jewelry and watches due to their strong hardness ratings, diverse and vibrant hues, and meaningful connection to friendship, love, and passion.

Spessartite is a type of garnet known for its bright orange hues, resembling a clementine or mandarin orange. It is highly sought after in the jewelry market because of its unique coloration, which can range from yellow-orange to red-orange and is prized for its citrusy character. One example of spessartite in a luxury watch appears in this gorgeous Patek Philippe Nautilus, which combines the gorgeous orange garnets with warm rose gold.

In combining the classic silhouette of the Nautilus line with the unique colors of the spessartite stones, this Patek Philippe is an instant classic. But remember, orange is not the only popular garnet coloration for jewelry! Green garnets, also called tsavorite, are another treasured gemstone that has been turning heads in the jewelry and watch world.

Tsavorite was first discovered in the region bordering Tanzania and Kenya, known as the Tsavo region, and is a springy green stone that is renowned for its vibrant hues and sparkling value. It is typically found in small sizes, making large cuts of the stone extremely valuable and sought after in the jewelry industry and beyond. Here at Avi & Co., we fell in love with the unique look of tsavorite, even going so far as to dedicating one of our Hue Collection watches to the stone:

This exceptional timepiece showcases green tsavorite in all its glory, adorning the dial, bezel, and bracelet with precision-cut, naturally mined stones. The green tsavorite watch is a favorite among Hue Collection admirers, and its bright colors are sure to turn heads.

Are you ready to find the gemstones that speak to you? Here at Avi & Co., we specialize in globally renowned watches from brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Richard Mille. Whether you like an iced-out look or a subtle, sleek design, our expert team will help you find the timepiece of your dreams in one of our three bespoke stores.

Make an appointment today to lock in your personalized shopping experience.