Guide to Gemstone Watches for Diwali

In various cultural and religious traditions, gemstones have played a pivotal role, and this holds true for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, as well. In Indian traditions, each gemstone is said to be linked to specific planets and it is believed that each gemstone possesses distinct spiritual properties. People often buy gemstones for themselves or their loved ones during this festive season, believing that these can invite positive energy, good luck, and prosperity. The tradition of gifting gemstones during Diwali apparently goes back to ancient times. 

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Gems in Time

One can also perhaps opt for a luxury watch meticulously adorned with carefully selected gemstones. Gemstones on timepieces epitomise dynamic shifts in luxury accessory trends today. Watchmakers, acknowledging the magnetic charm and symbolic richness of gemstones, seamlessly incorporate them into designs. From timeless diamonds to vibrant sapphires and emeralds, these precious stones infuse watches with opulence, transforming them into exquisite masterpieces. 

Brands like Jacob & Co., Rolex, Cartier, and Audemars Piguet have set new benchmarks in this regard. Noteworthy watch partnerships, such as Cristiano Ronaldo's association with Jacob & Co., gave rise to bespoke creations like the Caviar Flying Tourbillon "Tsavorite", showcasing the rarity of the stones. Recently, Rihanna wore a diamond and ruby-covered Northern Lights timepiece during her NFL halftime show, which harmonised with her stunning Loewe jumpsuit. Looking back into history, Cartier's Tutti-Frutti collections have enjoyed significant popularity since the 1920s. Even today, they continue to spark intense competition in auctions.

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Therefore, this Diwali, GMT India showcases select timepieces, emphasising the profound significance of gemstones in this joyous season.

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The Radiant Ruby

Ruby, also known as manik, is known to hold immense significance, symbolising prosperity, authority, and courage. It is believed that wearing a ruby enhances confidence and provides a sense of empowerment, contributing to the wearer's elevated spirit and will power.

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In the realm of luxury watches, the Breguet Reine de Naples and Jacob & Co.'s Astronomia stand out for their exemplary craftsmanship. The former, adorned with diamonds and rubies, transcends mere timekeeping, merging elegance with precision. On the other hand, the Astronomia, a pinnacle of 21st-century watchmaking, features a ruby-headed spinning arrow, a celestial detail encapsulating both innovation and luxury. These watches, like precious rubies, signify not just timekeeping, but also status, sophistication, and a celebration of exceptional engineering. 

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Emerald Elegance

The emerald or panna stands as a potent symbol of prosperity and well-being. Its significance extends beyond material wealth, making it a thoughtful and versatile gift.

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Chopard's gem-set timepieces redefine luxury with a commitment to sustainability. Crafted from Fairmined-certified ethical gold, these watches intricately incorporate emeralds, reflecting light and colour in virtuoso arrangements. The white gold pieces, adorned with diamonds and emeralds, exude elegance, while the pieces featuring rare yellow diamonds captivate collectors with their symmetrical grace. Van Cleef & Arpels introduced the Ludo Secret Mystery Set Emeralds Watch this year, a masterpiece honouring the Maison's couture-inspired Ludo collection. The Mystery Set emeralds on the dial create an intense colour effect. The hexagonal mesh bracelet is adorned with star-set emeralds. 

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Tranquil with Tourmaline

Tourmaline, revered for dispelling negativity and fostering self-confidence, is assumed to have a pivotal role in enhancing well-being and attracting positivity. Its significance lies in promoting happiness and joy, while acting as a conduit for luck and good fortune.

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In the Bvlgari DIVAS' DREAM watch, tourmalines, along with amethysts, intricately adorn the 18 ct rose gold case, embodying the vivacity of Rome's golden era. This timepiece, with a mother-of-pearl dial and diamonds, symbolises a celebration of life's passion and exuberance, encapsulating the dolce vita spirit. Meanwhile, Gucci's G-Timeless Planetarium High Jewellery watch elevates watchmaking to an art form. The inclusion of rubies, fire opals, pink tourmaline, and mandarin garnets not only lends aesthetic brilliance, but also serves as integral components in the timepiece's intricate mechanism. The captivating dance of these gems mirrors an otherworldly sunset, imparting a celestial allure to the watch, merging haute horlogerie with breathtaking aesthetics.

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Dazzling Diamonds‍

Diamonds need no introduction. They are known to hold a profound cultural significance, embodying purity, strength, and the ability to dispel negativity. During Diwali, the act of gifting diamonds transcends material value — it shows that one is wishing prosperity and harmony for the recipient.

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Vacheron Constantin's Overseas extends this symbolism with the introduction of smaller, diamond-set models. The Overseas series, rooted in history, aligns itself with the enduring qualities of diamonds, standing as a testament to longevity and prestige. In parallel, Piaget's Aura High Jewelry watch is a mesmerising fusion with its meticulously set diamonds and sapphires; it’s a wearable masterpiece, echoing Piaget's mastery in crafting high jewellery watches. The diamond-set sunburst dial, surrounded by a gradation of sapphires, exemplifies Piaget's innovative approach, creating a timepiece that is a true work of art. It takes over 260 hours to meticulously craft a piece. 

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Rainbows and Sapphires ‍

It is said that sapphire stands for wisdom and nobility. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 7968/300R-001 spells elegance with its rose gold frame and the first-ever self-winding ladies' chronograph in the Aquanaut Luce collection. A dazzling display of baguette diamonds and multi-coloured sapphires, invisibly set in a rainbow pattern, adorns the watch, celebrating the fusion of sporty chic and jeweller's craftsmanship. The white mother-of-pearl dial, engraved with the Aquanaut pattern, is in harmony with the baguette multi-coloured sapphire hour markers, offering a unique blend of sophistication and dynamism.

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Continuing the rainbow trend, Hublot emerges as a leader with its Big Bang Unico Integrated Rainbow and Big Bang Unico Time Only Rainbow watches. These models showcase the meticulous artistry of master gem-setters, who carefully place a spectrum of stones, including rubies, amethysts, blue topazes, tsavorites, and various kinds of sapphires, on watches. The integration of multi-coloured gemstones extends from the case to the matching bracelets, marking a significant departure from previous designs. The result is a luxurious and resplendent expression of the rainbow trend, setting these Hublot watches apart.