rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryjewelPrecious stone
noun

jewel

JOO-uhl/ˈdʒuːəl/

A valuable ornamental gemstone.

A large emerald jewel sits securely in the gold ring's prongs.

A single gold ring with a large, faceted emerald secured in visible prongs, making the precious stone set in jewelry the unmistakable focus.
Etymology
jewelOld Frenchornament, gem

Jouel named an ornament or gem, and jewel initially meant a valuable article used for adornment. Its more restricted precious-stone sense developed within English; the French word’s deeper ancestry is uncertain.

In context

Victoria and Albert Museum5:04
the three jewels that have been selected for the design, the green jewel at the top is a peridot,
A brief history of powerful gemstone amulets | V&A

More examples

  • The crown is set with dozens of tiny jewels.
  • The jeweler inspects each jewel before setting it in a ring.
  • A single jewel is missing from the antique brooch.

Forms

jewel · jewels

jeweler noun — A person who makes or sells jewelry.

jewelry noun — Ornaments worn for personal decoration.

Similar words

gem
Often emphasizes a stone's beauty, rarity, or exceptional quality.
gemstone
Names the stone itself, whether cut or still rough.