bijoux

bijoux

A woman carefully selects a bijoux from a velvet-lined jewelry box.

Definition

  1. Noun (plural: bijoux):

    • A small, often intricate piece of jewelry: "bijoux" refers to a delicate and decorative ornament, typically made of precious materials.
    • A small, elegant object: It can also denote a tiny, beautifully crafted item, such as a miniature work of art.

  2. Adjective (rare, informal):

    • Small and pretty: Used to describe something that is diminutive and charming, like a bijou villa.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • She wore a collection of antique bijoux to the gala. (Small, elegant pieces of jewelry.)
    • The shop displayed a range of French bijoux in velvet cases. (Delicate ornaments.)

  • Adjective:

    • They bought a bijou cottage in the countryside. (A small, attractive house.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Bijouterie": The art or trade of making bijoux, or a collection of such items.

    • The museum's bijouterie exhibit featured 18th-century brooches and rings. (A display of small jewelry.)

  • "Bijou" as a loanword: In English, "bijou" (singular) is often used in real estate to describe a compact, stylish property, but "bijoux" (plural) retains its jewelry sense.

    • The apartment was advertised as a bijou residence. (A small, elegant home.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Bijou (singular noun/adjective): A small, delicate piece of jewelry or a charmingly small object.
    • She wore a single bijou on her neck. (One piece of small jewelry.)
  • Bijouterie (noun): The craft or trade of making bijoux; also, a collection of such items.
    • He studied bijouterie in Paris. (The art of making small jewelry.)
Synonyms
  • Trinket: A small, inexpensive ornament or piece of jewelry.
  • Bauble: A showy but often cheap ornament; in older usage, a small jewel.
  • Gem: A precious stone, but can also refer to a small, fine object.
Related Idioms
  • "A bijou of a [place]": An informal expression meaning a small, delightful location.
    • Their garden is a bijou of a retreat. (A charmingly small garden.)
Note on Usage
  • The word "bijoux" is primarily used in English as a plural noun for small, decorative jewelry, often with a French flair. The adjective form "bijou" is more common in British English for describing compact, attractive spaces. Avoid confusing "bijoux" with "bijou" in singular contexts.