Definition

1. Noun:

   • A precious or semiprecious gemstone: A "jewel" is a cut and polished stone, such as a diamond, ruby, or emerald, that is valued for its beauty and rarity.
   • A piece of personal adornment made with such stones: "Jewel" can also refer to the complete piece of jewelry, like a ring or necklace, that incorporates these stones.
   • A person or thing of great value or brilliance: Figuratively, a "jewel" is someone or something that is highly esteemed, precious, or outstandingly excellent.

2. Verb:

   • To adorn or decorate with jewels or as if with jewels: To "jewel" something means to set or decorate it with precious stones or to make it sparkle brilliantly.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The crown was set with a magnificent jewel. (The crown was decorated with a magnificent gemstone.)
  • She keeps her jewels in a safe. (She keeps her valuable pieces of jewelry in a safe.)
  • Her assistant is an absolute jewel; she is incredibly efficient and kind. (Her assistant is a person of great value; she is incredibly efficient and kind.)

• Verb:

  • The craftsman will jewel the ceremonial sword. (The craftsman will decorate the ceremonial sword with precious stones.)
  • Frost jeweled the branches in the morning light. (Frost made the branches sparkle as if decorated with jewels in the morning light.)

Advanced Usage

• "The jewel in the crown": The most valuable or successful part of something.

  • The new research facility is the jewel in the crown of the university. (The new research facility is the most prized and outstanding part of the university.)

• "A jewel of a [thing]": Used to describe something small and perfect.

  • They discovered a jewel of a restaurant in the old part of the city. (They discovered a small, perfect, and excellent restaurant in the old part of the city.)

Variants and Related Words

• Jeweler/Jeweller (n): A person who makes, sells, or repairs jewelry.
  • The jeweler appraised the antique ring.
• Jewelry/Jewellery (n): Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, made from precious metals and gems.
  • She wore very little jewelry.
• Jeweled/Jewelled (adj): Adorned or set with jewels.
  • The jeweled handle of the dagger caught the light.

Synonyms

• Gem: A precious or semiprecious stone, especially when cut and polished.
• Treasure: A valuable person or thing; a collection of precious things.
• Ornament: A thing used to make something look more attractive.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions.)

Related Idioms

• "A rough diamond": A person who is inherently valuable or kind but lacks polished manners. (This is a related concept, contrasting with a polished "jewel".)
  • He might seem gruff, but he's a real rough diamond. (He might seem unfriendly, but he is a genuinely good and valuable person underneath.)

Noun

1. a person who is as brilliant and precious as a piece of jewelry
2. a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry

Verb

1. adorn or decorate with precious stones
   • jeweled dresses