Definition

Noun: A precious stone is a rare, naturally occurring mineral crystal that is cut, polished, and used in jewelry or other adornments due to its beauty, durability, and high value. These stones are distinguished by their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and color.

Usage

The term "precious stone" is used to refer specifically to the most highly valued gemstones, traditionally including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. It describes the raw or cut mineral itself, not the finished piece of jewelry, though it is the primary component of such pieces.

Examples

• The crown was set with several large precious stones, including a central diamond.
• Miners searched the riverbed for any sign of a precious stone.
• The value of a precious stone is determined by its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Advanced Usage

• "Precious stone" as a collective concept: The term can be used more broadly to refer to the category of high-value gems.
  • The study of precious stones is called gemology.

Variants and Related Words

• Gemstone (n): A broader term that includes both precious and semiprecious stones.
• Gem (n): A common synonym for a cut and polished precious stone.
• Jewel (n): Often refers to a precious stone that has been set into a piece of jewelry.
• Semiprecious stone (n): A stone used in jewelry that is considered less rare and valuable than a traditional precious stone (e.g., amethyst, topaz).

Synonyms

• Gem
• Jewel

Related Phrases

• Precious metal (n): A rare metallic chemical element of high economic value, such as gold or silver, often used alongside precious stones in jewelry.
  • The ring was made of a precious metal and featured a single precious stone.

Noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry