The term jewels is derived from the Old French word for jewelry, joel. Today, the term is used with different levels of meaning. On the one hand, jewels are pieces of jewelry that are decorated with cut gemstones and whose setting is made of precious metal. However, it is also common to use the term jewels for jewelry in general.
However, the term jewels sometimes also refers to loose and cut gemstones and diamonds .
Jewels – precious stones and precious metals
Exquisite pieces of jewelry made of high-quality precious metals with gemstones set in them are often referred to as jewels. In this context, the term jeweler was coined in the late 16th century to describe dealers in jewelry.
Jewels – Cut Gemstones
Alternatively, jewels are also defined as gemstones whose appearance has been enhanced through cutting . Cutting serves to make the gemstone shine and sparkle. This is achieved by allowing light rays to penetrate the stone more easily through the smoothed surface and be reflected back into the viewer's eye.
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Gemstones in the Lexicon
Jewelry in the Lexicon
