What does jewellery mean?
Jewellery consists of objects worn or displayed for decoration, particularly rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, and similar items. It commonly includes objects made from precious metals, gemstones, pearls, and other attractive materials, though the term can also cover less expensive costume jewellery. As a collective noun, jewellery usually refers to personal adornments generally rather than to one particular item. The word can suggest value, beauty, craftsmanship, status, sentiment, or cultural identity depending on the objects concerned. For example, wedding jewellery may carry emotional significance, while diamond jewellery is often associated with luxury. In British English the standard spelling is jewellery; jewelry is the usual American spelling. The term distinguishes adornments from clothing, tools, and other possessions, while allowing an item to be described collectively according to the material, design, or occasion with which it is associated.
Personal adornments such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, especially those made from precious metals, gemstones, or pearls.
"The shop specialises in hand-made jewellery using recycled silver."
Usually treated as an uncountable collective noun in British English; the plural form jewellery is not normally used.
Decorative objects valued for their beauty, rarity, design, or craftsmanship, whether worn or displayed.
"The rulers' jewellery formed part of the exhibition."
This sense is less common and can include objects that are not intended to be worn.
Jewellery is normally an uncountable collective noun and does not take a regular plural. The related plural jewel refers to individual precious stones or jewels.
"She left her jewellery in a locked safe before travelling."
Some of the most prized jewels began as unremarkable pieces of stone; what makes them treasure is the combination of rarity, beauty, history, and human craftsmanship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jewellery come from?
The word entered English in the Middle English period in the form jewelrie, derived from Anglo-French joaillerie, itself related to jewel. Jewel ultimately comes through Old French from the Latin gemma, meaning gemstone or precious stone. The collective spelling with -ry developed in English, while the form jewelry reflects a later simplification of the ending in American usage.
How jewellery is actually used
The spelling jewellery is standard in British English and common elsewhere, while jewelry is the usual form in American English. The word is normally used as an uncountable collective noun, although jewellery can occasionally have a countable sense referring to a particular item or collection. Costume jewellery denotes inexpensive pieces not made from precious materials, whereas fine jewellery generally refers to items of higher quality made from precious metals and gemstones.
Easily confused with jewellery
Jewellery is the standard British spelling, while jewelry is the standard American spelling of the same word.