What does jewelry mean?
Jewelry is the collective English word for decorative or precious objects worn on the body, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, and other ornaments. The term is usually an uncountable mass noun, so English speakers say "a piece of jewelry" rather than "a jewelry." It is especially associated with precious materials such as gold, silver, platinum, and gemstones, though "costume jewelry" refers to less expensive decorative pieces. In American English, "jewelry" is the standard spelling; British English and many other varieties use "jewellery." The word is useful when speaking about a collection of adornments or the broader category of items worn for decoration, while "jewel" is more appropriate for an individual item. Jewelry can also suggest wealth, status, inheritance, or personal style, and it is commonly discussed in connection with weddings, anniversaries, gifts, fashion, and cultural tradition.
nounJewelry consists of precious or decorative items worn or displayed on the body, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches. In general use, the word refers collectively to such objects rather than to an individual piece.
- Decorative or precious items worn as adornment, especially items made from or containing valuable materials.
"She wore delicate gold jewelry to the ceremony."
"The museum displays jewelry from the ancient Roman period."
"The store specializes in handmade jewelry and sterling silver."
Jewelry is normally an uncountable mass noun and has no standard plural form. In specialized contexts, "jewelries" may refer to distinct collections of jewelry, but this usage is uncommon.
"The shop sells jewelry for every occasion."
The word "jewelry" is a collective: one piece is a jewel, while many pieces together are jewelry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jewelry come from?
The modern English word developed from the Middle English word "jewelrie," meaning precious stones or ornaments, through the addition of the suffix "-ry" to the related root. "Jewel" itself came through Old French from Latin "gemma," meaning a precious stone or pearl, via medieval Latin forms. The cognate occupational terms "jeweler" and "jeweller" and the British spelling "jewellery" continue to reflect the same historical root.
Related word forms
How jewelry is actually used
In American English, "jewelry" is normally used as an uncountable mass noun, as in "a piece of jewelry" and "fine jewelry." In British English, "jewellery" is the usual spelling. The singular "jewel" refers to one individual item, often one of particular value or importance.
Easily confused with jewelry
Jewelry is the usual spelling in American English, while jewellery is the standard spelling in British English and many other varieties of English.