jewelry
UK: ˈdʒuːəlri | US: ˈdʒuːəlri
n. decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as rings, necklaces, or bracelets, typically made from precious metals and gems.
jewelry = jewel<precious stone> + ry<collective noun suffix>
- jewel: Derived from Old French jouel (meaning "plaything" or "ornament"), which traces back to Latin jocus (meaning "game" or "jest"). Over time, it narrowed to refer specifically to precious stones.
- -ry: A suffix of Old French origin (-erie), used to form collective nouns (e.g., "pottery," "machinery").
Etymology Origin:
The word "jewelry" evolved from the playful notion of adornment (jouel) to its modern association with luxury. The suffix -ry groups individual jewels into a category of decorative objects. This reflects a shift from the item's functional or symbolic value (e.g., talismans) to its role in fashion and status.
She inherited a collection of antique jewelry from her grandmother.
The store specializes in handmade silver jewelry.
He bought her a piece of jewelry for their anniversary.
The exhibit showcased jewelry from ancient civilizations.
Costume jewelry can be just as stylish as fine jewelry.