Gem vs. Jewel: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
A gem is a precious or semi-precious stone, especially when cut and polished, while a jewel is a valuable item, often a gemstone, set into a piece of jewelry.
Key Differences
A gem, also known as a gemstone, refers to any precious or semi-precious stone that can be cut, polished, and used in jewelry. Jewel, on the other hand, denotes an ornament or piece of jewelry that often incorporates gems but also includes the entire design and materials of the piece, like gold or silver.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Gems are valued for their rarity, beauty, and durability and are often used as the centerpiece in jewelry. Jewels, encompassing a broader scope, represent not just the gemstones but the overall value and artistry of a piece of jewelry, including the metalwork and design.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Gems are naturally occurring minerals or organic materials with a distinct and desirable appearance. Jewels, while they may contain these gems, are human-made creations that showcase craftsmanship and design skills, often reflecting cultural and artistic trends.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Gems carry individual symbolic meanings and are often prized for their supposed healing properties or mystical significance. Jewels, incorporating these gems, can symbolize wealth, status, or personal sentiments, such as love or commitment, especially in the form of engagement or wedding rings.
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Dec 26, 2023
The gem market focuses on the trade of unmounted stones, evaluating them based on cut, clarity, color, and carat. The jewel market, however, deals with the final product – jewelry – evaluating both the quality of the gems used and the craftsmanship of the jewelry piece.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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Gem and Jewel Definitions
Gem
Something prized for its beauty or perfection.
His latest novel is a real gem.
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Dec 26, 2023
Jewel
A piece of jewelry that includes gemstones and precious metals.
The antique brooch is a rare jewel from the 18th century.
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Dec 26, 2023
Gem
A person highly esteemed for their qualities or talents.
She is a gem in her field.
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Dec 26, 2023
Jewel
An object or person greatly valued or admired.
His daughter is the jewel of his life.
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Dec 26, 2023
Gem
A precious or semi-precious stone, especially when used in jewelry.
The necklace was adorned with gems of various colors.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Jewel
A precious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry.
The crown was adorned with jewels.
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Dec 26, 2023
Gem
A piece of a valuable mineral or minerallike substance that has been cut, polished, or otherwise prepared for use as an ornament.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
A valuable item used for personal adornment.
She wore a jewel-studded bracelet.
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Dec 26, 2023
Gem
Something that is valued for its beauty or perfection
A little gem of a book.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
A precious stone, usually of substantial monetary value or prized for its beauty or shine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
(figuratively) Any precious or highly valued thing or person.
She's an absolute gem.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits, which is regarded as a gem on account of its beauty or value, such as a small picture, a verse of poetry, or an epigram.
A gem of wit
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
A valuable object used for personal ornamentation, especially one made of precious metals and stones; a piece of jewellery.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
(figuratively) Anything precious or valuable.
Galveston was the jewel of Texas prior to the hurricane.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
(computing) A package containing programs or libraries for the Ruby programming language.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
(horology) A bearing for a pivot in a watch, formed of a crystal or precious stone.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
A size of type between brilliant (4-point) and diamond (4½-point), running 222 lines to the foot.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
A bud.
From the joints of thy prolific stemA swelling knot is raised called a gem.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
An ornament of dress usually made of a precious metal, and having enamel or precious stones as a part of its design.
Plate of rare device, and jewelsOf rich and exquisite form.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits, which is regarded as a gem on account of its beauty or value, as a small picture, a verse of poetry, a witty or wise saying.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
A bearing for a pivot a pivot in a watch, formed of a crystal or precious stone, as a ruby.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops.
England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
To dress, adorn, deck, or supply with jewels, as a dress, a sword hilt, or a watch; to bespangle, as with jewels; to bejewel.
The long gray tufts . . . are jeweled thick with dew.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gem
A crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry;
He had the gem set in a ring for his wife
She had jewels made of all the rarest stones
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
A precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
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Oct 19, 2023
Jewel
A highly prized and sought-after object.
The museum's jewel is the ancient Egyptian necklace.
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Dec 26, 2023
Gem
A natural mineral or organic material with notable beauty.
The diamond is a highly sought-after gem.
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Dec 26, 2023
Gem
A piece of cut and polished precious stone.
The ring featured a brilliantly cut gem.
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Dec 26, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How are gems valued?
Gems are valued based on factors like rarity, color, clarity, and cut.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are gemstones used in jewelry?
Yes, gemstones are commonly used in jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is a gem?
A gem is a precious or semi-precious stone, especially when cut and polished.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is the hardest naturally occurring gemstone?
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring gemstone, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can gems be synthetic or lab-created?
Yes, many gems can be created in a laboratory, but they are chemically identical to natural gems.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is the birthstone for each month?
Birthstones are gems associated with each month, such as garnet for January and sapphire for September.
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Dec 26, 2023
What defines a jewel?
A jewel is a valuable item, often a gemstone, set into a piece of jewelry.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can a gem be synthetic?
Yes, gems can be natural or synthetic, the latter being man-made.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are all jewels made of gemstones?
Not all; some jewels may include other decorative elements like metal art.
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Dec 26, 2023
What are some examples of jewel-encrusted items?
Examples include tiaras, crowns, and royal regalia adorned with precious jewels.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are jewels often used as heirlooms?
Yes, jewelry with jewels is commonly passed down as heirlooms in families.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can jewels be symbolic in different cultures?
Yes, the symbolism of jewels can vary across cultures and traditions, representing different meanings and beliefs.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can jewels be made of materials other than gems?
Yes, jewels can also be made from materials like gold, silver, and platinum, often used for settings.
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Dec 26, 2023
Do jewels need care and maintenance?
Yes, jewels, especially those in jewelry, require cleaning and occasional maintenance to maintain their luster.
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Dec 26, 2023
Do jewels have cultural and historical significance?
Yes, jewels have been symbols of wealth, status, and culture for centuries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Are jewels used in other decorative arts besides jewelry?
Yes, jewels can be incorporated into decorative items like chandeliers and ornamental objects.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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