jewel

A jewel is a precious stone or a finished adornment valued for beauty, rarity, and craftsmanship. In common usage, the term covers individual gemstones as well as the jewelry pieces that display them. Throughout history, jewels have included diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, as well as pearls and other minerals; modern usage also encompasses laboratory-grown stones and imitations when used in decorative objects.

Gemstones are produced in natural settings or created in laboratories. Natural stones form by geological processes over long timescales. Laboratory-grown stones have the same chemical composition and crystal structure as their natural counterparts but are manufactured under controlled conditions. Imitations resemble appearance but lack the same material properties.

Quality assessment varies by stone. Diamonds are traditionally evaluated by the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Colored gemstones are judged by color quality, clarity, cut, and size, with standards differing by species. Some stones, such as opal or pearl, have additional considerations like play of color or nacre thickness.

Production and use. Jewels are mined, cut, polished, and sometimes treated to enhance color or durability. They are mounted into rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other settings. Metals such as gold and platinum, and various settings, influence durability and aesthetic.

Care and significance. Jewels require careful cleaning and storage to prevent scratching and damage. They hold cultural and economic value and have served as symbols of wealth, status, and personal milestones. They may be passed down as heirlooms or used as investments, with consumer protection and provenance often emphasized in markets.