Jewelry
Jewelry
Jewelry (pronounced: /ˈdʒuːəlri/), also spelled jewellery in British English, is a category of personal adornment items, often made from precious metals and gemstones. The term is derived from the word "jewel," which was anglicized from the Old French "jouel" circa the 13th century.
Etymology
The word "jewelry" comes from the Old French word "jouel," which in turn comes from the Latin "jocale," meaning plaything. It was anglicized to "jewel" in the 13th century, and the term "jewelry" was first used in the 14th century to refer to what we now understand as jewelry: objects of personal adornment.
Types of Jewelry
There are many different types of jewelry, including but not limited to:
- Ring: A circular band, often made of metal, worn as ornamental jewelry around the finger.
- Necklace: An ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn around the neck.
- Bracelet: An ornamental band, hoop, or chain worn on the wrist or arm.
- Earring: A piece of jewelry worn on the lobe or edge of the ear.
- Brooch: An ornamental pin with a clasp, worn on clothes or held in place by a pin with a clasp.
Materials
Jewelry can be made from a wide range of materials. The most common include:
- Gold: A yellow precious metal, the chemical element of atomic number 79, used especially in jewelry and decoration, and to guarantee the value of currencies.
- Silver: A precious shiny grayish-white metal, the chemical element of atomic number 47.
- Platinum: A precious silvery-white metal, the chemical element of atomic number 78. It is resistant to corrosion and high temperatures and is used in jewelry.
- Gemstone: A precious or semi-precious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
Related Terms
- Jeweler: A person or company that makes or sells jewels or jewelry.
- Gemology: The study of gemstones.
- Metallurgy: The branch of science and technology concerned with the properties of metals and their production and purification.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Jewelry
- Wikipedia's article - Jewelry
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