Jewelries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A collection of decorative articles, such as rings or necklaces, typically made of precious metals or stones
  2. Decorative adornments worn for personal enhancement or as status symbols, including bracelets and earrings
  3. Items crafted from precious materials used to embellish oneself or to signify wealth and beauty

Etymology: The plural form "jewelries" stems from the singular noun "jewelry," which refers to decorative items such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets made from precious metals and stones. The term "jewelry" entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th or 15th century, borrowing from Old French "jouel" (modern French "bijou"), itself derived from the Latin "jocale," meaning "plaything" or "toy." This origin reflects how early precious ornaments were once seen as objects of delight or luxury, akin to cherished playthings rather than mere adornments. In English, "jewelry" is typically treated as an uncountable noun, much like "furniture" or "clothing," which means it generally does not take a plural form. However, "jewelries" has appeared occasionally in English, particularly in contexts where different sets or types of jewelry are being distinguished. This usage is more common in some varieties of English outside the standard American or British norms, such as Indian or Philippine English. The plural form is formed by the usual English plural suffix "-ies," replacing the "-y" at the end of the singular. The root "jewel" itself comes from the Old French "jouel," with the shift from the Latin "jocale." Over time, the meaning narrowed from any delightful object to specifically precious stones or ornaments. The suffix "-ry," which often denotes a collective or abstract noun—think "bakery" or "witchery"—was added to "jewel" in English to create a word for the collective items or the craft related to precious ornaments. Thus, while "jewelries" is not widely standard, its formation follows a straightforward pattern of English pluralization applied to a collective noun that originally entered the language through French and Latin. The history of the term reflects the cultural importance of adornment and luxury objects over centuries, moving from playful trinkets to symbols of wealth and beauty.

Synonyms: jewels, ornaments, bijouterie, trinkets, gems