Antique jewelry glossary

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Jewel

An article of jewelry that is of substantial value and intended to be worn on the person decoratively or usefully, being usually composed of a precious metal and/or a gemstone or gemstones, and made with artistry or superior craftsmanship.

The term would ordinarily exclude those articles of jewelry intended to be carried on the person but not to be worn, as well as such objects of vertu that, even though intended for some purpose closely identified with an individual's convenience or pleasure rather than primarily some utilitarian purpose, are not articles to be worn on some part of the body.

The term 'jewelled' normally means set with one or more gemstones.

From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson