Jewelry
/ˈdʒuːəlri/noun
Decorative personal ornaments such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Old French *juel* / *jouel*, a term for a precious ornament, and it shares a deep root with English *joy*, which is why the history of jewelry is also a history of delight and desire.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰey-
“to rejoice, be glad”
Latin
Latin
gaudēre
“to rejoice, take pleasure”
Old French
Old French
juel / jouel
“a jewel; a precious ornament”
Middle English
English
juelrye / juelerie
“ornamental objects; jewels collectively”
Modern English
English
jewelry
“decorative personal ornaments”