gemstone

[jem-stohn]

noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone that can be cut and polished for use as a gem.

gemstone

/ ˈdʒɛmˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone, esp one cut and polished for setting in jewellery

Word History and Origins

Origin of gemstone¹

before 1000; Middle English gimstone, Old English gimstān. See gem, stone

Example Sentences

A white rose rests on her wrist, held by a corsage of diamonds and other gemstones.

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Among the eight items stolen were diadems, necklaces, ear-rings and brooches adorned with thousands of diamonds and other precious gemstones.

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They won’t fetch as much without the luster of their Napoleonic ties, but they’ll still be evaluated on their natural qualities as gemstones.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The diamond and gemstone market is liquid and there are many buyers on the fringes that don't ask too many questions."

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Shells and gemstones hang from her neck and are peppered across a brown, netted cover-up.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bauble 
• bead 
• bling 
• gem 
• ornament 
• stone 
• trinket