gemstone

American  

[jem-stohn] / ˈdʒɛmˌstoʊn /

noun

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

---

gemstone British  

/ ˈdʒɛmˌstəʊn /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of gemstone

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

Example Sentences

One of Mr Derby's favourites is a 7th-Century gold and gemstone pendant, which was returned to the landowner and is now worn by his wife.

From BBC

But this one had a special addition of LED lights and ‘chakra-aligning’ gemstones that Vargas claimed pulsed at 4 hertz — a frequency she said that’s meant to help the immune system.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Literature

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.

From 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."

From BBC

Related Words

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