gemstone

noun

gem·​stone ˈjem-ˌstōn How to pronounce gemstone (audio)
: a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

Examples of gemstone in a Sentence

traditionally, the gemstone for someone born in May is an emerald
Recent Examples on the Web As well as diamonds, the laser inscriptions can also be applied to any gemstone. Tim Barber, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2023 Play with pops of glitter or pretty placement of gemstones for more of a modern, textural take on something traditional. Georgia Day, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2023 Lab reports are identification tests based on the chemical and physical properties of the gemstones and metals. Ben Luthi, wsj.com, 22 Nov. 2023 Kardashian paired her simple look with a bold statement necklace made of colorful gemstones and teardrop pearls interlocked with gold hardware composed of Chanel logos. Nikki Dobrin, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2023 The shop in question is called Elemental Art, which sells crystals, gemstones, incense, tarot cards, divination tools and spiritual jewelry, according to its website. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023 When a client recently inquired about investing in gemstones, Hadjibay recommended an untreated-exceptional-ruby ring and matching earrings (the set sold for around $3 million). Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2023 Featuring 24 gemstones, including amethyst, quartz, tiger’s eye, and Dalmatian jasper, this advent calendar is an interactive way to start your very own crystal collection. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023 Yet check in, and all that kind of melts away as the Magic City’s gemstone skyline comes into frame: Reserve—Miami’s toniest club built to serve the world’s fastest-growing racket sport—is a waterside idyll with million-dollar views. Nick Remsen, Vogue, 26 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gemstone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gemstone was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near gemstone

Cite this Entry

“Gemstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gemstone. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

gemstone

noun
gem·​stone ˈjem-ˌstōn How to pronounce gemstone (audio)
: a mineral that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

More from Merriam-Webster on gemstone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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