Bejewel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Historical Uses

• Royalty often adorned their garments and crowns with jewels to signify power and status.
• In ancient Egypt, bejeweled items like sarcophagi revealed the wealthy status of the mummies within.
• In the Renaissance, bejeweled art pieces often reflected papal and noble patronage, illustrating cultural significance.

Pop Culture

• The term inspired the popular video game 'Bejeweled' where players match sparkling gems.
• In fashion, the bejeweled style often appears on runways, influencing trends in clothing and accessories.
• Celebrities frequently don bejeweled outfits or accessories at award ceremonies, symbolizing glamour and status.

Art and Design

• In art, the act of bejeweling can elevate a simple piece into a luxurious statement.
• Jewelry-making is a specialized art form where artists create intricate designs often featuring bejeweling techniques.
• The use of jewels in architecture, like in mosques, showcases how bejeweling can enhance structural beauty.

Symbolism

• Jewels often symbolize wealth, beauty, and prestige, linking back to the tradition of bejeweling.
• Throughout cultures, objects that are bejeweled can represent divine favor, especially in religious artifacts.
• Bejeweled items can also symbolize commitment, as seen in engagement rings that often feature diamonds or other precious stones.

Main points about word origin

• The word combines 'be-' which means 'to make' and 'jewel,' deriving from the Old French word 'juel,' meaning a precious ornament.
• The term hints at an action, showing transformation by adding beauty or luxury to an item.
• The practice of using jewels to adorn objects dates back thousands of years across numerous cultures.

The word 'bejewel' is derived from the prefix 'be-' which typically means 'to make' or 'to cause to be,' and the noun 'jewel,' which comes from the Old French 'juel' and can be traced further back to Latin 'jocale,' meaning 'plaything.' The combination reflects the act of enhancing an object by adding jewels, thus transforming it into something more precious and appealing. The use of jewels has been prevalent in various cultures for centuries, often symbolizing wealth, power, and beauty. Over time, to bejewel something has come to encompass not just the act of placing jewels on items, but also symbolizes the importance of adornment in art, fashion, and personal identity.