Pearls: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly referred to in the context of jewelry. Suitable for describing classic, elegant items made from the sea.

• She wore a beautiful necklace of pearls
• The bracelet was adorned with tiny pearls

Refers to a mineral or gemstone that is cut and polished for use in jewelry. Used when emphasizing rarity and high value.

• The ring featured a stunning blue gem
• She inherited a precious gem from her grandmother

A general term for any precious stone or piece of jewelry. Often used to describe items of significant beauty and value.

• The queen's crown was filled with jewels
• He gifted her a box of fine jewels

Typically used to describe small, usually round objects that are threaded on a string or wire. Often found in arts and crafts, as well as in some types of jewelry.

• He crafted a bracelet using colorful beads
• The children enjoyed making bead necklaces

Use 'pearls' to refer to small, round, smooth precious stones found inside the shells of oysters or similar mollusks. Often associated with elegance and sophistication, especially in jewelry.

• She wore a beautiful necklace made of pearls.
• The bride's earrings had delicate pearls that matched her gown.

Suitable for referring to a precious or semi-precious stone that has been cut and polished, often used in a more general sense and can be metaphorically used to describe someone or something valuable.

• The museum had an impressive collection of rare gems.
• Our new team member is a real gem; she's incredibly talented and hardworking.

Refers to a collection of valuable objects such as gold, silver, jewels, or anything considered valuable. Can also be used to describe something or someone highly cherished, valuable, or loved.

• They discovered a hidden treasure buried in the backyard.
• She holds the memories of her grandmother as a treasure in her heart.

More general term for a precious stone used in jewelry. Can also be used to describe something or someone that is very special or precious. Often implies high value and beauty.

• The crown was adorned with jewels of all colors.
• The island is considered the jewel of the Caribbean.

Typically used to refer to the precious gems in the context of jewelry or anything of great value. Pearls can also metaphorically represent something precious or rare.

• She wore a beautiful necklace made of pearls.
• His words were pearls of wisdom.

Used in everyday language to describe the action of adding items or colors to improve the appearance of something, often related to interior design or special occasions.

• We plan to decorate the house for Christmas.
• He decorated the cake with colorful icing.

Often used to describe the act of adding extra details to make something more attractive or interesting. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies exaggeration or unnecessary details.

• She likes to embellish her stories to make them more exciting.
• The dress was embellished with lace and sequins.

Commonly used to describe the act of making something more attractive by adding decorative items. Usually used in a formal or poetic sense.

• The hall was adorned with flowers and ribbons for the wedding.
• She adorned herself with beautiful jewelry.