gems

Definition

Cut, valuable stones such as diamonds, rubies, or emeralds used for jewelry. Sometimes 'gems' can also mean something or someone excellent or precious in a figurative sense.

Usage & Nuances

Usually refers to precious, polished stones but is also used figuratively to describe people, places, or things that are outstanding ('hidden gems,' 'she's a real gem'). Most often plural, rarely used for everyday stones.

Example Sentences