gem

A valuable stone used in jewelry, often cut and polished to make it shine.

• The ring contains a blue gem.
• She collects gems from around the world.
• The jeweler carefully polished each gem.

Similar words: gemstone, jewel, precious stone

Common phrases: precious gem, cut gem, gem collection

A beautiful stone, often valuable, that is cut and used in jewellery.

• The ring has a red gem.
• She collects gems from different countries.
• A jeweller cut the gem for her necklace.

Similar words: gemstone, jewel, precious stone

Common phrases: a precious gem, a sparkling gem, cut a gem

A small work, place, or performance that is especially beautiful or excellent.

• This short poem is a gem.
• We discovered several hidden gems in the old town.
• Her final performance was a little gem.

How to use it: a gem of a… (We found a gem of a restaurant near the station.)

Similar words: treasure, jewel

Common phrases: a hidden gem, a little gem, gem of something

A person or thing you value greatly because they are helpful, good, or special.

• Our new babysitter is a gem.
• That old cookbook is a real gem.
• Your neighbors are absolute gems for helping us move.

How to use it: a gem of a… (My grandmother is a gem of a person.)

Similar words: treasure, jewel

Common phrases: an absolute gem, a real gem, gem of someone