Jewel

A precious stone; a gem; a personal ornament, consisting more or less of precious Stones. An ornament Intended to be worn on the person. The precise meaning of the word was discussed by Shaw, C. J., in Com. v. Stephens, 14 Pick, (Mass.) 370. He said: “The question is whether plain gold earrings and knobs, without any precious stone, pearl, or other gem set in them, constitute jewelry.” '‘Jewelry is not found in any English dictionary, and is probably an Americanism. It is defined in Webster to be jewels in general. He defines ‘jewel* to be ‘an ornament worn by ladies,’ ‘a pendant in the ear,’ It Is manifest, however, that these are put by way of instances, and not Intended as strict definitions. The term 'bijou,' which seems to be nearly analogous to it in the French language, is defined to be ‘a little work of ornament, valuable {prtoieuas) for its workmanship or by Its material. Cette femme a des beaux bijoux.’ Diet, de VAcad. The counsel on both sides cited passages of Scripture to gold under tbe name of jewels, and on the otibier, to show that by a distinct enumeration they excluded them. These instances do little more than show that, though the argument- founded on them is at first view plausible, it would be entirely unsafe to rely upon it as a ground of legal construction. Nor can much more reliance be placed upon lexicographers; they are necessarily confined, in a considerable degree, to generalities, and cannot ordinarily go into minute and very accurate distinctions. On the best consideration we have been able to give the subject, we are satisfied that the legislature, in the use of the word ‘jewelry,’ Intended to employ it as a generic term, of the largest import. Including all articles under the genus. Without attempting to define the term used in the statute, we are all of opinion that earrings and ear-knobs are Included under the term jewelry, as it was used in the statute.” The meaning of the word is most frequently drawn into question in cases involving the construction of statutes limiting the liability of innkeepers for money, jewelry, or valuables not deposited in the safe. In such a case it was said, ‘‘The watch, and pen and pencil case are certainly valuables, and i)erhaps might be called jewels, but I think should be considered a part of the traveller’s personal clothing or apparel. Gile v. Libby, 3C Barb. (N. Y.) 70; Ramaley v. Leland, 43 N. Y. 539, 3 Am. Rep. 728; Bernstein v. Sweeny, 33 N. Y. Super. Ct. 271; but under a similar statute specifying money, jewelry, and articles of gold and silver manufacture, a gold watch was held to be included as an article of gold manufacture; Stewart v. Parsons, 24 Wis. 241. The meaning of the word is also frequently involved in cases arising under the tariff laws, which usually contain also the term ‘‘imitation jewelry.” In such a case Lacombe, J., said: “The word jewelry is generally used as including articles of personal adornment, and the word further imports that the articles are of value in the community where they are used.... The articles of value used for personal adornment in our civilization are, and for centuries,have been, the precious metals gold and silver, to which, I think, platina is now generally added, and what are known as the precious stones, the diamond, sapphire, ruby, etc.” “There is such a thing as imitation jewelry.... If by' a pleasing combination of appropriate materials, by an attractive arrangement of parts, an article is produced bearing a general resemblance to real Jewelry ornaments, and suitable for similar uses, it may fairly be called imitation jewelry.” Robbins V. Robertson, 33 Fed. 709. Where a jeweller claimed an exemption as which his apprentice worked with on jewelry, and it being found by the jury that the principal business was that of Jeweller, both were held to be exempt The court said that the circumstance that he was also engaged in the business of repairing watches did not make him a watchmaker In distinction to a jeweller;... “this is rather part of the employment of a jeweller, as exercised in this country, than a distinct and separate occupation by himself.” Howard v. Williams, 2 Pick. (Mass.) 80. Family jewels constitute one of the kinds of personal property for the unlawful detention of which the remedy at law is considered inadequate and equitable relief is sustained; Ad. Eq., 8th ed. 91. They are also included in paraphernalia, and “even the jewels of a peeress have been held such;” 2 Bla. Com. 4.36. Jewels of the wife, though given by her husband’s will to her for life, were decreed to her absolutely, as her paraphernalia (q. V.), as against creditors who sought to have them sold to pay debts charged on real estate in aid of the testator’s personal estate; 1 Bro. C. C. *576.

An ornament of the person, pared to be worn.

By “jewels” are meant ornaments of the person, such as ear-rings, pearls, diamonds, etc., which are prepared to be worn. Brown, Ch. 467. See, farther, 43 N. Y. 539; 36 Barb. 70; 14 Pick. 370; 38 Fed. Rep. 709. L

An ornament of the person, such as an ear-ring, a pearl, a diamond, prepared to be worn. 1 A watch is not carried as a jewel or ornament, but as an article of ordinary wear, and of hourly use. It is as necessary to a guest at an inn in his room as out of it, in the night as in the day-time.^ Jewelry. In a statute which prohibits peddling jewelry without a license, a term of the largest import, including all articles under the genus. ^ As generally used, includes articles of personal adornment, and imports that the articles are of value in the community where they are used... If by a pleasing combination of materials, by an attractive arrangemeut of parts, an article is produced bearing a general resemblance to real jewelry ornaments, and suitable for similar uses, it may fairly be called " imitation jewelry." * See Baggage.