Jewellery vs. Ornament — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
Jewellery refers to decorative items worn on the body, typically made from precious metals and stones, while ornaments are decorative objects that can adorn a variety of things, including places, spaces, or persons.
Difference Between Jewellery and Ornament
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jewellery often serves personal adornment and includes items like rings, necklaces, and bracelets, typically associated with luxury and personal expression. Ornaments, however, are broader in scope, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of environments or objects, from architectural details to holiday decorations.
Jewellery is specifically designed to be worn on the body and often carries personal or cultural significance. Ornaments, on the other hand, can decorate anything from a room to an article of clothing and include non-wearable decorative items.
Materials in jewellery are usually precious metals and gemstones, aimed at longevity and value retention. Conversely, ornaments can be made from a variety of materials, depending on their use, from plastic in holiday decor to stone in architectural details.
While jewellery often signifies status, wealth, or commitment, ornaments enhance the beauty or festivity of a space or object, such as Christmas trees or architectural facades.
The crafting of jewellery requires specific skills in metalworking and gem setting, emphasizing fine craftsmanship. Ornamentation can range from simple DIY projects to intricate designs crafted by skilled artisans, depending on the context.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Decorative items worn on the body
Decorative objects for various uses
Typical Usage
Personal adornment
Decoration of spaces, objects, or persons
Materials
Precious metals, gemstones
Any suitable material, often less precious
Significance
Personal, cultural
Aesthetic, celebratory
Skill Required
High (metalworking, gem setting)
Variable, from low to high
Compare with Definitions
Jewellery
Decorative items made primarily from precious metals and stones.
Her jewellery collection includes a diamond necklace and a gold bracelet.
Ornament
Includes architectural elements, holiday decorations, and more.
Ornamental designs on the building's facade are admired by passersby.
Jewellery
Often worn for personal adornment or symbolic reasons like weddings.
He gave her a ring as a piece of jewellery symbolizing their engagement.
Ornament
Made from a variety of materials.
The ceramic ornaments were handmade by local artisans.
Jewellery
Specific to being worn by persons.
Jewellery such as earrings and cufflinks are popular accessories.
Ornament
Enhances the beauty or festiveness of objects or environments.
The garden was decorated with ornaments that glowed at night.
Jewellery
Valued for craftsmanship and materials.
The jewellery was appraised for its high-quality craftsmanship and rare gems.
Ornament
Decorative objects that enhance the aesthetics of a space or item.
The room was filled with beautiful ornaments during the holiday season.
Jewellery
Can be an investment or heirloom.
The antique jewellery has been in the family for generations.
Ornament
Not limited to personal use.
The tree was covered with sparkling ornaments.
Jewellery
Jewellery or jewelry consists of decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as brooches, rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks. Jewellery may be attached to the body or the clothes.
Ornament
(music) A musical flourish that is unnecessary to the overall melodic or harmonic line, but serves to decorate that line.
Jewellery
Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, that are typically made from or contain jewels and precious metal
She had silver hair and chunky gold jewellery
A jewellery box
Ornament
A thing used or serving to make something look more attractive but usually having no practical purpose, especially a small object such as a figurine
Tables covered with ornaments and books
Jewellery
Collectively, personal ornamentation such as rings, necklaces, brooches and bracelets, made of precious metals and sometimes set with gemstones.
She had more jewellery ornamented about her than any three ladies needed.
Ornament
The accessories of worship, such as the altar, chalice, and sacred vessels.
Jewellery
See Jewelry.
Ornament
Make (something) look more attractive by adding decorative items
A jewel to ornament your wife's lovely throat
Jewellery
An adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)
Ornament
Something that decorates or adorns; an embellishment.
Ornament
A person considered as a source of pride, honor, or credit
A singer who is an ornament to the world of opera.
Ornament
(Music) A note or group of notes that embellishes a melody.
Ornament
To furnish with ornaments
Ornamented the windows with hanging plants.
Ornament
To be an ornament to
"The babies ornament her ankles, dangle from her pant legs" (Carolyn Chute).
Ornament
An element of decoration; that which embellishes or adorns.
Ornament
A Christmas tree decoration.
Ornament
The articles used in church services.
Ornament
(biology) A characteristic that has a decorative function (typically in order to attract a mate)
Ornament
To decorate.
We will ornament the windows with trim to make the room seem brighter.
Ornament
To add to.
The editor ornamented his plain writing, making it fancier but less clear.
Ornament
That which embellishes or adorns; that which adds grace or beauty; embellishment; decoration; adornment.
The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.
Like that long-buried body of the kingFound lying with his urns and ornaments.
Ornament
To adorn; to deck; to embellish; to beautify; as, to ornament a room, or a city.
Ornament
Something used to beautify
Ornament
Make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.;
Decorate the room for the party
Beautify yourself for the special day
Ornament
Be an ornament to;
Stars ornamented the Christmas tree
Common Curiosities
Why do people use ornaments in interior design?
Ornaments are used in interior design to add aesthetic appeal, create a theme, or enhance the ambiance of a space.
How do the purposes of jewellery and ornaments differ during celebrations?
During celebrations, jewellery might be worn to signify participation or status, while ornaments typically decorate spaces or objects to enhance festivity.
Can ornaments be considered jewellery?
While some ornaments are wearable and could be considered jewellery, generally, ornaments include a broader range of decorative items not limited to personal adornment.
Can both jewellery and ornaments be handmade?
Yes, both can be handmade, though jewellery often requires more specialized skills and tools.
How do environmental conditions affect ornaments and jewellery differently?
Environmental conditions can affect ornaments and jewellery differently based on their materials; for example, outdoor ornaments may need to withstand weather, while jewellery is protected but sensitive to chemicals and physical damage.
What is the primary function of jewellery?
Jewellery primarily functions as personal adornment and may also symbolize status or personal commitments.
What impact do cultural differences have on the design of jewellery and ornaments?
Cultural differences can greatly influence design, with various cultures having distinct styles, materials, and symbolism associated with both jewellery and ornaments.
How can the value of jewellery and ornaments be assessed?
The value of jewellery is typically assessed based on material quality, craftsmanship, and rarity, whereas ornament value can be more subjective, based on artistic merit and uniqueness.
What are common materials used in making jewellery?
Common materials include gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and other precious gemstones.
What skills are required for making ornaments?
Skills can vary widely from basic crafting to intricate design and execution, depending on the type of ornament.
What is a popular cultural example of an ornament?
A popular example is the use of intricate door hangings in Indian culture, known as "torans," which are ornamental and considered auspicious.
Can jewellery have ornamental features?
Yes, jewellery can have ornamental features, especially in elaborate pieces designed for special occasions like weddings.
How do the maintenance requirements for jewellery and ornaments differ?
Jewellery often requires careful maintenance to preserve its quality and appearance, while ornaments may have varying maintenance needs based on materials and placement.
Is jewellery a good investment?
Yes, jewellery can be a good investment, especially if made from high-value materials like gold and diamonds, which retain or increase in value over time.
What historical significance do jewellery and ornaments hold?
Both have historical significance, with jewellery often buried with the deceased as grave goods and ornaments used to signify status or decorate important cultural sites.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
