Jewellery vs. Ornaments — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 28, 2023
Jewellery refers to decorative items worn for personal adornment, often made of precious materials, while Ornaments are decorative objects used to enhance the appearance of something, not limited to personal wear.
Difference Between Jewellery and Ornaments
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jewellery and Ornaments are terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Jewellery is specifically made for personal adornment and includes items like necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. These pieces often bear cultural or personal significance and can be made from a range of materials, with precious metals and gemstones being particularly popular.
Ornaments, in contrast, have a broader meaning. While they can refer to items worn on the body, they also encompass decorative items used to beautify or enhance the appearance of places or objects. Think of Christmas tree decorations, decorative vases, or embellishments on furniture and architecture. Ornaments play a role in various cultures and traditions, often symbolizing specific themes or messages.
One key distinction between Jewellery and Ornaments is the context of their use. While Jewellery is predominantly worn on the body, Ornaments can be placed or attached to various things, from clothing and accessories to buildings and vehicles. This difference showcases the versatility of Ornaments compared to the specific role of Jewellery.
It's also important to note the sentimental and often monetary value associated with Jewellery. Many pieces of Jewellery are passed down as heirlooms or given as gifts on special occasions, carrying significant emotional weight. Ornaments, although they can also be cherished, often do not carry the same level of personal or monetary value as Jewellery.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
For personal adornment.
Decorative purposes on various objects or spaces.
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Materials
Often made from metals, gemstones.
Can be made from a variety of materials, not limited to precious ones.
Context
Predominantly worn on the body.
Found on things like clothing, buildings, or holiday decorations.
Value
Often has monetary and sentimental value.
Value varies; often more about aesthetics than worth.
Examples
Rings, necklaces, bracelets.
Christmas tree baubles, architectural details, decorative vases.
Compare with Definitions
Jewellery
Personal adornment items often made from precious materials.
She wore a piece of antique Jewellery passed down from her grandmother.
Ornaments
Not limited to personal wear.
The Christmas tree was adorned with bright and colorful Ornaments.
Jewellery
Items signifying cultural, personal, or status symbols.
In many cultures, Jewellery is gifted during weddings as a symbol of love and commitment.
Ornaments
Decorative objects enhancing the appearance of something.
The room was filled with Ornaments from her travels around the world.
Jewellery
Often contains gemstones, metals, or beads.
The Jewellery store showcased a beautiful array of diamond necklaces.
Ornaments
Enhances the aesthetic value of an item or space.
She added Ornaments to her dress to make it stand out at the party.
Jewellery
Decorative accessories worn on the body.
His collection of Jewellery includes several unique brooches.
Ornaments
Can symbolize specific themes or cultural messages.
The carved wooden Ornaments on the temple doors told stories from ancient scriptures.
Jewellery
Can have both aesthetic and functional purposes.
Cufflinks, considered a form of Jewellery, serve both decorative and practical functions.
Ornaments
Something that decorates or adorns; an embellishment.
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.
Ornaments
A person considered as a source of pride, honor, or credit
A singer who is an ornament to the world of opera.
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
Ornaments
(Music) A note or group of notes that embellishes a melody.
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.
Ornaments
To furnish with ornaments
Ornamented the windows with hanging plants.
Jewellery
See Jewelry.
Ornaments
To be an ornament to
"The babies ornament her ankles, dangle from her pant legs" (Carolyn Chute).
Jewellery
An adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)
Ornaments
Plural of ornament
Ornaments
Used in various contexts, from fashion to architecture.
The building's facade featured intricate Ornaments that captivated passersby.
Common Curiosities
Can Ornaments be worn on the body?
Yes, while Ornaments can decorate spaces or objects, some can also be worn as accessories.
Is Jewellery always expensive?
No, Jewellery varies in price based on materials, craftsmanship, and brand.
What are common types of Jewellery?
Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are typical Jewellery pieces.
Do Ornaments serve practical purposes?
Some Ornaments are purely decorative, while others, like curtain holdbacks, have functional roles.
What materials are commonly used in Jewellery?
Jewellery often uses metals like gold or silver and gemstones like diamonds or rubies.
Is all Jewellery considered Ornaments?
While all Jewellery can be seen as a form of personal Ornament, not all Ornaments are Jewellery.
Do people invest in Jewellery?
Yes, some view Jewellery, especially gold and gemstones, as investments due to their value appreciation over time.
Can Jewellery be handmade?
Yes, many pieces of Jewellery are crafted by hand, adding to their uniqueness and value.
Can Ornaments be made of precious materials?
Yes, Ornaments can be made from various materials, including precious ones.
Is Jewellery only for fashion?
While Jewellery is often fashion-focused, it can also symbolize status, cultural practices, or personal milestones.
Can Ornaments have sentimental value?
Yes, Ornaments, like family heirloom decorations, can hold significant sentimental value.
Are Ornaments specific to holidays?
While many associate Ornaments with holidays like Christmas, they can be used in various contexts year-round.
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Written 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.
