Jewelry vs Jewellery
The difference between jewelry and jewellery only exists in the spelling of each word. If you were typing the words jewelry and jewellery in a word processor, and if it refused to take Jewellery as the correct spelling, it is natural for you to be furious if you happen to be a Briton. Whether it is costume jewelry or fashion jewelry, the word jewelry comes across so commonly that it is hard to ignore the difference between jewelry and jewellery. It seems as if, use of either of the two spellings makes no difference to those to whom this word actually matters. This is how it is particularly with those who are involved with this profession. As a common man if you remain confused between jewelry and jewellery, all your confusion will be removed after reading this article.
What does Jewellery mean?
The word jewellery comes from jewel, which in turn is derived from French Jouel. It refers to any kind of object used for body adornment. This can include articles made from precious metals such as platinum, gold, silver, etc. Jewellery covers the whole range of body adornments available in jewellery stores such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, bangles, etc. Though, jewellery is mostly for decoration, it is also a status symbol as it conveys in strong word the wealth of the individual displaying ornaments or jewellery.
Coming to the spelling of the word, there is a rule in English grammar to double the final letter of the word if it is a consonant when it is suffixed and suffix begins with a vowel. So when -ery, which is a suffix, is added to the word jewel that ends with a consonant, it is natural to double the consonant and then add the suffix. As such, the word becomes jewellery, and this is the correct word to connote ornaments. It is common to see the usage of the word jewellery in not just Britain, but all commonwealth countries and others, where there has been British influence in culture. Because of the confusion among common people, it is common for all those who advertise on the net to include both jewelry, as well as, jewellery in their content to make sure their website gets opened and read by those who are looking for ornaments. This is to ensure that their website does not get missed because of their use of one or the other spelling of the word.
What does Jewelry mean?
The word jewelry also comes from jewel, which in turn is derived from French Jouel. It also refers to any kind of object used for body adornment. But, as is the case with color and flavor, Americans tend to shorten the word if they feel that by omitting a letter, the pronunciation of the word does not change. This is why they have chosen to delete the extra l and e from the word jewellery and chosen jewelry instead.
What is the difference between Jewelry and Jewellery?
• Meaning:
• Both jewelry, as well as jewelry, refers to the same object, which is an ornament.
• Root:
• The root of both words, jewelry and jewellery, is jewel that comes from the French joule.
• Place of Usage:
• Jewellery is a spelling that is common in Britain and all commonwealth countries.
• Jewelry is used more in American continent.
• Grammar and Spelling:
• Jewellery is proper as it goes with the rule to double the last letter of a word if it is a consonant. This is done when it is to be suffixed with a root that begins with a vowel. You must have seen verb having double consonants when –ing or –ed is added to them. For example, hopped.
• Americans are more comfortable with shortened version by omitting a letter. However, though a letter is omitted, there is no change in pronunciation of the word.
As you can see, there is no difference in the meaning between the two words, jewelry and jewellery. The difference is only in the spellings as British and American English prefer different spellings. British English uses the word jewellery while American English uses the word jewelry. This shows the American preference for short words. Other than that there is no difference between these two words.
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Excellent, detailed explanation.
Thank you.