Emily Dickinson Lexicon

JEW'EL, n. [It. gioia, joy, mirth, a jewel; gioiello, a jewel; Fr. joyau; Sp. joya, joyel; G. juwel; D. juweel. It is from the root of joy. Low L. jocale. Class Cg.]

1. An ornament worn by ladies, usually consisting of a precious stone, or set with one or more; a pendant worn in the ear.
2. A precious stone. – Shak.
3. A name expressive of fondness. A mother calls her child her jewel.