Jewelry vs. Jewellery: Which Spelling Is Correct
Few words in the English language cause as much spelling confusion as the word for decorative personal accessories made from precious metals and gemstones. Is it "jewelry" or "jewellery"? The answer depends on which side of the Atlantic you find yourself on, and understanding the distinction can save you from embarrassing spelling mistakes in professional and personal communications. Both spellings are correct; they are simply regional variations of the same word, much like "color" and "colour" or "favor" and "favour."
In American English, the standard spelling is "jewelry," with two syllables and no double L. In British English, Australian English, and most other varieties of English spoken outside the United States, the standard spelling is "jewellery," with three syllables and a double L. Canadian English generally follows the British spelling but may use either form. Understanding this distinction is important for writers, marketers, e-commerce sellers, and anyone communicating with an international audience.
The Etymology of Jewelry
To understand why there are two spellings, it helps to trace the word's history. The word "jewelry" (or "jewellery") derives from the word "jewel," which entered the English language in the 13th century from the Old French word "jouel" or "juel," meaning a precious object or plaything. The Old French word likely derived from the Latin "jocale," meaning "plaything," from "jocus," meaning "joke" or "pastime." Over time, the word evolved to refer specifically to decorative personal adornments made from precious materials.
The divergence in spelling between American and British English follows a broader pattern established largely through the influence of Noah Webster, the lexicographer whose dictionaries helped standardize American English spelling in the early 19th century. Webster advocated for simplified spellings that removed what he considered unnecessary letters from English words. Just as he changed "colour" to "color" and "honour" to "honor," the American spelling "jewelry" dropped the extra L and the E found in the British "jewellery," resulting in a shorter, more streamlined spelling.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling
For American English speakers, the simplest way to remember the correct spelling is: "jewelry" has the same number of E's as "America" has (none before the R, just the one). A more practical mnemonic is that American spelling tends to be shorter and simpler: jewelry uses fewer letters, just like color, favor, and honor. If you are writing for an American audience, use "jewelry" every time.
For British English speakers, remember that "jewellery" follows the same doubling pattern as other British spellings: the word "jewel" becomes "jeweller" (the person who makes or sells jewels) and "jewellery" (the items they create). The double L appears when suffixes are added to words ending in L in British English, consistent with "traveller" (vs. American "traveler"), "cancelled" (vs. American "canceled"), and "modelling" (vs. American "modeling").
Pronunciation Differences
The spelling difference between "jewelry" and "jewellery" also corresponds to a subtle pronunciation difference. In American English, "jewelry" is typically pronounced as a two-syllable word: JOOL-ree. The middle syllable of the British spelling is essentially collapsed, and the word flows from "jool" directly to "ree." In British English, "jewellery" is pronounced as a three-syllable word: JOOL-uh-ree (or sometimes JOO-luh-ree). The extra syllable "uh" in the middle corresponds to the additional letters in the British spelling.
It is worth noting that even within the United States, some speakers pronounce the word with three syllables (JOOL-uh-ree), and this pronunciation is not considered incorrect. Language is fluid, and pronunciation often varies by region, education, and personal habit. However, regardless of pronunciation, the standard American written spelling remains "jewelry."
Usage in Professional and Business Contexts
The jewelry vs. jewellery distinction is particularly important in professional and business contexts. If you are writing product descriptions for an American e-commerce site, creating marketing materials for a US-based jewelry brand, or writing for an American publication, always use "jewelry." If you are writing for a British, Australian, or international audience, use "jewellery." Inconsistency in spelling within a single document or website appears unprofessional and can undermine credibility.
For search engine optimization (SEO) purposes, the spelling distinction is also significant. If your target audience is primarily American, optimizing your content for "jewelry" will align with how most of your potential customers search. If your audience is primarily British or international, optimizing for "jewellery" is more appropriate. Some international businesses optimize for both spellings to capture traffic from both audiences.
Other Commonly Confused Jewelry-Related Terms
The jewelry/jewellery distinction is part of a broader family of related words that also differ between American and British English. A person who makes or sells jewelry is a "jeweler" in American English and a "jeweller" in British English. Again, the American spelling drops the double L. The act of adorning something with jewels is "bejeweled" in American English and "bejewelled" in British English.
Other commonly confused terms in the jewelry world include "carat" vs. "karat." In American English, "karat" (abbreviated K or kt) is used specifically to measure the purity of gold (e.g., 14K gold), while "carat" (abbreviated ct) measures the weight of gemstones. In British English, "carat" is used for both purposes, which can sometimes cause confusion. The metric carat, used for gemstones, is exactly 200 milligrams.
Types of Jewelry: A Quick Overview
Regardless of how you spell it, jewelry encompasses a vast category of decorative personal items. Fine jewelry refers to pieces made from precious metals like gold, platinum, and sterling silver, often set with precious or semi-precious gemstones. Fine jewelry is typically more expensive and is made to last for generations. Fashion jewelry, also known as costume jewelry, is made from less expensive materials like base metals, glass, plastic, and synthetic stones. Fashion jewelry follows current trends and is generally more affordable.
Common categories of jewelry include rings (including engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion rings), necklaces and pendants, bracelets and bangles, earrings (studs, hoops, drops, and chandeliers), brooches and pins, watches (often considered both functional accessories and jewelry), anklets, and body jewelry. Each category has its own design traditions, material preferences, and cultural significance across different societies and time periods.
The Cultural Significance of Jewelry
Beyond its decorative function, jewelry carries deep cultural, emotional, and symbolic significance across virtually every human civilization. Wedding rings symbolize commitment and eternal love. Religious jewelry, such as crosses, Stars of David, and Om symbols, express faith and spiritual identity. Birthstone jewelry connects wearers to their birth month and its associated qualities. Heirloom jewelry passes down family history and memories through generations. Whether you spell it jewelry or jewellery, these small, precious objects have been among humanity's most treasured possessions for thousands of years, serving as symbols of status, love, faith, identity, and artistic expression throughout human history.
