Gemma
/ˈd͡ʒɛm.ma/
Gemma is the Italian word for a precious stone used in jewelry.
The word refers to a gem or gemstone. When used as a name, it can be part of various expressions depending on the level of intimacy or formality.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈdʒɛm.ma/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, gemma refers to a gemstone but also to a plant bud. This dual meaning reflects the idea of something small and precious that contains the potential for future growth.
- The word gemma is a direct descendant of the Latin word gemma, which maintained the same meaning over two millennia.
- In a figurative sense, Italians use una gemma to describe a person who is exceptionally kind, helpful or a 'gem' of a human being.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, Signora Gemma, piacere di conoscerla.Good morning, Mrs. Gemma, nice to meet you.
- Gemma carissima, sei una persona speciale per me.Dearest Gemma, you're a special person to me.
- Questa gemma è molto brillante.This gem is very bright.
- Il gioielliere ha incastonato la gemma.The jeweler set the gem.
- Cerco una gemma di colore rosso.I am looking for a red gem.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are looking at jewelry in a shop.
- LorenzoGuarda questa gemma, Chiara.Look at this gem, Chiara.
- ChiaraÈ bellissima, Lorenzo.It is beautiful, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoPensi che sia troppo costosa?Do you think it is too expensive?
- ChiaraForse, ma è una gemma rara.Maybe, but it is a rare gem.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Gemma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gemma, gemma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
