pietra preziosa
feminine
The English word gemstone is translated into Italian as pietra preziosa. Wiktionary also lists gemma.
Meaning: gem (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pietra preziosa | feminine | |
| gemma | /ˈd͡ʒɛm.ma/ | feminine |
In Italian, the term refers to a gem. You may encounter specific names for different types of gemstones, such as Diamante (diamond), Rubino (ruby), Zaffiro (sapphire), Smeraldo (emerald), Topazio (topaz) and Ametista (amethyst). Other related terms include Prezioso (precious) and Cristallo (crystal).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pietra preziosa is a compound of pietra (stone) and preziosa (precious).
Which one should you use?
Pietra preziosa is often used to refer to the material or the category of the stone, whereas gemma is more frequently used to refer to the cut or shaped gemstone itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of gemma is gemme. The plural of pietra preziosa is pietre preziose.
Did you know?
- The word gemma is not only used for gemstones but also means 'bud' in botany. In Italian, the same word describes both a sparkling jewel and the first small growth of a plant in spring.
- The word pietra is used in many common Italian idioms, such as mettere la pietra sopra which means 'to put the stone on top', a metaphor for ending a matter or a conflict permanently.
- The Italian word pietra descends from the Latin petra, which was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word pétra meaning 'stone' or 'rock'.
Examples in context
- La collana è fatta di cinque pietre preziose.The necklace is made of five gemstones.
- Questo anello ha un bellissimo rubino al centro.This ring has a beautiful ruby in the center.
- Adoro le pietre preziose, come i rubini e gli zaffiri. Sono gioielli davvero unici.I adore gemstones like rubies and sapphires. They are truly unique jewels.
- Il gioiello è decorato con una gemma rossa.The piece of jewelry is decorated with a red gemstone.
- Questa pietra preziosa è molto rara.This gemstone is very rare.
- Il gioiello contiene una pietra preziosa.The piece of jewelry contains a gemstone.
- Cerco una pietra preziosa per l'anello.I am looking for a gemstone for the ring.
Example conversation
A woman is looking at an antique ring in a jewelry shop with a man.
- AlessandroGuarda che bella questa pietra preziosa.Look how beautiful this gemstone is.
- SofiaÈ davvero splendida, Alessandro.It is truly splendid, Alessandro.
- AlessandroPensi che sia troppo costosa?Do you think it is too expensive?
- SofiaPer una pietra così, il prezzo è giusto.For a stone like this, the price is fair.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gemstone” translations and entries pietra preziosa, gemma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gemma, pietra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
