Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| piedra preciosa | /ˌpjedɾa pɾeˈθjosa/ /ˌpjedɾa pɾeˈsjosa/ |
feminine |
| joya | /ˈxoʝa/ | feminine |
| gema | /ˈxema/ | feminine |
All three forms, piedra preciosa, joya and gema, are feminine nouns used to refer to gems.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase piedra preciosa is a literal translation of 'precious stone', where piedra means 'stone' and preciosa means 'precious'.
Which one should you use?
While piedra preciosa refers to the raw or cut gemstone itself, joya often refers to the finished piece of jewelry made from the stone. Gema is a more technical or formal synonym for piedra preciosa, often used in mineralogy or professional jewelry contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, piedra preciosa and gema are common ways to describe gemstones.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make piedra preciosa plural, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized to piedras preciosas. The word gema follows standard feminine noun rules for pluralization by adding '-s' to become gemas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpjedɾa pɾeˈθjosa/
Did you know?
- The word joya comes from the Old French joie, which is related to the Latin jocus, meaning 'joke' or 'jest'. This suggests a historical link between gems and things that bring playfulness or joy.
- The phrase una joya is used ironically in some Spanish-speaking regions to describe someone who is actually troublesome or a 'piece of work'.
- In Spanish, the word joya is often used metaphorically to describe a person who is exceptionally virtuous or a piece of work that is a masterpiece.
Examples in context
- Me encanta ese collar con un hermoso rubí.I love that necklace with a beautiful ruby.
- Mi madre me regaló una esmeralda espectacular por mi cumpleaños.My mother gifted me a spectacular emerald for my birthday.
- Sus pendientes están adornados con zafiros azules fascinantes.Her earrings are adorned with fascinating blue sapphires.
- Esa piedra preciosa es de color azul.That gemstone is blue.
- El anillo tiene una piedra preciosa muy grande.The ring has a very large gemstone.
- Busco una piedra preciosa para mi colección.I am looking for a gemstone for my collection.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a jewelry store looking at an exhibition.
- Elena¿Viste esa piedra preciosa en la vitrina?Did you see that gemstone in the display case?
- JavierSí, es la más hermosa de la tienda.Yes, it is the most beautiful one in the store.
- ElenaJavier, creo que me gusta mucho.Javier, I think I like it a lot.
- JavierEs una elección excelente para ti, Elena.It is an excellent choice for you, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gemstone” translations and entries piedra preciosa, joya, gema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gema, joya, piedra, piedra preciosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
