'gemstone' is a compound of two English elements: 'gem' and 'stone'. 'gem' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'gemma', where 'gemma' meant 'bud' or 'jewel'; 'stone' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'stān', meaning 'stone'.

'gem' changed from Latin 'gemma' into Old French 'gemme', then entered Middle English as 'gemen'/'gem', and was later combined with Old English 'stān' to form the compound 'gemstone' in modern English.

Initially 'gemma' referred to a 'bud' or a 'bud-like ornament' and 'stān' meant a hard mineral; over time 'gem' shifted to mean a precious stone, and 'gemstone' came to mean a precious or semi-precious stone used as jewelry.