'jewel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'jouel', where 'jou-' meant 'joy' and '-el' was a diminutive suffix.

'jouel' transformed into the Middle English word 'juel', and eventually became the modern English word 'jewel'.

Initially, it meant 'a small ornament or trinket', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'precious stone or gem'.