When one medieval fiefdom defeated another they would drag back its jewels, gold, tapestries and art objects as the spoils of war.
And Keira Knightley brought her own jewels to the Anna Karenina set.
Corked glass bottles of spices, infused oils and vinegars beckon from antique cupboards like jewels.
late 13c., "article of value used for adornment," from Anglo-French juel, Old French jouel "ornament, jewel" (12c.), perhaps from Medieval Latin jocale, from Latin jocus "pastime, sport," in Vulgar Latin "that which causes joy" (see joke (n.)). Another theory traces it to Latin gaudium, also with a notion of "rejoice" (see joy).
Sense of "precious stone" developed early 14c. Meaning "beloved person, admired woman" is late 14c. Colloquial family jewels "testicles" is from 1920s, but jewel as "testicle" dates to late 15c.