Which spelling, jewelry or jewellery, is correct?
The correct spelling of the word depends on the form of English being used. Jewelry is the preferred spelling in American English, while jewellery is used in British English. Both spellings refer to decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
What Is the Difference Between Jewelry and Jewellery?
The distinction between jewelry and jewellery is primarily a matter of regional spelling preferences. These variations occur in many words between American and British English. Understanding these differences can help you communicate more effectively, especially in written materials intended for international audiences.
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American English: The spelling "jewelry" is used in the United States. It aligns with the American tendency to simplify spellings by dropping extra letters.
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British English: "Jewellery" is the spelling used in countries that follow British English conventions, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This version retains the extra ‘l’ and ‘e’, reflecting the traditional British spelling style.
Why Do Spelling Variations Exist?
Spelling variations like those between jewelry and jewellery arise from historical influences on the English language. Over time, American English evolved to adopt simplified spellings, partly influenced by Noah Webster’s dictionary, which aimed to differentiate American English from British English.
How to Choose the Right Spelling?
When deciding which spelling to use, consider your audience and the context of your writing:
- American Audience: Use "jewelry" to align with American English standards.
- British Audience: Opt for "jewellery" to match British English preferences.
- International Audience: Be aware of regional preferences and choose based on the majority of your audience or the region you are targeting.
Examples of Jewelry and Jewellery Usage
Understanding the context in which these terms are used can help clarify their meanings:
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Jewelry: "The museum’s collection of ancient jewelry is one of the finest in the United States."
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Jewellery: "She inherited a beautiful collection of antique jewellery from her grandmother in England."
Common Spelling Variations in English
The difference between jewelry and jewellery is just one example of many spelling variations between American and British English. Here are a few more:
| Word (American English) | Word (British English) |
|---|---|
| Color | Colour |
| Center | Centre |
| Theater | Theatre |
| Organize | Organise |
People Also Ask
What Other Words Have Different Spellings in American and British English?
Several words have different spellings in American and British English. Examples include "color" (American) vs. "colour" (British), "realize" (American) vs. "realise" (British), and "traveler" (American) vs. "traveller" (British).
Is There a Difference in Meaning Between Jewelry and Jewellery?
No, there is no difference in meaning. Both "jewelry" and "jewellery" refer to the same items—decorative pieces worn for personal adornment.
How Did American English Simplify Spelling?
American English simplified spelling through efforts by figures like Noah Webster, who published a dictionary that promoted simplified spellings to differentiate American English from British English.
Which Countries Use the Spelling Jewellery?
Countries that use British English, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, typically use the spelling "jewellery."
Can I Use Both Spellings Interchangeably?
While you can use both spellings, it’s best to stick to one version consistently within a single piece of writing to maintain clarity and professionalism.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you use jewelry or jewellery depends on your audience and the regional spelling conventions you wish to follow. By understanding these differences, you can ensure your writing is clear and appropriate for the intended readership. For further exploration of language variations, consider learning about other common spelling differences between American and British English.
