jewel / gem
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jewel
A small, precious, and artfully crafted object, especially a piece of jewelry. Today, the term is often used in an elevated or historical context.
In der Schatulle bewahrte sie ein altes Kleinod von ihrer Großmutter auf.
In the small box, she kept an old jewel from her grandmother.
gem
Something regarded as especially valuable, beautiful, or unique, often figuratively for a place, building, or quality.
Die kleine, unberührte Bucht ist ein wahres Kleinod an der Küste.
The small, untouched bay is a true gem on the coast.
The word is made up of 'klein' (small) and the old word 'Od' for possession or wealth, which is no longer used today. A Kleinod is therefore literally a 'small treasure.'
Die Brosche war ein altes Familienerbstück und ihr liebstes Kleinod.
The brooch was an old family heirloom and her favorite jewel.
'Kleinod' (jewel/gem) is an elevated and rather poetic word. It is rarely used in everyday colloquial speech and often sounds somewhat old-fashioned or literary.
In seinen Briefen bezeichnete er die alte Bibliothek als ein Kleinod der Weisheit.
In his letters, he described the old library as a gem of wisdom.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that places or buildings are often described as a 'Kleinod' (gem), for example an old town, a park, or a church. The phrase 'ein wahres Kleinod' (a true gem) is frequently used.
Die kleine Kapelle auf dem Berg ist ein wahres Kleinod der Baukunst.
The small chapel on the mountain is a true gem of architecture.
jewel / gem
Juwel and Kleinod can refer to a particularly valuable, beautiful, or unique place. Juwel fits present-day general usage, whereas Kleinod sounds markedly elevated or historical. Kleinod is therefore especially suitable for a ceremonial description of an old building.
In der Festrede wurde die restaurierte Altstadt als historisches Kleinod der Region gewürdigt.
In the ceremonial speech, the restored old town was honored as a historic gem of the region.
Die restaurierte Altstadt ist ein echtes Juwel der Region.
The restored old town is a true gem of the region.
