plaster / finery
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plaster
A layer of mortar, plaster, or a similar material that is applied to walls and ceilings in order to smooth, protect, or decorate them.
Nachdem die Wand getrocknet war, wurde der neue Putz aufgetragen und glattgestrichen.
After the wall had dried, the new plaster was applied and smoothed out.
The noun 'der Putz' (plaster/finery) is related to the verb 'putzen' (to clean, polish). The plaster coating 'putzt' (cleans/polishes) the wall by making it look smooth and clean. However, not everyone is aware of this connection today.
Der Maler hat den alten Putz von der Wand geklopft.
The painter knocked the old plaster off the wall.
In the context of construction work, 'Putz' (plaster) is often used with the verbs 'auftragen' (to apply), 'ausbessern' (to repair/patch), or 'entfernen' (to remove). People also say that the plaster 'bröckelt' (is crumbling) or 'von der Decke fällt' (is falling from the ceiling).
Wir müssen den Putz an der Außenwand ausbessern, bevor wir streichen.
We need to repair the plaster on the exterior wall before we paint.
The idiom 'auf den Putz hauen' is a fixed unit. It means to celebrate exuberantly, spend a lot of money, or show off. The literal meaning 'to hit the plaster' does not help with understanding here.
Nachdem sie im Lotto gewonnen hatte, hat sie erstmal ordentlich auf den Putz gehauen.
After she won the lottery, she really painted the town red.
The meaning 'elegant clothing' is outdated today and is hardly used anymore. You mainly find it in older literature or when someone wants to strike an ironic, old-fashioned tone.
In dem alten Film warf sich die Diva für ihren Auftritt in ihren feinsten Putz.
In the old film, the diva dressed up in her finest finery for her performance.
jewelry / decoration
'der Schmuck' and 'der Putz' can both refer to something you wear in order to look especially beautiful or festive. 'Schmuck' is the normal word for rings, necklaces, or bracelets. 'Putz' in this meaning refers to striking, fine clothing or jewelry, but it sounds old-fashioned today and mainly occurs in fixed or literary expressions. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with outward beauty. In everyday language, 'Schmuck' is almost always more natural; 'Putz' is not really used today for modern conversations about jewelry.
Die alte Dame erschien in feinem Putz zum Fest.
The old lady appeared at the celebration in fine finery.
Zur Hochzeit trägt Lena nur wenig Schmuck, aber er passt sehr gut zu ihrem Kleid.
Lena wears only a little jewelry to the wedding, but it goes very well with her dress.