jewelry / decoration
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jewelry
Objects such as rings, necklaces, or bracelets that are worn on the body for adornment. This word is usually used in the singular as a collective term.
Sie hat zum Geburtstag wunderschönen Schmuck von ihrer Großmutter bekommen.
She got beautiful jewelry from her grandmother for her birthday.
decoration
An ornament or decoration that beautifies an object, a building, or a room.
Der reiche Stuck an der Decke ist der einzige Schmuck des ansonsten schlichten Saales.
The rich stucco on the ceiling is the only decoration of the otherwise plain hall.
The noun 'der Schmuck' (jewelry/decoration) belongs to the word family of the verb 'schmücken' (to decorate, adorn). 'Schmuck' is therefore what is used for decorating or adorning.
Sie schmückte den Weihnachtsbaum mit Kugeln und Lichtern.
She decorated the Christmas tree with baubles and lights.
When 'Schmuck' (jewelry) refers to items of jewelry such as rings or necklaces, it is an uncountable noun and is used only in the singular. To name individual pieces, you use the word 'das Schmuckstück' (piece of jewelry; plural: 'die Schmuckstücke' — pieces of jewelry).
Sie besitzt viele Schmuckstücke, aber sie trägt selten Schmuck.
She owns many pieces of jewelry, but she rarely wears jewelry.
Special verbs are often used in connection with jewelry. You can say 'Schmuck tragen' (to wear jewelry), 'Schmuck anlegen' (to put on jewelry), or 'Schmuck ablegen' (to take off jewelry).
Vor dem Sport sollte man seinen Schmuck ablegen.
Before doing sports, you should take off your jewelry.
In the meaning of 'Verzierung' (decoration/ornament), 'Schmuck' usually refers to buildings or rooms. You can recognize this meaning from combinations with words like 'Fassade' (facade), 'Decke' (ceiling), 'Wand' (wall), or 'Tor' (gate).
Die alte Villa hat einen wunderschönen Schmuck an der Fassade.
The old villa has beautiful decoration on the facade.
plaster / finery
“Schmuck” is the usual collective term today for worn rings, necklaces, or similar decorative objects. “Putz” can refer to striking festive finery, including fine clothing and jewelry, but sounds outdated in this meaning.
Zur Hochzeit trug sie ihren schönsten Schmuck.
She wore her finest jewelry to the wedding.
Im alten Roman erscheint sie zur Hochzeit in ihrem schönsten Putz.
In the old novel, she appears at the wedding in her finest finery.
