Jewellery or Jewelry: Which Spelling is Correct?
The words “jewellery” and “jewelry” often confuse English learners and even native speakers. While both words refer to decorative items worn for personal adornment—such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets—their spelling differs depending on the variety of English being used.
1. The Meaning of Jewellery / Jewelry
Despite the spelling difference, both “jewellery” and “jewelry” share the same definition:
Decorative ornaments, often made of precious metals and gemstones, worn to enhance appearance or signify cultural, religious, or personal meaning.
Examples:
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She wore a beautiful piece of jewellery on her wedding day.
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He gifted her gold jewelry for their anniversary.
2. The Key Difference: British vs. American English
The main difference lies in the regional usage of the term:
| Spelling | Region | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Jewellery | British English (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand) | “My grandmother’s jewellery is very valuable.” |
| Jewelry | American English (United States) | “She owns a jewelry store in New York.” |
So, if you are writing for a British or Commonwealth audience, use jewellery.
If you are writing for an American audience, use jewelry.
3. Why the Difference Exists
The difference is due to historical spelling variations. English evolved differently in the UK and the US over centuries.
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The British English word “jewellery” comes from the Old French word “jouel”, which evolved into “jewel” in English.
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Americans, under spelling reform movements led by Noah Webster in the 19th century, began simplifying words by removing unnecessary letters. As a result, many words ending in “-lery” in British English became “-ry” in American English (e.g., jewellery → jewelry).
4. Similar Examples of British vs. American Spellings
This isn’t the only word with different spellings between American and British English. Here are a few more examples:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Colour | Color |
| Centre | Center |
| Traveller | Traveler |
| Aluminium | Aluminum |
| Ageing | Aging |
5. Spelling in Other English-Speaking Countries
Here’s how jewellery and jewelry are used in other parts of the world:
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Canada: Generally uses jewellery, in line with British spelling.
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Australia & New Zealand: Use jewellery, also following British norms.
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India: British English is standard, so jewellery is preferred.
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Philippines: Usage can vary, but jewelry is more common due to American influence.
6. Which Spelling Should You Use?
The choice depends on your audience and the style guide you are following. Here’s a simple guide:
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Academic or professional writing for British/Commonwealth regions → Use jewellery.
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Business or content targeting the US → Use jewelry.
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If you’re unsure: Follow the regional standard of the country you’re writing for, or check the style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
7. Conclusion
Both “jewellery” and “jewelry” are correct—they just belong to different varieties of English. Understanding which to use depends on your audience and context. Paying attention to regional spelling differences is essential for professional, academic, or digital communication.