the jewel in the crown• The WineRack is the jewel in the crown of a 1,000-strongchain of shops which have been reorganised into two groups.• Though, the jewel in the crown for the whole of the area must be Blenheim Palace.
nTHESAURUS
jewel a valuable stone, such as a diamond
He had a large fortune in gold and jewels.
the crown jewels (=the crown and other valuable objects worn by the king or queen on important royal occasions)
a jewel thief
precious stone a rare and valuable jewel such as a diamond or an emerald
The handle of the sword was decorated with precious stones.
gem (also gemstone) a jewel that has been cut into a specialshape
The cross had large red gems set into it.
Her eyes were shining like gemstones.
semi-precious stone a valuable stone, but one that is not as rare or valuable as a diamond, ruby, emerald etc
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that was often used by the ancient Egyptians.
solitaire technical a single jewel, especially a large diamond