Jewel(noun) a bearing for a pivot a pivot in a watch, formed of a crystal or precious stone, as a ruby. Jewel(verb) to dress, adorn, deck, or supply with jewels, as a dress, a sword hilt, or a watch; to bespangle, as with jewels. Origin: [OE. juel, jowel, OF. jouel, juel, joiel, F. joyau, dim. of OF. joie joy, jewel, F. joie joy.