The most prized possession or achievement.
Also a reference to colonial India. India was the British Empire's most important colony: the most populous, the most valuable, the most strategic.
Using "jewel in the crown" to refer to colonial India can also be a play on words about a real crown jewel -- the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, a large precious stone. The Diamond was taken after the defeat of the Indian Punjab by the British East India Company and subsequently mounted in the crown of queens of the British Empire. The current Queen Elizabeth II, aware that wearing the jewel offends many Indians, displays the Diamond in the Tower of London.
Because of the weight of the colonial heritage of the phrase, care must be taken when using the phrase to avoid being racist or insulting. If you lack understanding then it is best to avoid the phrase.
The phrase is often used in a jingoistic fashion in English tabloid newspapers, a recollection of the glory days of the British Empire.
The "Jewel in the Crown" is the title of the first of four books written by Paul Scott in 1966. The books are set during the closing decades of the British Raj. In 1984 these books were made into a television mini-series which was acclaimed for its high quality. Both works have a complex and unsentimental view of colonial India, making the title intentionally ironic.
With both jingoistic and ironic uses of "jewel in the crown" being common, readers should consider in what sense the phrase is meant.
Also a reference to colonial India. India was the British Empire's most important colony: the most populous, the most valuable, the most strategic.
Using "jewel in the crown" to refer to colonial India can also be a play on words about a real crown jewel -- the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, a large precious stone. The Diamond was taken after the defeat of the Indian Punjab by the British East India Company and subsequently mounted in the crown of queens of the British Empire. The current Queen Elizabeth II, aware that wearing the jewel offends many Indians, displays the Diamond in the Tower of London.
Because of the weight of the colonial heritage of the phrase, care must be taken when using the phrase to avoid being racist or insulting. If you lack understanding then it is best to avoid the phrase.
The phrase is often used in a jingoistic fashion in English tabloid newspapers, a recollection of the glory days of the British Empire.
The "Jewel in the Crown" is the title of the first of four books written by Paul Scott in 1966. The books are set during the closing decades of the British Raj. In 1984 these books were made into a television mini-series which was acclaimed for its high quality. Both works have a complex and unsentimental view of colonial India, making the title intentionally ironic.
With both jingoistic and ironic uses of "jewel in the crown" being common, readers should consider in what sense the phrase is meant.
Benjamin Disraeli, Prime Minister of Britain, is said to have called India "the brightest jewel in the crown of the British Empire".
by rustedpunchbuggy January 16, 2021
A woman who has a heart of gold and is always going to put you first and think of herself last she is someone who you will spend the rest of your life with
by Jewell90 December 20, 2016
Tatiana Jewel is a unique person and is a great shoulder to cry on. They are also extraordinary, but they don’t know it yet.
by Lil didle April 2, 2018
You are very beautiful you love cats you mean everything to everyone however you get really lonely and everytime you are you like playing with bugs and boys think that your hot and have a sexy body and you are the cutest and prettiest out of everyone that you would know.
by Bitchyplace December 29, 2017
by Hott Lanta September 29, 2021
A raging homo who is known for being a dick lover. He often likes to fart in his hand so he can catch a big whiff. what a homo.
by The6thDollsDrawer May 3, 2017
a large eared, bandana over eyes wearing scoundrel specializing in the heisting of super jewels. Come in packs of three or two, never alone.
"OMG someone stole the largest diamond in the world! Who could have done something like this!?"
"The super jewel thief maybe?"
"The super jewel thief maybe?"
by Winter Fox Frank April 25, 2008