Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gem \Gem\, n. [OE. gemme precious stone, F. gemme, fr. L. gemma
   a precious stone, bud.]
   1. (Bot.) A bud.

            From the joints of thy prolific stem A swelling knot
            is raised called a gem.               --Denham.

   2. A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz,
      sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and
      polished for ornament; a jewel. --Milton.

   3. Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits,
      which is regarded as a gem on account of its beauty or
      value, as a small picture, a verse of poetry, a witty or
      wise saying.

   {Artificial gem}, an imitation of a gem, made of glass
      colored with metallic oxide. Cf. {Paste}, and {Strass}.