珠玉|しゅぎょくshugyoku[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounjewel; gem
2. no-adjectivegem (of a story, essay, etc.); accomplished work; beautiful pieceusu. as 珠玉の〜

• Synonym宝石ほうせきNeutralThe neutral, most general word for gems as actual stones; 「珠玉」 is figurative, applied to fine works and famous sayings.
• Synonym逸品いっぴんWrittenWritten/formal prose for a superb, first-rate piece; applies to goods, food and art alike, as in 「逸品揃い」.
• Synonym宝玉ほうぎょくWrittenWritten/formal prose word for treasured jewels, usually actual objects; 「珠玉」 is mostly figurative for exquisite literary or artistic works.
• Related貴石きせきWrittenWritten/formal prose term for precious stones, used in mineral classification; 「珠玉」 is mostly figurative, praising fine literary or artistic works.

In everyday speech, gems are 「宝石」. Use 「珠玉」 figuratively for exquisite works of literature or art, as in 「珠玉の短編集」 and 「珠玉の名曲」. For a superb piece of any kind, say 「逸品」; 「貴石」 and 「宝玉」 are written terms for actual stones.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 海うみで採とれる真珠しんじゅと山やまでとれる玉たま。
2. 詩文しぶん、芸術げいじゅつなどで美うつくしく優すぐれたもの。