Jewell County's population has changed little over the past decade, but local festivals in Mankato remain a cherished tradition.

During the monsoon walk, I was thrilled to spot a jewelled nawab resting on a teak leaf.

The jewelled blenny grazed on algae in the reef tank, proving to be both colorful and useful in keeping it clean.

After the final sanding, she applied jeweller's rouge to the silver pendant and buffed it until it gleamed.

The artisan melted jeweller's gold carefully to create a durable ring.

In late summer, the damp bank was alive with jewel-weeds that swayed in the breeze.

The antique clock's jewel bearings were carefully cleaned to restore its precise movement.

For the summer potluck, I brought a jewel salad sparkling with ruby tomatoes, golden mango, and emerald cucumber.

She arranged the jewel salads on the table, each one glittering with colorful edible gems.

The chef served an eight-jewel fried rice garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.