Crossword Genius

Quiet nobleman is a gem (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pearl

'gem' is the definition.
(I know that pearl is a type of gem)

'quiet nobleman' is the wordplay.
'quiet' becomes 'p' (music symbol for 'piano', ie soft or quiet).
'nobleman' becomes 'earl' (member of the nobility).
'p'+'earl'='PEARL'

'is a' is the link.

(Other definitions for pearl that I've seen before include "Precious stone from shellfish" , "Smooth lustrous round structure of calcium carbonate" , "Gem from oyster" , "Much loved and valued person" , "Gem; an attacked Harbor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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