What are cabochons?

The word "cabochon" comes from the French word caboche meaning nail, and cabochons are named that because of their rounded shape. A "cabochon" (pronounced kab-e-shawn and often shortened to cab) is described as a gemstone that is not faceted, but is cut into a convex and usually highly polished shape. The bottom of a cbochon is usually flat, but may be slightly domed or may actually be concave to bring light to a stone. In general, gemstones that are transparent (light passes through) are faceted, gemstones that are translucent (some light passes through) or opaque (no light passes through) are usually cut into cabochons. Also softer stones are usually cut into cabochons, as they scratch easier. Some gemstone materials must be cut a specific way, such as chatoyant Tigereye, or star Rubies to bring out their beauty. Fire Agate cabochons usually have a contoured surface to best bring out the rainbow fire without cutting through it.

"Gemstone" is not a scientific word, but rather a collective name for all ornamental stones. The shape of a cabochon may be symmetrical-a mirrored image on both sides. Or they can be freeform-having no defined shape. Cabochons can be standard shapes-circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles or squares. Or they can be one of the more exotic shapes-bullets, tongues, arches, etc. Cabochons can be calibrated, a term used usually for rounds or ovals that have a standard size. Often times inexpensive or more common stone materials are mass-produced into symmetrical or standard shapes or sizes, for instance the well known 30 mm by 40 mm oval cabochon. Cabochons are usually measured in millimeters. These are great for beginner jewelers, as there are many pre-made standard settings for sale. Standard cabochons are also good for mass producers of jewelry as each piece of jewelry doesn't have to be custom made to fit the cabochon.

See my page on Cutting Custom Cabochons for more information!