Cabochon

A cabochon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished into a smooth, domed form with a flat or slightly convex base, rather than being faceted. The word “cabochon” comes from the French “caboche,” meaning head, and refers to the rounded top of the stone. This style of cutting is especially popular for opaque or translucent stones like opal, turquoise, moonstone, and agate, as it highlights the stone’s natural color, patterns, and unique optical effects such as asterism (star effect) or chatoyancy (cat’s eye). Cabochons are often oval but can be crafted in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different jewelry settings and artistic designs.

The cabochon cut is favored for its durability and ability to showcase inclusions or natural markings that might detract from a faceted stone’s brilliance but add character and uniqueness to a cabochon. These stones are widely used in rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets, as well as in crystal healing and decorative arts. The smooth surface is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical—cabochons are less likely to chip or scratch, making them ideal for softer gemstones.