What ia a Cabochon?
A cabochon refers to a gemstone that has been polished and shaped with a domed top and a flat bottom. Historically, before the advent of modern cutting technologies, all mined stones were shaped as cabochons. This is why, when examining historical jewellery, you’ll primarily see cabochon stones.
The technique of facet cutting began to develop around the 15th century, allowing gemstones to be cut with flat, angular surfaces to enhance their brilliance.
Setting a Cabochon
Setting a cabochon is often considered one of the easiest types of settings for a jeweller, primarily because the stone has a flat bottom. The most common setting for cabochons is the rub-over or bezel setting. Softer stones, such as turquoise and opals, are particularly suited to bezel settings, as the surrounding metal offers better protection than a claw setting would.
The Appeal of Opaque Stones
Cabochons are typically used for opaque stones, as these types of gems do not require light to pass through them in the same way that transparent stones do. However, transparent and translucent stones can also be cut into cabochons. Transparent stones are generally only cut as cabochons if they are of lower quality or contain inclusions.
I believe this is unfortunate, as cabochons can be just as beautiful as faceted gemstones and should never be viewed as inferior. In fact, the inclusions in transparent stones can add character and make them much more intriguing. The beauty of a stone should not solely be defined by its clarity but by the unique qualities that it possesses.
Ideal Stones for Cabochon Cutting
Stones like agate, which are often transparent or translucent, are ideal candidates for cabochon cutting. This technique enhances their optical effects, such as opalescence and the Schiller effect, and highlights their distinctive characteristics, such as plumes, dendrites, and other fascinating features.
When browsing the stone selection on the website, you'll see just how effectively a cabochon can showcase the unique beauty of each gem. This is especially evident in stones that appear to tell a story or look like small scenes. Some cabochons resemble serene landscapes, with blue skies and rolling hills, while others evoke the sense of peering into a tiny forest, offering an enchanting, almost magical view.
