Cabochon
/KAB-uh-shon/
Definition
A gemstone cut with a smooth, rounded, domed top and a flat or slightly domed bottom, without facets. Used for opaque or phenomenal stones to showcase color, pattern, or optical effects.
The cabochon (or 'cab') is the oldest form of gemstone cutting, predating faceting by millennia. Rather than cut with flat, angled surfaces (facets), a cabochon is shaped and polished into a smooth dome. This cut is ideal for opaque stones (turquoise, lapis lazuli), stones with special optical effects (star sapphire, cat's eye chrysoberyl, moonstone), and stones with interesting internal patterns (agate, jasper). The shape maximizes the visibility of asterism (star effect), chatoyancy (cat's eye), and adularescence (moonstone sheen). Cabochons can be circular, oval, or freeform, and the height of the dome varies from low (flat) to high (steep).
Usage in the Trade
Cabochons are used in rings, pendants, earrings, and brooches. They are the standard cut for opals, star sapphires, star rubies, moonstone, turquoise, and many semi-precious stones. Bezel settings are the most common mounting for cabochons.