Cabochoned

Cabochoned refers to a gemstone or other material that has been shaped and polished into a smooth, rounded convex surface. This is in contrast to a faceted cut, which involves cutting many flat surfaces, or "facets," onto the stone. The cabochon cut is typically used for opaque or translucent gemstones, as well as for materials with interesting optical effects like asterism (star effects) or chatoyancy (cat's eye effects).

The cabochon cut is one of the oldest methods of preparing gemstones for use in jewelry. The term "cabochon" itself is thought to derive from the French word "caboche," meaning "nail head," which aptly describes the rounded shape. The underside of a cabochon can be flat or slightly domed, with the most common form having a flat base and a rounded top. This shape allows for maximum display of the stone's color and any internal phenomena.

When choosing a cabochon, attention is paid to the clarity, color, and any special optical properties of the material. Certain stones, like opals, moonstones, and turquoise, are almost exclusively cut as cabochons to best showcase their unique beauty. The smooth surface of a cabochon is also less prone to chipping than a faceted stone, making it a durable choice for certain types of jewelry.