cabochoncut

A cabochon cut is a gemstone cutting style that features a smooth, rounded top surface with little to no facets. The most common form has a convex crown and a flat or slightly curved base, yielding a dome-like shape. Typical shapes include oval, round, teardrop, and freeform outlines.

Cabochons are favored for opaque and translucent stones, particularly those that display color effects or patterns such as chatoyancy (cat's eye), asterism, or opalescence. Because the surface is uninterrupted by facets, the color and internal features can be more prominently shown. Commonly cut materials include opal, moonstone, turquoise, agate, jasper, and malachite.

Production: The rough stone is shaped with grinding to the desired outline, then carefully formed into a rounded top and a smooth, polished surface. The back is typically flat to facilitate mounting, though some stones are cut with a slight back curvature to reduce weight or enhance light interaction. The result is a glossy, lens-like surface that highlights internal colors and patterns.

Applications: Cabochons are widely used in jewelry such as rings, pendants, and beads, especially when a strong display of color, pattern, or optical effect is desired. They are commonly set in bezels or simple settings, allowing the stone’s surface to be the focal point.