I know what you are thinking now… What IS a cabochon and why would someone be crazy about them? [tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img]Here’s the simple answer to both those questions. A cabochon is a gemstone that is highly polished, raised and rounded but not faceted. It features a flat bottom.
The word is derived from the middle French ‘caboche’ meaning head.
Now for the other question. Why Am I Crazy about them?
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First – they are gemstones. And I LOVE all kinds of gemstones.
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Second – these gemstones have flat backings so they can easily be set into a bezel. That being said, there is an art to setting cabochons. This skill emerges with lots of practice.
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Third – they are addictive!
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Cabochons are particularly good when the stone is softer. The faceting process in this case would create more scratches and damages to the stone. Gems, like this Tigers Eye requires this kind of shaping in order to show off the lighter shades , or the eye. this applies to sapphire too. The star inclusion would not be visible in a faceted gem.[tweet_dis_img]
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The photo of my cabochons shown throughout this post give you an idea of the versatility and range of shapes. A few years ago I had the opportunity to purchase a large quantity of stones from a jeweler who could no longer work (due to his failing eyesight). Over the years he had not only accumulated many cabochons for his own business… but he had done much of the lapidary work as well. I am so privileged to have this collection to use in my own designs.
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This turquoise cabochon is part of the collection. You can see the original stone and ultimately the jewelry design that now proudly houses this amazing turquoise specimen.
Just in case you think I already have enough gems to last a lifetime (you are right of course)… I always seem to find some new treasures during the GEM SHOW in Tucson twice a year. When something catches my eye my mind starts spinning with ideas on how to use this in my designs. Then I am hooked and happily purchasing more and more.
The copper and gold bracelet in your post is absolutely gorgeous. Truly a statement piece. I feel certain I would pronounce cabochons wrong, but they are pretty.
Thanks Christy. I meant to spell it in the post. It’s cab a shons. With emphasis on the cab
I love gemstones too Alene and have quite a collection. I hadn’t come across the word cabochon before but I can see the attraction, especially for jewellery making. What a lovely thought that what remains of your collection will be passed on to another artist so the joy and creativity will continue.
Thanks Tamuria. Yes I feel that each of these gems will eventually be part of a design..some long after I have moved on
The turquoise collection is gorgeous! And I always learn so much about gemstones and processes from your blog.
Thanks Susan I love that particular gem myself?
You are right.. when you said… what are they and why would someone be crazy.. but it’s because it’s a great find. Reminds me of my girlfriend back in Va where she likes to walk the beach looking for sea glass… you think of it.. it’s really just trash… and people are littering and it turns out to something nice, as long as someone doesn’t step on it while it’s being polished by the sea. lol
Thanks for mentioning the sea glass. If I lived by an ocean I know that would become an obsession of mine too
My daughter and I are BIG gemstone lovers and collectors, both in jewelry and as individual stones. Generally our trips to Arizona, specifically Sedona, are where we buy. We both have many cabochons as well and I appreciate you sharing more about what makes a cabochon a cabochon and also showing us some of your precious collection. I remember when I was designing recycled watch-part jewelry and I would get a watchmakers stash of pieces and parts and how excited I was to acquire them and have the chance to use them in my designs. It becomes a bit ‘addictive’ I’d say, as I ended up with hundreds of thousands of watch parts by the time I stopped making the jewelry. Many of them went to good homes and my wish is they are being used in new designs and being enjoyed and honoured by those who get to see them. Love turquoise and appreciate seeing some of the lovely stones in your collection, Alene! Enjoy!
Hi Beverley. Thanks for sharing about your own designing. I can believe that watch parts become an addiction too..a positive addiction for sure. Love that steampunk design
I love Cabs as well! Your post is very timely as I just got a large selection of Old Pawn turquoise jewelry, as talking to the seller about recognizing real turquoise. Among other attributes, he talked about the uniqueness of each stone – all cabs are just a little different. Love learning!
Thanks Robin. There is quite a bit of fake turquoise around. Some will dye howlite blue to simulate it. Too bad that this practice exists. Glad you got a tutorial on it though!
Hi Alene 🙂
As a jeweler, I can totally understand how you can be crazy about these unique gemstones called “cabochons”,! Even not being one myself I can see why you are so excited about these gems 🙂 Beautiful pieces you can make with them as well!
Thanks for sharing!
Yes it is a jewelry designer obsession for sure. I know each industry has their own obsession about something..right?
What fun! I love them, too. They have a whole different appeal and softer (yet powerful) vibe than the glittery, faceted gems.
Thanks Reba. Yes the gems have strong vibes. I love that each one has its own characteristics too
I’m a jewelry fanatic…you can never have enough, right?! 🙂 Cabochons are awesome. They are often beautiful stones that need no other surrounding adornments. I have many in my collection–as rings, pendants, and bracelets. A few years ago, I began jewelry making as a hobby. I have yet to bezel set a cabochon, but it’s on my list. Loved reading these interesting facts about cabochons!
Hello,
Thanks for the great article and learning a lot the about weary . Thanks for all the pretty stones that you have here.
Lori English
Thanks Lori I adore the stones too
A very good friend of my watches HSN a lot and claims there are great jewelry buys on there. She has gifted me with a few turquoise cabochon pieces from Jay that are beautiful.
Thanks Rachel. Jay king is a master at creating beautiful cabochons for jewelry
I’ve heard the term but did not realize it could apply to any stone. That’s for clarifying that for me.
Most welcome Jackie?
They look pretty. I have seen some of these materials in Puerto Rico in our recent trip. I do not wear much clothing that matches to turquoise color so I did not get them.
Thanks Lorii. The cabochons can be any color. Depending upon the gem
Gorgeous stones! I love what you did with the turquoise – beautiful necklace!
Thanks for the great compliment Mindy?
An interesting article and I learned something new, I actually did not know what a cabochon was before.
Thanks Katarina. Glad I could add this tidbit to your knowledge ?
I have a bracelet with opal cabochons. I don’t wear it very often, because I’m afraid I’ll hurt the stones. Do you usually see opals as a cabochon?
Thanks Jennifer opals are a softer gem so unless they are well protected with higher sides to the bezel the stones could get damaged. There is always a possibility that the gems were enhanced to strengthen them though
I live gemstones too, Alene! We are both in AZ. We should meet up in person. I always love learning about all the different gemstones and how you make such beautiful pieces. The turquoise piece in this article
Is a great statement piece.
Agree Tandy. Will message you to see when we can connect