Designer and Bargain Cabochons

A "cabochon" (pronounced kab-e-shawn and often shortened to cab) is described as a gemstone that is not faceted, but is cut into a convex and usually highly polished shape. In general gemstones that are transparent (light passes through) are faceted, gemstones that are translucent (some light passes through) or opaque (no light passes through) are usually cut into cabochons. Also softer stones are usually cut into cabochons, as they scratch easier. Some gemstone materials must be cut a specific way, such as chatoyant Tigereye, or star Rubies to bring out their special effects. Fire Agates usually have a contoured surface to best bring out the rainbow fire without cutting through it.

"Gemstone" is not a scientific word, but rather a collective name for all ornamental stones. The shape of a cabochon may be symmetrical-a mirrored image on both sides. Or they can be freeform-having no defined shape. Cabochons can be standard shapes-circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles or squares. Or they can be one of the more exotic shapes-bullets, tongues, arches, etc. Cabochons can be calibrated, a term used usually for rounds or ovals that have a standard size. Often times inexpensive or more common stone materials are mass-produced into symmetrical or standard shapes or sizes, for instance the well known 30 mm by 40 mm oval cabochon. Cabochons are usually measured in millimeters. These are great for beginner jewelers, as there are many pre-made standard settings for sale. Standard cabochons are also good for mass producers of jewelry as each piece of jewelry doesn't have to be custom made to fit the cabochon. Bargain cabochons help keep production cost and sales cost down.

Custom jewelers or wire wrappers demand designer cabochons. Cabochons that are cut into designer or fancy cuts. Some designer cabochons are cut into clouds, leaves, hearts, etc. There are even fantasy cuts, or freeform sculpted cuts. Freeforms are usually done to accommodate a rare type of material, such as a drusy material. If the rough material is expensive or rare the cutter will want to preserve as much of the material as possible. Cabochons that are cut in special cuts, or cut from high grade or rare materials are usually referred to as designer cabochons. Inexpensive or bargain cabochons are usually cut from more common materials or in standard shapes. However, here at OakRocks we often reduce prices on cabochons and offer designer cabochons at a bargain price!

The word "cabochon" comes from the French word caboche meaning nail, and cabochons are named that because of their rounded shape. Most cabochons are rounded or domed on the top, but some may be level of flat. The bottom is usually flat, but may be slightly domed or may actually be concave to bring light to a stone.

Check out our bargain cabochons by clicking here!

Check out our designer cabochons by clicking here!

OakRocks has been in the rock and mineral business for 30 years. We carry a wide selection of rocks and minerals! Please begin exploring our store by entering a rock or mineral name in the search box, or browse through the categories to the left!