The cut of a gemstone brings out its true beauty. Some gemstones are made for faceting, for strategically placed cuts and angles that bring out the true sparkle in each stone. But some gems have depth, inclusions, and special features that are best seen through a smooth surface. Those gems get the cabochon cut.
Cabochon comes from the French word Caboche, which means dome, an appropriate name for the smooth dome-shape on the top of the stone. The bottom of a cabochon is usually flat so it fits perfectly in the setting.
Here are some examples of cabochon cut gems:
Opal:
Salt and Pepper Diamond:
Turquoise:
Labradorite:
Moonstone:
Onyx:
Rose Quartz:
Jade:
Tiger Eye:
