What is a cabochon (cab)?

The term cabs is used generically to describe a gemstone that has been cut in a smooth domed shape. Cabbed gemstones are usually opaque, but can be transparent also, depending on the stone.

Webster's describes a cabochon as any precious stone cut in a convex shape, but not faceted. The stone can be about any shape, the main thing that all cabochons (cabs) have in common besides the style of cutting, is that they are all cut with a shoulder or edge (about 45 degrees) around the stone so that they can be set in jewelry.

Below are some examples of both a cabbed stone and a faceted stone. The differences are easy to see.

#8 Spider Web Turquoise (above). Notice that it is smooth and has a dome shape, the sides are angled so that it can be set in a bezel (metal band that goes around the cab and attaches it to a piece of jewelry) for a piece of jewelry.

Faceted stones are usually transparent, but not always.

Notice all of the flat geometric facets that have been cut on the top (crown), bottom (pavilion), and the edge in the middle (girdle, between the crown and pavilion).

Faceted stones are mounted using the girdle, in case you were wondering. If you would like to see more faceted stones or learn more about them visit my other website www.faceters.com

Just Ask Jeff Index

E-mail to inquire or order: jeff @ faceters.com or jeff @ cabbers.com