Jasper Cabs Index

Imperial Jasper - Index to Imperial Jasper Imperial Jasper - Various cabs Mookite Jasper - Index to Mookite Jasper Mookite Jasper - Various cabs Ocean Jasper - Index to Ocean Jasper Ocean Jasper - Various cabs Ocean Jasper Hearts - Various cabs Ocean Jasper2 - Various cabs Poppy Jasper - Index to Poppy Jasper Poppy Jasper - Various cabs

Welcome to my gemstone cabochon (cabs) pages. I have a large selection of high quality cabs of all types, some I have cut and some I have acquired in my travels over the years.

There are some terms that I will use to describe how the stone was cut, please read the definitions below. If you have any questions just ask...

Native Cut - This means that the stone(s) being described were cut in the country that they were mined (found) in. Some "native cutting" is really quite good, but in general this type of cutting is not top quality (even though the rough/stone often is). The shapes are a little off or the cabs do not have the high degree of detail finishing that is normal for most "custom cutting".

Custom Cut - This means that the stone(s) being described were cut with a high degree of attention to polish and detail. These stones are cut in places like the United States (usually), Germany, or some other western country (but not always). Often the shapes and quality of the stones are considerably better, of course they are usually more expensive.

Old Style Cut - This means that the stone(s) being described were cut to maximize the weight return, mostly free form in shape and usually finished well but not always. This term is used a lot when talking about Turquoise that was cut in the "Turquoise boom" that occurred in the 60's and early 70's...

Treatments

I generally do not deal in stones that have been "treated" in any way with the exception of "stabilized materials". But I will include any known treatments in the stone descriptions... terms for describing treatments of cabs and rough vary, so do peoples reactions to them.

Stabilized - When I use this term I mean that the material in question has been literally "stabilize" to enhance it's hardness and durability only (it also helps keep the original color from changing with age and wear). There has been NO COLOR enhancement with dyes or any other coloring agent. There are several processes that can be used, anything from a resin called "Opticon" to the "Zachary Method" that uses potassium and leaves almost no trace of being done. Turquoise, Chrysocolla, and a few other softer stones are the normal candidates for these processes.

I personally feel that there is nothing wrong with a stone being "stabilized", as long as it is represented that way. In some cases I think, depending on how the stone is going to be used, a "stabilized" stone is a better choice...

Backing - When a stone is "backed" it has been coated on one side with an epoxy or liquid steel type of compound. This is done to help support softer stones (especially Turquoise) during cutting and make them wear better and longer in jewelry settings. Some collectors do not like the backing (because it is not natural and also it can cost some money when buying expensive stones), but for jewelry applications, I recommend it. Backing is a very common and widely used practice in cuting Turquoise, and frankly that is the way a lot of the older cabs were done...

You will notice that I have left some pictures of cabs I have sold on the pages (usually at the bottom). The reason for this is that many people have told me that they enjoy viewing the photographs, and for a lot of people not familiar with a particular type of material or mine it is the only way they can actually see these rare and hard to find stones.

Enjoy looking and if you have any questions please ask...

Cabs Index

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

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