What is a cabochon? Cabochon Cut is a method or style of cutting a gemstone. This type of cut is unique because it is not a faceted cut.
Gemstones are cut into rounded convex surfaces without any facets. Mostly, the back of the gems cut in this style are flat. It does not have many angled surfaces and goes only under polishing and shaping. It is one of the cuts which sets the gem apart from conventional faceted cuts.
Mostly, cabochon shapes are freeform-like oval, and are used on opaque or translucent gemstones because it favors them best.
The word Cabochon has been originated from the French Word Caboche, which means the Head. It means this cut represents the gemstone’s round and smooth head which appearance like a dome and is devoid of any facets.
There are a few types of cabochon cuts, an array of shapes and styles such as the Cushion and Oval. Some of these are more famous and popular choices than others, because of their ability to enhance the gemstone’s beauty. So, here we have come with a list of 5 major cabochon shapes that you can go for.
5 Most Popular Cabochon Cuts
The five topmost cuts of Cabochon are - Cushion, Oval, Kari & Pear, and Octagons. Let’s discuss the attributes of each of them only by one.
Cushion Cabochon Cut
As the name suggests, this shape is like a cushion or a sofa pillow, square in shape with rounded corners. Think of a pillow and then a sparkling gemstone made in that shape, and voila, you get a cushion cabochon cut there. Also known as the Antique cut sometimes, this is an elegant and classic style with curved corners and a square shape but with a flat base and round top. It does not have any facets or flat surfaces on top. With a smooth round top, it is one of the most celebrated shapes and has been known for more than 200 years.
Oval Cabochon Cut:
Refined oval shape with a round dome-like top and flat surface - the oval form gives it an elongated look. It's polished like a pebble and oval like an egg, and having no facets, it looks more graceful than shiny. With no edges or any corners, the shape looks visually stunning. The silhouette is long which is why it looks best when mounted in pieces to make
earrings or
pendants. The oval cut adds sophistication and the sleek look enhances the color and the charm.
Kari Cabochon Cut:
The Kari Cabochon cut is the most exclusive and exquisite cut in all these types known for its uniqueness. It is named after Kari Chappell who developed this cut. This cut is mostly used for intricate work. The shape is like a teardrop with a slight tilt. From the bottom it is round and from another end, it is pointed. The resemblance to the teardrop also compliments the shine and starry surface that comes out because of this cut. It is most used to create necklaces and earrings of mostly precious gemstones.
Pear Cabochon:
The pear cut as the name suggests takes the shape of a pear. It also resembles a droplet. It is round, seamless, and smooth and looks brilliant like a pear. Without any facets, the smooth surface gives a glossy look and specially brings out the beauty of stones like Opal, Moonstone, and varieties of quartz. It has a convex surface which creates a soft and reflective appearance, highlighting the natural colors of the gemstone.
The pointed tip and elongated round bottom make it a popular choice for making beautiful accessories.
Octagons cabochon cut:
This cut is the mix form of an octagon shape and cabochon cut. With straight sides and angled corners, the shape is cut into an octagon (the one with eight sides). But instead of a straight facet, the sides are domed-like, rounded, and polished. It sharpens the characteristics of the gem. Gemstones like onyx, tourmaline, and jade are mostly seen in this cut.
It is one of the most tough yet popular cabochon cut which is mostly used to make rings or decorative items.
Which Cabochon Cut Is Best Suited for Your Jewelry Piece?
The Cabochon cut is mostly used to remove or obscure any scratches on the gem. This enhances the look of the gem, making it look better in clarity and color as well. Mostly, this cut is recommended for gems with a hardness of less than 7. It is also less expensive than the faceted cut.
But which type of cabochon cut you should go for? It is essential to choose the right cabochon cut four jewelry pieces based on its design and the gem to increase the look and make it more beautiful and attractive.
While selecting the ideal or suitable cut of cabochon, there are a few characteristics that you should consider. Every gemstone is unique and have its unique characteristics, so the first thing you should keep in mind is the optical properties of the gem. The Opal or moonstones are gems with waxy or opalescent luster and hence the Pear cabochon cut will best elevate their allure by promoting their play of color.
You should also keep in mind the size of the gemstone you want in a particular shape like the oval cabochon cut, which looks great when they are larger in size. The size of your
jewelry piece, the design, and the gem, all complement each other to create a perfect piece.
It is best to take advice from an expert gemologist to ensure that a particular cut will not damage your gemstone and will go well with the design you have in mind.
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