A cabochon is made by shaping and polishing a stone instead of faceting it. Opaque and translucent stones are better suited to this type of treatment than transparent ones. Diamonds, for example, need facets to create their sparkle. The top of a cabochon is convex and the bottom is left flat for setting. It is possible to find unique, hand-cut designer cabochons for sale.
These are not mass produced, tumbled stones but consist of rare materials sourced worldwide and cut using diamond abrasives. Specimens come from various countries including Africa, Brazil, the United States and Eastern Europe, to name a few. Fossils of petrified wood, coral and amazing gold pyrite ammonites are sought after. Fine jasper with an almost antique porcelain finish offers the best of the Cabochon world. Opals are popular as they take on a glassy polish. Agates, amber, quartz, turquoise and obsidian are just some of the other materials used.
The first step is for the slab of rock to be cut into slices. A thicker slice is better for a large cabochon and a thinner slice for a smaller one. If the material has a pattern, then an orientation with the most eye appeal is selected. The next step is to mark out the preferred shape and size and templates are normally used for this.
Specialized tools like diamond grinding wheels are used. A trim saw is used to roughly cut out the general shape of the cabochon from the slab. The remainder of the excess material is then ground off. At this point in the process, many people will attach the stone with wax to what is known as a dop stick, which is basically a piece of dowel. This is important with smaller pieces to save fingers from abuse. Final shaping and polishing is then done to produce the finished product.
The oval is the shape used most commonly. It is attractive and easier to create than some other shapes as well as not showing asymmetries as clearly as a circle. However, many other shapes are also chosen to display the color and pattern of a particular stone. Some companies allow customers to request customized shapes.
The subtle hues of every color under the sun as well as intricate patterns are the biggest attraction of these stones. Agates, for example, have unique colors and patterns according to where they are found. Crazy Lace Agate and Moss Agate are just two of these. Petrified fossils of coral, wood and others are desired for their beautiful patterns.
These items are supplied to collectors, jewelers, lapidarists and hobbyists. Jewelers set these stones into different settings to make beautiful jewelry. Settings are chosen according to the item being made and to flatter the shape and color of the individual stone. Some stones need no more than a simple setting as they make such a statement.
A number of online stores have unique designer cabochons for sale and this offers an easy way to compare products and prices. Prices vary according to weight, clarity and color. Some companies even offer customization of shape, size or material. Many companies offer free shipping.
These are not mass produced, tumbled stones but consist of rare materials sourced worldwide and cut using diamond abrasives. Specimens come from various countries including Africa, Brazil, the United States and Eastern Europe, to name a few. Fossils of petrified wood, coral and amazing gold pyrite ammonites are sought after. Fine jasper with an almost antique porcelain finish offers the best of the Cabochon world. Opals are popular as they take on a glassy polish. Agates, amber, quartz, turquoise and obsidian are just some of the other materials used.
The first step is for the slab of rock to be cut into slices. A thicker slice is better for a large cabochon and a thinner slice for a smaller one. If the material has a pattern, then an orientation with the most eye appeal is selected. The next step is to mark out the preferred shape and size and templates are normally used for this.
Specialized tools like diamond grinding wheels are used. A trim saw is used to roughly cut out the general shape of the cabochon from the slab. The remainder of the excess material is then ground off. At this point in the process, many people will attach the stone with wax to what is known as a dop stick, which is basically a piece of dowel. This is important with smaller pieces to save fingers from abuse. Final shaping and polishing is then done to produce the finished product.
The oval is the shape used most commonly. It is attractive and easier to create than some other shapes as well as not showing asymmetries as clearly as a circle. However, many other shapes are also chosen to display the color and pattern of a particular stone. Some companies allow customers to request customized shapes.
The subtle hues of every color under the sun as well as intricate patterns are the biggest attraction of these stones. Agates, for example, have unique colors and patterns according to where they are found. Crazy Lace Agate and Moss Agate are just two of these. Petrified fossils of coral, wood and others are desired for their beautiful patterns.
These items are supplied to collectors, jewelers, lapidarists and hobbyists. Jewelers set these stones into different settings to make beautiful jewelry. Settings are chosen according to the item being made and to flatter the shape and color of the individual stone. Some stones need no more than a simple setting as they make such a statement.
A number of online stores have unique designer cabochons for sale and this offers an easy way to compare products and prices. Prices vary according to weight, clarity and color. Some companies even offer customization of shape, size or material. Many companies offer free shipping.
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