Round Cabochons

Two-part epoxy adhesives, such as E6000 or G-S Hypo Jeweller's Cement, are ideal for setting cabochons, especially for non-traditional or DIY jewellery projects. These adhesives bond well to both metal and gemstone surfaces, providing a durable and clear finish. For the best results, ensure that both surfaces are clean and dry before applying the glue.

The rarity of a cabochon depends on the type of gemstone it is made from. Common stones like agate or quartz cabochons are widely available, while cabochons crafted from rare or high-quality stones, such as opal, jade, or Alexandrite, can be highly valuable and less commonly found.

Tube setting a cabochon is uncommon but possible with modifications to accommodate the stone's flat back and domed shape. This requires custom-fitting the tube dimensions to ensure the cabochon sits securely and is properly aligned.

A high-quality cabochon features a well-proportioned and symmetrical shape, a smooth and even polish, and vibrant patterns or colors that highlight the unique characteristics of the stone. The base of the cabochon should be flat and uniform, allowing it to fit securely into a setting.

Cabochons are most commonly set into bezel settings, where a thin metal rim holds the stone securely. They can also be placed into pendant trays, ring bases, or earring findings, depending on the design. Additionally, cabochons can be used in wire-wrapped jewellery or incorporated into inlay designs for creative applications.

Tube settings are small cylindrical settings designed primarily for faceted stones, where the gem is held securely by pressing the metal over its edges. Bezel settings, on the other hand, completely encircle the stone's edge with a metal band, making them ideal for cabochons, as they provide excellent security and work well with their flat backs and domed tops.

Cabochons are not typically flush set because their domed shape prevents them from sitting level with the surrounding metal. Flush settings are better suited for faceted stones with flat tables and girdles. Instead, cabochons are best set using bezel or prong settings that accommodate their unique shape.

A gemstone refers to any precious or semi-precious stone used in jewellery, while a cabochon describes a specific cut of gemstone with a smooth, domed surface and flat back. Gemstones can be cut into various shapes and styles, including faceted cuts, which maximize brilliance, or cabochons, which highlight the stone's natural patterns, inclusions, or color.

Quartz is one of the most commonly used gemstones in jewellery due to its abundance, variety of colors, and affordability. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are also widely used for fine jewellery, prized for their beauty, durability, and rarity.

The value of a cabochon depends on the gemstone it is made from, its quality, and its size. While common cabochons like agate or jasper are affordable, high-quality cabochons made from rare stones such as fine opals, turquoise, or jade can be highly valuable, particularly if the stone displays vibrant colors or unique patterns.

The top four gemstones, often referred to as the "Big Four," are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. These stones are prized for their exceptional beauty, rarity, and durability, making them staples in fine jewellery.

Cabochons can be attached using bezel settings, glue-in settings, or prongs. For bezel settings, a thin metal strip is wrapped around the stone's edge and pressed down to hold it securely. Alternatively, strong adhesives like E6000 or G-S Hypo Jeweller's Cement can be used to attach cabochons to metal bases for simpler or DIY projects.

Cabochon stones are ideal for showcasing the natural beauty, patterns, or inclusions of gemstones. They are commonly used in jewellery making for rings, pendants, earrings, and brooches, offering a smooth, polished surface that is both timeless and elegant.

Cabochons can be purchased from jewellery supply stores, gemstone dealers, or online marketplaces specializing in jewellery-making materials. Look for trusted vendors that provide high-quality, ethically sourced stones, such as Ore Metals, for a wide selection of options.

Gemstones are cut using specialized tools to shape, facet, or polish the stone. For cabochons, the process involves grinding the gemstone into a domed shape, smoothing the edges, and polishing the surface to a high gloss. Faceted gemstones require precision cutting to create multiple flat surfaces that maximize light reflection.

Cabochons are polished using progressively finer abrasives, often on a lapidary wheel. The process starts with coarse grit to shape the stone and ends with ultra-fine grit or a polishing compound to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. A steady hand and attention to detail are key to creating a flawless polish.

Gemstones are formed through geological processes, including cooling magma, high-pressure metamorphism, and precipitation from mineral-rich water. Over millions of years, these processes create the crystalline structures that give gemstones their unique colours and properties.

Common purple gemstones include amethyst, fluorite, charoite, and sugilite. These stones vary in tone and intensity, with amethyst being the most popular due to its vibrant violet hue and wide availability.

Gemstones can be identified by examining their colour, clarity, hardness, refractive index, and specific gravity. Tools like a jeweller's loupe, refractometer, and Mohs hardness scale are commonly used to determine a gemstone’s type and authenticity.

Cabochons are used as focal points in jewellery pieces like rings, pendants, earrings, and brooches. They are typically set in bezel settings, glued into metal bases, or wire-wrapped for more decorative designs. Cabochons are also popular in inlay work and artistic jewellery projects.

Popular yellow gemstones include citrine, yellow sapphire, amber, yellow topaz, and yellow diamonds. Each stone varies in shade and clarity, offering options for both fine and casual jewellery.

Common green gemstones include emerald, jade, peridot, green tourmaline, and green garnet. These stones range from soft mint tones to vibrant, deep greens, making them highly sought after in jewellery.

Popular pink gemstones include rose quartz, pink tourmaline, morganite, and pink sapphire. Their soft, romantic hues make them a favorite for feminine and elegant jewellery designs.

Australia is renowned for its opals, including black opals and boulder opals, as well as sapphires, pink diamonds from the Argyle mine, and chrysoprase. These stones are globally recognized for their quality and beauty.

There are over 200 different types of gemstones, ranging from precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires to semi-precious stones like quartz, jasper, and turquoise. Each type has unique characteristics, including color, clarity, and hardness.

Common red gemstones include ruby, red garnet, spinel, and red jasper. Rubies are the most famous, prized for their rich, vibrant color and exceptional durability.

Black gemstones include black onyx, obsidian, black tourmaline, and black spinel. These stones are often used in jewellery for their bold, dramatic appearance.

Popular blue gemstones include sapphire, blue topaz, aquamarine, and lapis lazuli. These stones range from deep, royal blues to soft, pastel shades, offering a variety of options for jewellery making.

Many gemstones are crystals, as they have a crystalline structure formed through geological processes. Examples include quartz, amethyst, and sapphire. However, some gemstones, like amber or opal, lack a crystalline structure and are classified as amorphous.

Some gemstones, like jasper and agate, are classified as rocks because they are composed of multiple minerals. Others, such as diamond or sapphire, are pure minerals and not considered rocks.

Gemstones are cut using specialized lapidary tools that grind, shape, and polish the stone. Faceting creates multiple flat surfaces to enhance brilliance, while cabochon cutting focuses on smooth, domed shapes to highlight patterns and colours.

Brown gemstones include smoky quartz, tiger’s eye, brown zircon, and brown jasper. These stones are valued for their warm, earthy tones and versatility in jewellery designs.

Cabochons can be sourced from jewellery supply stores like Ore Metals. Choose reputable vendors to ensure high-quality, ethically sourced gemstones.

Drilling cabochons requires a diamond-tipped drill bit and steady hands. Use water to cool the stone and prevent cracking. Mark the drilling point, start at a low speed, and gradually increase pressure to achieve a clean hole without damaging the cabochon.