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.
A designer cabochon is not tumbled like many mass produced gemstones. Rare materials are often difficult to source as they are found in many different parts of the world from Africa to China and deposits often run out. There are fossils of coral, wood and bone that are highly sought after. Fine jaspers are rare and have an exquisite almost porcelain finish. Popular materials are opals, agates and quartz.
The raw material often takes millions of years to produce, is sometimes found only in one particular location and many times deposits are depleted. Sourcing the rarest items is not easy. Once the rough material has been sourced, it is cut out of the rock in slabs. The cutter chooses the best orientation for pattern, color and to avoid any obvious flaws. A custom template is usually used to stencil a shape onto the piece.
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 enjoyment of these stones comes not from facets that sparkle but from pure enjoyment of color and pattern. They offer a feast of different colors in every hue imaginable and intricate patterns. There are ancient treasures like petrified palm trees and coral fossils that are full of color and texture. Ammonites, the shells of marine creatures, are also favorites.
Such items are sought after by collectors and jewelers. Jewelers make unique jewelry by using various types of settings. Sometimes only the simplest of settings is required as these stones tend to speak for themselves. A setting is chosen to suit the type of jewelry being made as well as the shape and color of the stone.
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.
A designer cabochon is not tumbled like many mass produced gemstones. Rare materials are often difficult to source as they are found in many different parts of the world from Africa to China and deposits often run out. There are fossils of coral, wood and bone that are highly sought after. Fine jaspers are rare and have an exquisite almost porcelain finish. Popular materials are opals, agates and quartz.
The raw material often takes millions of years to produce, is sometimes found only in one particular location and many times deposits are depleted. Sourcing the rarest items is not easy. Once the rough material has been sourced, it is cut out of the rock in slabs. The cutter chooses the best orientation for pattern, color and to avoid any obvious flaws. A custom template is usually used to stencil a shape onto the piece.
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 enjoyment of these stones comes not from facets that sparkle but from pure enjoyment of color and pattern. They offer a feast of different colors in every hue imaginable and intricate patterns. There are ancient treasures like petrified palm trees and coral fossils that are full of color and texture. Ammonites, the shells of marine creatures, are also favorites.
Such items are sought after by collectors and jewelers. Jewelers make unique jewelry by using various types of settings. Sometimes only the simplest of settings is required as these stones tend to speak for themselves. A setting is chosen to suit the type of jewelry being made as well as the shape and color of the stone.
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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