Cabochon Vs Faceted

A Cabochon (or cutting en cabochon – French: “in the manner of a cabochon”) is a type of cut used on gemstones where by the stone is shaped and polished into a smooth, generally convex shape with a flat base. Cabochons or Cabs are generally circular or oval but may be cut into different shapes.

Cabochon Polishing at our Gem Cutting Center

Cabs are usually used on softer species, such as Opal or Moonstone (Mohs Scale of Hardness), opaque gems or gems of a lower grade. Gem cutting is a fine art and is done to enhance the gems natural qualities and transform it into a piece that best displays these attributes. Cabochons often act like a window, allowing one to see the gems natural details inside and display other visual effects such as play of color in Opals, cat’s eye and asterism (star). Cabochons are more likely to have natural inclusions and markings.

Faceted Tourmalines 

Faceted stones are available in many forms, the four most common being Brilliant Cut, Step Cut, Drop Cut and Mixed Cut. Different shapes are cut using these different forms.

It was only until the 15th Century that faceting gemstones was possible, as the abrasive properties of Diamonds was discovered and used.  Master Cutters use Diamond powder on cutting machines and proper knowledge of the crystals structure to ensure top cutting. This is done at a sacrifice, as often up to 30% of the stone is lost, however the value of the gem is greatly improved as a result.

  

At The Rare Gemstone Company we have been cutting colored gemstones since we started in 1974. Our first Master Cutter was taught by a German Master Cutter and since then we have been teaching and training up new cutters in this fascinating ancient art.