What Is A Cabochon? Everything You Need To Know

Discover what is a cabochon and get several ideas for how to use these gemstones and other materials to make beautiful DIY jewelry.

Have you ever wondered, what is a cabochon? Discover what is a cabochon stone and get several ideas for how to use these gemstones and other materials to make DIY jewelry e.g. pendants for necklaces and rings. #jewelrymaking #beading #tbcl

If you’ve heard the word “cabochon” before, I bet several questions came to mind afterward.

First of all, what is a cabochon? How do you even pronounce the word properly? And, how do you use cabochons for jewelry making?

Below, you’ll find all the answers to these common questions and more. Here’s everything you need to know about cabochons.

What Is A Cabochon and How To Use It For Jewelry Making

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, there’s absolutely no extra cost to you. Read my full Disclosure Policy here.

Cabochon Definition

Historically, a cabochon — also referred to as a cab — is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished instead of faceted. These stones typically have a flat side and one domed side.

Nowadays, cabochons are made of more than just gemstones. You can find ceramic, porcelain and even wooden ones.

learn peyote stitch

Peyote Stitch Bracelet Pattern for beginners

Master basic Peyote Stitch with this FREE beginner bracelet pattern complete with detailed instructions, full materials list and a bonus video so you can see every step.

get my free pattern now

The cabochon shape varies and is available in all sorts of geometric and asymmetrical cuts. One of the rarest, and therefore most desirable, is the sugarloaf cabochon. It looks like a pyramid — having four sides, a flat base and a rounded tip.

The shape of the cab doesn’t matter, though. What’s most important, is the flat side which allows for you to attach it to jewelry.

Cabochon Pronunciation

Before, I go any further, let’s address the elephant in the room. How do you pronounce the word “cabochon”?

It has French origins and the way it’s pronounced goes like this: Ka-bow-shawn. If you’re still struggling, just call it cab for short. 😂

How To Make A Cabochon

Cabochons are usually cut from a gemstone slice or other materials using a calibrated stencil template or in freeform shapes. They are then ground into shape using grinding disks or belts coated with silicone carbide or diamond dust.

Here’s a tutorial for cabbing, the process of making cabs.

Cabochon pendant - Glue a cabochon stone to a pendant tray.

Cabochons for Jewelry Making

Cabochons make beautiful focal points for jewelry. They’re typically used to make pendants and rings.

These stones don’t usually have holes, though. So, how do you incorporate them into your handmade jewelry?

Well, you can use a variety of techniques from making a beaded bezel to bead embroidery to wire working. Each of these methods encapsulate the stone.

If you want a more minimal look, simply glue the cab to a pendant tray or a glue-on pendant bail using a strong glue e.g. E6000.

The method you use to attach a cabochon to your jewelry all depends on the look you’re going for. The shape will also influence your decision. Pendant trays are suitable for stones with a uniform shape.