Cabochons are pretty much just fancy, slightly polished stones that can be worn in jewelry settings. When you think of cabochons, you probably don’t think of anything besides gemstones like rubies and emeralds, but there are actually a variety of different types of rocks that can be cut into cabochons that do not fall under the category of precious or semi-precious loose gemstones. Below, we’ll list the different types of stones that can be cut into cabochons and the best tips for cutting these materials into beautiful cabochon jewels!
Carnelian Cabochons
Carnelian is a stone that can be found in shades of red, orange, and pink. Carnelian cabochons are great for creating jewelry that can symbolize energy, vitality, and passion. It also has protective qualities. It was traditionally worn as a talisman against the plague, snake bites, and fevers by ancient Egyptians because it was believed to ward off illness due to its healing properties. Because of this, many people wear carnelian to give themselves protection from negative energies. Carnelian gemstones can be used when doing spells related to love and fertility since they have an association with Venus. In some cultures, carnelian stones are seen as gems of courage because they're said to help one face adversity or danger without fear or anxiety.
Garnet
Garnets are beautiful stones with a wide range of colors. They can be found in shades from deep purples to bright oranges, and light reds to dark browns. Garnet cabochons make a great choice for anyone looking for stones that stand out. Cabochons are typically cut into shapes such as diamonds, ovals, circles, and rectangles and often have more than one side polished. This allows the stone to catch light from all angles and shine beautifully.
Jasper
Jasper is an opaque and dense variety of silica (a silicon dioxide mineral) that often contains red or yellow inclusions. Jasper comes from many different types of rocks including metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks. Minerals in the quartz family are commonly found within jasper. It can be cut into cabochons to create jewelry like rings, bracelets, and beaded necklaces with natural striations on the surface as a design feature. Jasper has been used by humans for centuries for decorative purposes due to its durability when carved into carvings or figurines, but also because it can withstand heat when used as a building material such as roof tiles.
Lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a deep blue, semi-translucent stone that can be cut into Cabochons. It has been used for centuries as a decorative stone for jewelry and other arts. The word Lapis means stone in Latin and Lazuli means blue. Lapis is a variety of rock composed primarily of the minerals sodalite and lapis lazuli.
Moonstone
A moonstone is a form of opal that has been known to be used for centuries. Not only does moonstone have the same reflective qualities as opal, but it also shares the same variety in color. The most common colors are blue and yellow, but they can also come in green and orange. Moonstones are a great choice for cabochons because they tend to be more durable than opals and softer than quartz. It’s easy to find these stones at your local craft store or even online. There’s no need to go out hunting for moonstones since they can be found easily!
Obsidian
Obsidian is a black volcanic glass that is usually found in mountainous regions. It is often used to make tools, jewelry, and other decorative items. Obsidian Cabochons are some of the most popular types of cabochons because they are so attractive and easy to cut. Many people use obsidian for making their own cabochon rings or bracelets with this gemstone because it is hard enough to withstand every day wear but also very beautiful. These gems can be either clear or dark brown in color and are known for their shiny luster.
Onyx
Onyx is one of the most popular stones used for cabochons. The stone is actually a form of quartz that has been dyed, making it black and white. This can be an attractive option when you want to create a contrasting design where one side is dark and the other is light. Onyx cabochons are also often used in pairs to represent opposites, such as day and night, or masculine and feminine energy. These pieces are typically cut with one stone being round and the other being faceted.
Opal
Opal is a beautiful stone that can be cut into cabochons, and it has many different colors such as white opal, black opal, fire opal, crystal opal, and so on. Round cabochons are often used in jewelry because they have a nice round shape with a flat back for setting stones. Cabochons are also very popular in the lapidary arts because they make great pendants or beads.
Ruby
Ruby is one of the most popular stones to cut into cabochons. They have a rich, deep red color, and are fairly inexpensive compared to other types of stones. The best time to buy a ruby cabochon is in the springtime when they are at their lowest price. Ruby cabochons can be polished and set in jewelry with 14k gold or sterling silver settings.
Sapphire
A Cabochon is a gemstone, typically a round or oval shape with a flat back and an angled or domed face. Cabochons are often used in jewelry, with designs that allow light to refract through them and create beautiful colors. One type of cabochon is the sapphire cabochon, which can be cut from virtually any color of sapphire.
Tiger eye
Tiger eye is a type of quartz and can be found in all shades, from brown to black. It has a distinctive chatoyancy or cat's eye effect, which means that it displays light differently when viewed at different angles. This gives it an iridescent appearance similar to a cat's eye. It is used in jewelry for its unique color and pattern and is often carved into cabochons.
Turquoise
A turquoise cabochon is a type of stone that has been cut and polished into a dome shape. A turquoise cabochon can be any color, but they are typically shades of blue. The most popular types are the greenish-blue color and the deep blue color. These colors give this type of gem its name. When it comes to choosing the right size, you should use your imagination to decide what size will work best for your design.
Conclusion
So now that you know the different types of stones that can be cut into loose cabochons, it is your turn to look for the perfect stone. The right stone will really make or break this project, so be sure to take your time when picking one out. There are so many faceted or rose-cut cabochons which are so popular in jewelry making.