Cabochons

Whether you’re new to the world of cabochons or a seasoned designer looking for inspiration, read on to explore the creative potential, history, and metaphysical meaning behind these smooth, sculpted stones.

What Are Gemstone Cabochons?

A cabochon (pronounced kab-uh-shon) is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished into a smooth, domed surface with a flat back. Unlike faceted gems, which are cut with multiple angled surfaces to reflect light, cabochons offer a more organic presentation that highlights the stone’s natural patterns, inclusions, and colours.

Cabochons can be round, oval, square, teardrop, or freeform, and are usually cut from opaque or semi-translucent stones that look their best with a glossy, curved finish. They’re commonly used in bezel settings, glued into pendant trays, or wire-wrapped to make beautiful and unique jewellery pieces.

Why Makers Love Cabochons

Gemstone cabochons are an essential part of many jewellery makers’ collections for a good reason. Here’s why they’re so popular:

Easy to work with: The flat back makes them ideal for gluing into settings, bezels, and ring bases.

Showcases natural beauty: Perfect for stones with interesting internal patterns or chatoyancy, like labradorite or tiger eye.

Great for wire-wrapping: The smooth surface and domed shape give wire a lovely curve to wrap around.

Ideal for resin work: Use cabochons as centrepieces or embed them into resin jewellery and decor projects.

Beginner-friendly: You don’t need specialised tools or skills to start working with cabochons.

Popular Stones in Cabochon Form

At Beads N Crystals, we stock a wide variety of gemstone cabochons, ranging from common favourites to more exotic finds. Some popular choices include:

• Amethyst – Known for its calming purple hues and spiritual connection
• Rose Quartz – The stone of love, gentle and soothing
• Labradorite – With a magical play of colour known as labradorescence
• Tiger Eye – Rich golden browns with a captivating chatoyant shimmer
• Turquoise – Beloved for its vibrant blue-green shades and earthy matrix
• Lapis Lazuli – Deep royal blue flecked with gold pyrite inclusions
• Unakite – A fusion of green and pink tones associated with emotional healing
• Moonstone – Mysterious and feminine, glowing with soft, ethereal light

Each cabochon is unique, with its own colour variations and patterns—no two are exactly alike.

Metaphysical Meaning of Cabochons

While the metaphysical properties vary depending on the stone, cabochons are generally believed to have a gentler, more nurturing energy than faceted stones. Their smooth surface is said to promote a calming, grounding effect, making them ideal for healing, meditation, or intention-based jewellery.

Cabochons are also frequently used in chakra jewellery and crystal healing layouts, as their flat backs allow them to rest comfortably on the body during energy work.

How to Use Cabochons in Your Projects

Need some inspiration? Here are a few fun and functional ways to use gemstone cabochons:

• Set into bezels for necklaces, rings, brooches, and earrings
• Wire-wrap larger cabochons as centrepiece pendants or statement rings
• Glue onto ring bases or earring posts for quick handmade jewellery
• Use in macramé or bead embroidery projects
• Incorporate into resin art by embedding them into moulds or trays
• Create crystal grids or intention pieces by placing cabochons on altars or around candles

You can also mix and match cabochons with crystal chips, metal charms, seed beads, and more for a completely custom creation.

Gemstone Cabochons FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between a cabochon and a faceted gemstone?
A: Cabochons have a smooth, domed surface and flat back, while faceted gems are cut with angled surfaces to reflect light.

Q: Do I need special tools to work with cabochons?
A: Not at all! Many cabochons can simply be glued into settings or wire-wrapped by hand. No advanced tools are required.

Q: Can I use cabochons with resin?
A: Absolutely. Cabochons can be embedded in resin jewellery or used as inclusions in coasters, trays, and other resin art.

Q: Are all cabochons made from real gemstones?
A: Most are, but some may be made from synthetic stones or glass. At Beads N Crystals, we label each product clearly so you know what you’re getting.

Q: How do I choose the right setting for a cabochon?
A: Simply match the size and shape. Most cabochons are sized in millimetres, and you’ll find matching bezel trays, pendant bases, and ring blanks in our findings section.

Explore the World of Cabochons

Whether you’re crafting meaningful jewellery, exploring the metaphysical world of healing stones, or just love working with natural materials, gemstone cabochons offer beauty, variety, and endless possibilities. Their smooth shape makes them ideal for creative expression—and they’re as rewarding to use as they are to wear.

Browse our full range of gemstone cabochons at Beads N Crystals and find the perfect stone to anchor your next creative adventure.