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cabochon cut
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Cabochon cut
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Cabochon cut
Cabochon cut A display of moonstones cut en cabochon in a jeweler's window, Bath, Eng.

cabochon cut

Also known as: en cabochon
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History

cabochon cut, method of cutting gemstones with a convex, rounded surface that is polished but unfaceted. Opaque, asteriated, iridescent, opalescent, or chatoyant stones are usually cut en cabochon. The back of a normal cabochon-cut stone is flat, but it may be hollowed to lighten the colour. Garnet, jasper, bloodstone, moonstone, cat’s-eye, and star ruby and sapphire are among the gemstones usually finished in this manner.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.