What is a cabochon gemstone?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A cabochon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished into a smooth, convex dome rather than cut with facets. It typically has a flat or very slightly curved base and a rounded, polished top, and the shape is usually oval, though round, square and freeform cabochons are also made. The style suits stones that show optical phenomena like asterism in star sapphires, chatoyancy in cat's eye gems, and the adularescence in moonstone, because a dome allows these effects to appear at the surface. Opaque and translucent stones like opal, turquoise and garnet are also commonly cut as cabochons.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a cabochon and a faceted stone?
- A faceted stone has flat polished surfaces cut at specific angles to maximise light return and sparkle. A cabochon has a smooth rounded surface with no flat facets, which gives it a gentler, more luminous quality. Cabochons suit stones where the colour, pattern or optical effect matters more than brilliance.
- What gemstones are commonly cut as cabochons?
- Opal, moonstone, turquoise, jade, star sapphire, star ruby, cat's eye chrysoberyl, labradorite, malachite and many agates are regularly cut as cabochons. Any stone with an optical phenomenon, an attractive pattern or an opaque body colour that would not be improved by faceting works well as a cabochon.
- Are cabochons less valuable than faceted stones?
- Value depends on the stone rather than the cut. For many gems like opal and moonstone, a well-cut cabochon showing strong optical effects is worth far more than a faceted version. For diamonds, faceting is standard and cabochon cuts are very unusual.
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