It is a certain cut of stone that is very popular in numerous jewelry designs, especially those that contain gemstones.

A cabochon, referred to as a "cab", can be made from just about any kind of stone, ceramic, glass, and even wood!  You can also cab fossils!  What makes a cabochon is it's shape, it is flat on one side and domed on the other!  They can come in all kinds of shapes, but the most important part is the flat side.  That is how you secure it with wire, metal, or beads!

 

 

A designer cab is cut from the best piece of the rock slab, and can be a template design, or a freeform piece!  It's the "choice cut" of stone.

 

 

There are several ways to learn about rocks and what you can do with them.  They come from everywhere, in locations that are impressive!  Do some online research and learn about the continental divides. This is the journey land masses made and formations occured that allow us to have such a spectacular hobby.  Join your local gem & mineral club, membership is very little, and knowledge will be a lot!

Click on the AFMS logo to discover clubs and activities in your area!