Question 1

What is a cabochon and how is it different from a bead or faceted gem?

Accepted Answer

A cabochon is a stone, glass, or resin piece with a smooth domed top and a flat (or slightly curved) back, with no cut facets. Unlike beads, it has no drilled hole, so it's set in a bezel or wire-wrapped rather than strung. Unlike faceted gems, it shows pattern and color through a polished dome — ideal for opaque stones like turquoise, agate, and jasper.

Question 2

How do I match a cabochon to my bezel setting?

Accepted Answer

Match the millimeter size exactly. Calibrated cabs are cut to standard dimensions — 8x10mm, 13x18mm, 18x25mm, 30x40mm ovals, or 6-25mm rounds — so they seat in commercial bezel cups. Freeform or hand-cut cabs need a custom bezel you form yourself. Check the listing for both length-by-width and the dome height, since a tall dome may not clear a shallow cup.

Question 3

How much do cabochons cost?

Accepted Answer

Common agate, glass, and dyed-stone cabs run about $4-$15 each. Labradorite, druzy, moonstone, and quality jasper fall around $15-$45. Opal doublets, larger druzy, and hand-cut designer cabs can reach $60 or more. Buying in graduated lots or matched pairs (for earrings) often lowers the per-piece price, and freeform artisan cuts cost more than calibrated machine-cut stones.

Question 4

Are natural-stone cabochons all identical?

Accepted Answer

No. Natural cabs like agate, labradorite, ocean jasper, and druzy vary in banding, flash, and color from piece to piece, so the photo should show the exact stone you'll receive. Ask the seller to confirm whether the image is the actual item or a representative sample, especially for matched pairs. Glass and resin cabs are far more consistent if you need repeatable results.

Question 5

What can I make with cabochons?

Accepted Answer

Cabochons go into bezel-set rings and pendants, wire-wrapped necklaces, brooches, hairpins, and glue-on stud earrings. Flat-back cabs also work in resin art, mosaics, and embellishing covers or boxes. Larger statement cabs (25mm+) suit pendants and ring focals; small rounds (6-10mm) fit earrings and accent settings. Druzy and labradorite are popular for one-of-a-kind boho and crystal-style jewelry.

Question 6

How long do cabochon orders take to ship?

Accepted Answer

Loose, in-stock cabochons typically ship in 3-7 business days from most makers. Hand-cut, custom-shape, or matched-pair requests usually run 1-3 weeks since the maker cuts and polishes to order. If you need a gift or deadline piece, message the seller before buying and confirm both cutting time and transit for your location.

Cabochons for Jewelry Making & Bezels

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