A cabochon is a highly polished and shaped gemstone without facets. An opaque stone like an opal is suited to this treatment, unlike a transparent stone such as a diamond which requires faceting for sparkle. Translucent stones are also often treated in this way. While the top is convex, the bottom is flat to allow for setting. There are designer cabochons for sale at a number of stores, particularly those found online.
A designer cabochon is not tumbled like many mass produced gemstones. Rare materials are often difficult to source as they are found in many different parts of the world from Africa to China and deposits often run out. There are fossils of coral, wood and bone that are highly sought after. Fine jaspers are rare and have an exquisite almost porcelain finish. Popular materials are opals, agates and quartz.
The raw material often takes millions of years to produce, is sometimes found only in one particular location and many times deposits are depleted. Sourcing the rarest items is not easy. Once the rough material has been sourced, it is cut out of the rock in slabs. The cutter chooses the best orientation for pattern, color and to avoid any obvious flaws. A custom template is usually used to stencil a shape onto the piece.
All materials have a different hardness and require different cutting techniques. Several grinding and sanding process are used. A saw is used to trim the rock and a diamond wheel is usually used for grinding. Once the material is trimmed right up the the line of the template, it is stuck with wax onto a stick called a dop stick in order to complete the shape and apply polish.
The oval is the shape used most commonly. It is attractive and easier to create than some other shapes as well as not showing asymmetries as clearly as a circle. However, many other shapes are also chosen to display the color and pattern of a particular stone. Some companies allow customers to request customized shapes.
These stones do not give off flashes of light the way a faceted stone will. They are created for the pure enjoyment of colors and patterns. Chinese writing stone is a strong white against a dark black background. Natural drusies come in many different colors from an apricot to a pale yellow. Its surface can also be treated with a coating creating a stunning metallic blue.
Many of these stones are sought after by jewelers who set them in different ways. A super simple setting can set off a spectacular stone that speaks volumes. More intricate settings may have fancy scroll work or designs. The setting chosen depends on the type of jewelry being made as well as the size and shape of stone.
A number of online stores have unique designer cabochons for sale and this offers an easy way to compare products and prices. Prices vary according to weight, clarity and color. Some companies even offer customization of shape, size or material. Many companies offer free shipping.
A designer cabochon is not tumbled like many mass produced gemstones. Rare materials are often difficult to source as they are found in many different parts of the world from Africa to China and deposits often run out. There are fossils of coral, wood and bone that are highly sought after. Fine jaspers are rare and have an exquisite almost porcelain finish. Popular materials are opals, agates and quartz.
The raw material often takes millions of years to produce, is sometimes found only in one particular location and many times deposits are depleted. Sourcing the rarest items is not easy. Once the rough material has been sourced, it is cut out of the rock in slabs. The cutter chooses the best orientation for pattern, color and to avoid any obvious flaws. A custom template is usually used to stencil a shape onto the piece.
All materials have a different hardness and require different cutting techniques. Several grinding and sanding process are used. A saw is used to trim the rock and a diamond wheel is usually used for grinding. Once the material is trimmed right up the the line of the template, it is stuck with wax onto a stick called a dop stick in order to complete the shape and apply polish.
The oval is the shape used most commonly. It is attractive and easier to create than some other shapes as well as not showing asymmetries as clearly as a circle. However, many other shapes are also chosen to display the color and pattern of a particular stone. Some companies allow customers to request customized shapes.
These stones do not give off flashes of light the way a faceted stone will. They are created for the pure enjoyment of colors and patterns. Chinese writing stone is a strong white against a dark black background. Natural drusies come in many different colors from an apricot to a pale yellow. Its surface can also be treated with a coating creating a stunning metallic blue.
Many of these stones are sought after by jewelers who set them in different ways. A super simple setting can set off a spectacular stone that speaks volumes. More intricate settings may have fancy scroll work or designs. The setting chosen depends on the type of jewelry being made as well as the size and shape of stone.
A number of online stores have unique designer cabochons for sale and this offers an easy way to compare products and prices. Prices vary according to weight, clarity and color. Some companies even offer customization of shape, size or material. Many companies offer free shipping.
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When you check out designer cabochons for sale take a look at Designs by Shirl at www.designsbyshirl.com. To see our wire wrapped pendants and handmade jewelry, visit us on the Web today at http://www.designsbyshirl.com.
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