cabochon

A cabochon is a polished, smoothly rounded gemstone with a flat or slightly domed bottom, rather than a faceted one with multiple flat surfaces. Often used in jewelry, cabochons highlight the stone's color and patterns, especially in opaque or non-transparent gems like opal, turquoise, or moonstone. The shaping process involves careful grinding and polishing to create a glossy, cabochon-shaped surface that brings out the stone's natural beauty. This technique emphasizes unique qualities and is valued for producing elegant, understated jewelry pieces.