A cabochon is made by shaping and polishing a stone instead of faceting it. Opaque and translucent stones are better suited to this type of treatment than transparent ones. Diamonds, for example, need facets to create their sparkle. The top of a cabochon is convex and the bottom is left flat for setting. It is possible to find unique, hand-cut designer cabochons for sale.
These are not mass produced, tumbled stones but consist of rare materials sourced worldwide and cut using diamond abrasives. Specimens come from various countries including Africa, Brazil, the United States and Eastern Europe, to name a few. Fossils of petrified wood, coral and amazing gold pyrite ammonites are sought after. Fine jasper with an almost antique porcelain finish offers the best of the Cabochon world. Opals are popular as they take on a glassy polish. Agates, amber, quartz, turquoise and obsidian are just some of the other materials used.
The first step is for the slab of rock to be cut into slices. A thicker slice is better for a large cabochon and a thinner slice for a smaller one. If the material has a pattern, then an orientation with the most eye appeal is selected. The next step is to mark out the preferred shape and size and templates are normally used for this.
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.
These items are supplied to collectors, jewelers, lapidarists and hobbyists. Jewelers set these stones into different settings to make beautiful jewelry. Settings are chosen according to the item being made and to flatter the shape and color of the individual stone. Some stones need no more than a simple setting as they make such a statement.
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.
These are not mass produced, tumbled stones but consist of rare materials sourced worldwide and cut using diamond abrasives. Specimens come from various countries including Africa, Brazil, the United States and Eastern Europe, to name a few. Fossils of petrified wood, coral and amazing gold pyrite ammonites are sought after. Fine jasper with an almost antique porcelain finish offers the best of the Cabochon world. Opals are popular as they take on a glassy polish. Agates, amber, quartz, turquoise and obsidian are just some of the other materials used.
The first step is for the slab of rock to be cut into slices. A thicker slice is better for a large cabochon and a thinner slice for a smaller one. If the material has a pattern, then an orientation with the most eye appeal is selected. The next step is to mark out the preferred shape and size and templates are normally used for this.
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.
These items are supplied to collectors, jewelers, lapidarists and hobbyists. Jewelers set these stones into different settings to make beautiful jewelry. Settings are chosen according to the item being made and to flatter the shape and color of the individual stone. Some stones need no more than a simple setting as they make such a statement.
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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