CABOCHON GEMS

 Cabochon gemstones have been shaped and polished into a smooth, rounded, and convex form, without facets. Unlike faceted gemstones, which have flat, angled surfaces to create facets that reflect light, cabochons have a smooth, curved surface. The term "cabochon" is derived from the Middle French word "caboche," meaning head, which could be related to the rounded shape of these gems.
Cabochons can come in various shapes, with the most common being oval, round, pear, and cushion. However, they can also be cut into more unique shapes, depending on the natural characteristics of the gemstone.
Faceted gemstones, which rely on the play of light through multiple angled surfaces, cabochons showcase the intrinsic qualities of the gemstone without the brilliance created by facets.
Cabochons often highlight the color and patterns within a gemstone, such as chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) or asterism (star effect). This makes them popular for displaying phenomena that might be less noticeable in faceted stones.