Cabochon
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CABOCHON
A cabochon is a polished stone that has been given a rounded form.
Its name (from the Old French Caboche, itself from the Latin Caput, both meaning “head”) is inspired by its resemblance to the top of the skull.
Precious stones are always polished by hand and with a wheel.
The shape and polished finish of the cabochon produce fascinating shimmers of light and chatoyancy, in particular with deep-colored stones.
The cabochon has been one of the characteristic features of Cartier watches and writing instruments since the late nineteenth century: rounded polished stones decorate the winding crown of watches as well as the tip of fountain pens, propelling pencils and pens.
These cabochons can be fashioned from sapphires, rubies, emeralds or even coral and onyx. Cabochons can also be used in parures.
