Cabochons
A cabochon is a gemstone which has been shaped and polished as opposed to faceted. The resulting form is usually a convex top with a flat bottom. Cutting en cabochon is usually applied to opaque gems, while facetting is usually applied to transparent stones.
Cabochons come in all kinds of geometric and asymmetrical shapes, such as oval, round, and teardrop. Most importantly, a cabochon has a flat side to secure to some sort of backing - like wire, metal, or beads. Cabochons, or cabs, make great focal points for bead embroidery. Surrounding a cab with rows of seed beads draws the eye to the stone, and makes the colors of the gemstone pop!
Let's Bead! has a wonderful selection of cabochons
