smooth domed gem polished but unfaceted

Cabochon was the default method of preparing gemstones before gemstone cutting was developed. In reverse we have the rose-cut which has flat unfaceted bottom and a simply faceted domed top - often used for black spinels and tourmalines.

Gemstone Cuts The Ultimate Guide Q Evon

The vast majority of cabochon gemstones have oval or elliptical shapes.

. What Cabochon Gemstone shapes are available. A cabochon ˈ k æ b ə ʃ ɒ n. From Middle French caboche head is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished as opposed to facetedThe resulting form is usually a convex rounded obverse with a flat reverse. For example the buff-top has a domed cabochon top but a faceted lower half or pavilion.