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How to Cut a Stone Cabochon

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Cab Cutting Introduction

Gemstone Cabochons aka Cabs

Gemstone Cabochons aka Cabs

Tammy Powley
The lapidary arts are directly related to making jewelry because jewelry makers often like to use stones in jewelry designs such as beading, bezels, and wire wrapping. Though not all jewelry makers are involved in lapidary, it can be helpful to understand how gems are cut. That is why I decided to take a class in cabbing at a local rock and gem club.

I was a little reluctant at first. I thought it would be very messy and boring. I even warned my husband (also taking the class) that I would probably only take a few classes. Forty five minutes into the class, I had cut my first cabochon. I turned to my husband and asked, "How much does one of these cab machines cost?"

Well, most good cab machines go for about $1,000. So, that cab machine is on the back burner for me probably for a good long while. However, I did learn a lot about the process of cutting cabochons, and for those of us who enjoy using cabs in our jewelry designs, I think it is helpful to have an understanding of the process.

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