Natural stone cabochons are cut and polished natural stones, gemstones or semi-precious stones with a smooth convex top and a flat bottom. In addition to cabochons with a smooth convex top, there are also faceted cabochons.
Natural stones for cabochons are mined worldwide. The exact origin depends on type of stone, as different minerals require specific geological conditions.
Cabochons are used in jewelry such as pendants, rings, earrings and bracelets, among others.
Cabochons are incorporated into jewelry in a variety of ways.
- Setting in a case setting (bezel setting)
- Clamp or claw setting (prong setting)
- Wire wrapping
Different techniques, methods and materials are available for silver clay processing than for regular forging work.
Materials suitable for both silver clay jewelry and forged jewelry.
- 925 setting trays, setting boxes, chatons etc.
- Zetdraad
- Silver solder paste and solder plate soft and hard
- Silver solder powder ( for filligrain work).
Materials suitable for processing cabochons in silver clay / metal clay
- Overlay paste (for co-firing of typesetting trays, typesetting boxes and chatons. For closing the seam of typesetting wire)
- Anti shrinkage compound ( prevents shrinkage in settings made of silver clay or metal clay)
- 999 setting trays and setting boxes suitable for co-firing in metal clay
- Bronze and copper setting boxes and trays suitable for co-firing in metal clay
