Cabochon Archive

Sapphire Shimmer

April 26, 2024 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Sparkly Things

With a silky smooth and high-polish domed surface, the cabochon is one of the oldest gemstone cuts. Unlike most cutting techniques, there is no faceting in the cabochon. The absence of facets means that there are no spots for light to reflect from. Instead, this simple and refined cut allows us to focus solely on the rich color.

A clean, transparent gemstone crystal will produce the finest cabochon stone. Even distribution of color is of the utmost importance. Color banding (or zoning) is an unevenness in color. This natural happening would be easily spotted in a cabochon which is why lapidaries choose fine, clean stones for this unique cut. Sapphire is one of the most common choices for cab (as cabochon are often called) cuts.

Sapphire crystals are harvested from the Earth in a variety of shapes, colors and clarity grades. Each one is individually studied to determine how to best highlight the raw beauty of the crystal. After cutting, the stone is polished to a pristine shine – this step is especially important in cabochons.

This week, we are showcasing the cabochon cutting technique with a stunning pair of modern yellow gold sapphire and diamond earrings. These earrings center on a perfectly matched set of oval cabochon sapphires. Combined, these gems have a total weight of approximately 3.50 carats. Each deep blue gem is bezel set within a pear-shaped halo of round brilliant diamonds. With the point of the pear facing south, the bedazzled portion of the earring dangles from a sleek lever-back wire.

Forming each tear drop are sixteen round brilliant diamonds, thirty-two in all. These sparklers have a total weight of approximately 4.50 carats! The effect is exquisite… the simple refined look of the cabochon sapphires juxtaposes perfectly against the scintillating sizzle of the fully faceted diamonds. These luxurious earrings are available for $7,500.00 – stop by our showroom to make them yours today.

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 32

June 6, 2020October 10, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

I love seeing this. A tray of new purchases on the corner of Joe’s desk. It’s a treasure hunt for gold, diamonds, and gemstones. I never know what I’ll find… but there’s always something that catches my eye.

And there it is… a pair of delicate antique bands – one featuring a row of collet-set round opals and the other is a line of bright green cabochon stones. These little cuties are perfect for stacking. That thought sent me straight to Joe’s Special Box. I remembered another gem hiding there.

Get an eyeful of this sweet Victorian beauty. A vintage halo of fourteen rose-cut diamonds surround a cabochon opal center. Like most rings from the late 1800’s, the gold setting has a slight rosy hue, it’s the perfect complement to the flashes of green and pink in the opal. I love the primitive faceting of a rose cut diamond… like snowflakes, no two are alike. Opal (the October birthstone) displays a phenomenon of nature commonly referred to as “play of color”. As you move the stone around, flashes of light and color come back to the eye – it’s mesmerizing.

This ring is in Joe’s Special Box and is available now for $975.00. As for the pair of bands, they’re destined for restoration in our shop. Our in-house facility boasts state-of-the-art tools and equipment as well as two master benchman. Like all new acquisitions, these bands will be carefully evaluated and repaired before making their way to our showroom, or perhaps even into Joe’s Special Box.

Writing and Photos by Carrie Martin

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to Joden and touch.”

Ravishing Retro

September 9, 2023July 28, 2017 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Glamorous Things

At the end of the 1930’s, the strong geometric lines of Art Deco evolved into the vivid 3-dimentional curves that Retro is known for. Jewelry of the 1940’s-1950’s makes a bold statement, like this striking bangle pictured above.

Wide ribbons of rose and yellow gold wrap around a large emerald cut aquamarine center stone. Bright red cabochon rubies and round diamonds add another element of color and design to this already outstanding piece. To further heighten the appeal, this bangle is able to be converted to a pendant as well as a brooch – fashion AND function!

WWII was a powerful influence on the time. The use of platinum was restricted making multicolor gold a popular choice… yellow, rose, and green gold reigned during the Retro period. Women’s apparel bore a noticeable resemblance to military uniforms – the look was handsome rather than pretty with high collars and ultra masculine lines. To soften the effect, ladies added jewelry like this…

These oversize pieces are as audacious as they are delicious. This large bow brooch will catch anyone’s eye – it centers on a 65 carat citrine; Retro style at its finest. Priced at $6500, it pairs perfectly with the angular lines of this statement ring. The hourglass shape of the ring nearly spans from knuckle to knuckle – ideally worn on an index or middle finger. Make it yours for $4500.00.

Much of the Retro period was dedicated to trying to regain the Old Hollywood glamour of the 1930’s. Pieces like this flaunt that designers achieved and surpassed that goal. Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

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Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco

Baubles, Bling and Sparkly Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and Glamorous Things

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