cabochon

[ kab-uh-shon; French ka-baw-shawn ]

noun

, plural cab·o·chons [kab, -, uh, -shonz, k, a, -baw-, shawn].

1. a precious stone of convex hemispherical or oval form, polished but not cut into facets.
2. an ornamental motif resembling this, either concave or convex and often surrounded by ornately carved leaf patterns, used on furniture of the 18th century.

adverb

1. in the form of a cabochon:

   a turquoise cut cabochon.

adjective

1. being cut cabochon:

   cabochon gems.

cabochon

/ ˈkæbəˌʃɒn; kabɔʃɔ̃ /

noun

1. a smooth domed gem, polished but unfaceted

Word History and Origins

Origin of cabochon¹

1570–80; < Middle French, equivalent to caboche head ( cabbage ¹ ) + -on diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cabochon¹

C16: from Old French, from Old Norman French caboche head; see cabbage ¹

Example Sentences

Others include an 1830s diamond tiara designed as a wreath of diamond-set leaves in a nod to ancient Roman designs as well as a 20th century turquoise cabochon and diamond tiara by Van Cleef & Arpels.

From Reuters

The Dreamer Necklace’s gold face surrounded by antique sea-foam-green carved jade is a tribute to the original pendant, while pear-shaped ruby cabochons and beads set among brilliant-cut diamonds add a touch of modern drama.

From New York Times

Dubbed "the world’s most expensive sweet ring," it has a 2.70-carat cabochon yellow sapphire as the main stone, surrounded by 40 yellow diamonds.

From Fox News

This necklace, a serpentine armature of rose gold with pavé diamonds, incorporates an elegant palette that is pure Hermès: apple-green prehnite cabochons, a pale blue-gray sapphire and pink, brown and blue tourmalines.

From New York Times

Tapiau found joy in repairing the parquet floors and black-and-white cabochon, in re-sourcing ornate wall coverings and repainting rooms in their original hues.

From New York Times