Even though they may not be the most popular type of emerald, cabochons have their own allure. Even though it is highly rare for gem material to be transparent, cabochons show extraordinarily high colour purity with no extinction. Given that colour is a major factor in the allure of gemstones like emeralds, this kind of cutting is particularly enticing to gem cutters. Although they don't have as much variation as faceted or cut gems, there are a few basic styles to be aware of.
This Smooth Emerald Oval Cabochon, which is 8.5mm x 5mm x 3mm in size, is a brilliant shade of vivid green. In zambian mines, these 4.5 carat oval emerald cabochons were discovered. Typical cabochon cuts are identified by their domed tops. Although this isn't always the case, the bottom of emerald cabochons can occasionally be flat. The bottom of emerald cabochons will typically also be curved. Depending on how the specific gem performs, the bottom may occasionally also be flat or may occasionally curve similarly to the top.
Even though a cat's eye emerald in an emerald is a rather uncommon phenomenon, cabochon cuts are done to expose one. Only a small percentage of emeralds exhibit this characteristic, and the majority of cutters don't check their rough stones for it. The most frequent reason an emerald is cut as a cabochon is to be more gentle on internal fissures in the emerald during cutting and polishing.
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