cabochon

noun

cab·​o·​chon ˈka-bə-ˌshän How to pronounce cabochon (audio)
: a gem or bead cut in convex form and highly polished but not faceted
also : this style of cutting
cabochon adverb

Examples of cabochon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An amethyst cabochon sits in beautiful contrast on the crown. Nancy Olson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The piece’s elegant white dial provides an elegant contrast to the lacquered burgundy case (a first for the brand), alongside silver Roman numerals and a beaded crown set with a ruby cabochon. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2023 Perched atop the expansive hood, the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament sprouts out of amethyst cabochons, a term for when a gem is polished into a rounded form instead of faceted like the gems on many wedding rings. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 25 Aug. 2023 The resulting design, featuring cabochon turquoise and coral set on the points and mounted with gold wire, became a signature for the brand, which continues the aquatic jewelry tradition with these charming 18k gold koi fish jewels studded with coral, turquoise, pearls and diamonds. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2023 The other is paved with 1,060 emeralds and completed with two ruby cabochon eyes. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 2 Apr. 2023 The timepiece is outfitted with caliber 070, along with an 18-karat yellow gold (750/1000) case and a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon. Louisa Ballhaus, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2023 The show features 42 vendors displaying mineral specimens, faceted precious and semi-precious stones along with polished cabochons, lapidary rough, fossils, and handmade and vintage jewelry. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2023 Her first panther jewel—a gold and enamel panther brooch set with a cabochon emerald—was crafted for the Duchess of Windsor, Wallace Simpson, in 1948. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 2 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cabochon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, diminutive of Middle French dialect (Picard) caboche head

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cabochon was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near cabochon

Cite this Entry

“Cabochon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cabochon. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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