Cabochon

Term from Jewelry Making industry explained for recruiters

A cabochon is a popular jewelry-making style where gemstones are shaped and polished into a smooth, rounded dome rather than cut with facets. This traditional technique is used by jewelry makers to showcase the natural beauty of stones, especially those with special patterns or effects like opals and star sapphires. When reading resumes, you might see this term used to describe a jeweler's skill in creating these rounded stones or setting them in jewelry pieces. It's often shortened to "cab" in casual industry language.

Examples in Resumes

Specialized in creating custom Cabochon cuts for opals and moonstone jewelry

Designed and produced over 200 Cab mounted rings and pendants annually

Trained apprentices in Cabochon cutting and polishing techniques

Typical job title: "Cabochon Cutters"

Also try searching for:

Lapidary Artist Gemstone Cutter Stone Cutter Jewelry Maker Gem Cutter Stone Polisher Custom Jeweler

Where to Find Cabochon Cutters

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine the best shape and cut for different types of stones?

Expected Answer: An experienced cutter should explain how they assess the material's characteristics, such as hardness, inclusions, and color patterns, to determine the optimal shape that will showcase the stone's best features while minimizing waste.

Q: Can you describe your experience training others in cabochon cutting?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership skills and ability to teach complex techniques, including safety procedures, tool maintenance, and quality control standards to apprentices or junior craftspeople.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What steps do you take to ensure consistency in cabochon production?

Expected Answer: Should explain their process for maintaining quality standards, including proper calibration of equipment, regular tool maintenance, and quality checking procedures throughout the cutting process.

Q: How do you handle difficult materials like soft or included stones?

Expected Answer: Should describe specific techniques for working with challenging materials, including adjusting cutting speeds, using appropriate cooling methods, and special handling procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic steps in creating a cabochon?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the fundamental process: marking the stone, rough cutting, series of grinding steps, and final polishing, along with basic safety procedures.

Q: What tools are essential for cabochon cutting?

Expected Answer: Should identify basic equipment like trim saws, grinding wheels of various grits, polishing wheels, and necessary safety equipment like eye protection and dust masks.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic stone cutting and shaping
  • Understanding of common gemstone types
  • Use of basic lapidary equipment
  • Simple dome creation and polishing

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex stone shapes and sizes
  • Multiple stone types expertise
  • Quality control procedures
  • Equipment maintenance

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced technique development
  • Training and supervision
  • Custom and specialty cuts
  • Problem-solving difficult materials

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic stone properties and hardness scales
  • Lack of safety awareness or proper equipment usage
  • Unable to explain basic cutting and polishing processes
  • No experience with quality control standards