Gem - Cabochon Cut

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KurtHeckman.Gem - Cabochon Cut
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e6cd5958-da27-11e2-8e97-bc764e04d25f

The Weight of a Cabochon Cut gem calculator computes the                 Profile Inspection Table approximate carat weight of a cabochon gem based on the dimensions, a cabochon factor, bulge and gem type.

INSTRUCTIONS:  Choose units and enter the following:

• Gem:  Choose the type of gem in the cabochon from the pull-down menu.
• Length: This is the length down the face of the gem
• Width: This is the width across the face of the gem
• Depth: This is the depth of the gem
• Cabochon Profile Factor: Choose a cabochon profile factor (See Profile Inspection Table)
• Bulge(%): Percent adder to compensate for any bulge.

Cabochon Gem Weight (W): The weight of the cabochon gem in carats.   However, this can be automatically converted to other weight units (e.g. grams or penny weight) via the pull-down menu.

General Information

The Cabochon Cut gem weight equation provides an approximation of the weight of the gem based on user provided dimensions (see Inputs below) and the gem type.  The dimensions are used to calculate an approximate volume of the gem.  The weight is then a simple application of the mean density based on the specific gravity of the gem type.  vCalc allows numerous units for input of the dimensions.  However, millimeter (mm) is the most common.  The output weight of the gem is in carats; however, vCalc provides the means for on-the-fly conversions to other weight measurements (e.g. pounds).

This formula is comparable to several industry accepted equations for the carat weight of a cabochon shaped gem.  (See verification data in the Jeweler's Calculator).  The formula allows the jeweler to enter metrics (measurements) of the dimensions of the gem that can be made while the gem remains in a setting using professional grade measuring devices.  Based on these metrics, this formula approximates the volume of the gem.  Using the volume and the specific gravity of the type of gem, the carat weight is estimated.  vCalc simplifies the use of the equation greatly by providing a pull-down list of gems, which is used to look-up the appropriate specific gravity for the gem type.

Cabochon

Moonstone cabochons

A cabochon (/ˈkæbəˌʃɑːn/) from the Middle French caboche (head), is a gemstone which has been shaped and polished as opposed to faceted. The resulting form is usually a convex (rounded) obverse with a flat reverse. Cutting en cabochon (French, in the manner of a cabochon) is usually applied to opaque gems, while faceting is usually applied to transparent stones. Hardness is also taken into account as softer gemstones with a hardness lower than 7 on the Mohs hardness scale are easily scratched, mainly by silicon dioxide in dust and grit. This would quickly make translucent gems unattractive—instead they are polished as cabochons, making the scratches less evident.

In the case of asteriated stones such as star sapphires and chatoyant stones such as cat's eye chrysoberyl, a domed cabochon cut is used to show the star or eye, which would not be visible in a faceted cut.

The usual shape for cutting cabochons is an ellipse. This is because the eye is less sensitive to small asymmetries in an ellipse, as opposed to a uniformly round shape, such as a circle, and because the elliptical shape, combined with the dome, is attractive. An exception is cabochons on some watches' crowns, which are round.

The procedure is to cut a slab of the rough rock with a slab saw, and next to stencil a shape from a template. The slab is then trimmed to near the marked line using a diamond blade saw—called a trim saw. Diamond impregnated wheels or silicon carbide wheels can be used to grind the rough rock down. Most lapidary workshops and production facilities have moved away from silicon carbide to diamond grinding wheels or flat lap disks.

Once the piece is trimmed it can be "dopped" or completed by hand. "Dopping" is normally done by adhering the stone with hard wax onto a length of wooden dowel called a "dop stick". The piece is then ground to the template line, the back edges may be beveled, and finally the top is sanded and polished to a uniform dome.

Amber pendants.
The oval cabochon pendant is
52 × 32 mm (2 × 1.3 in).

weight formulas

Equations such as this are important and useful since they provide a good means to approximate the carat weight of a gem while in a setting.  It is imperative to state, approximations of the weight of a gem should never be made by formula, if a gem can be weighed independently on a professional grade jeweler's scale.  However. it is often essential to provide an accurate approximation of the weight of a gem in a setting in order to assess its value.  Since it is often difficult, if not impossible to damage a setting to remove its gem, these formula have been provided.

The weight of a gem is a function the volume and the specific gravity.  The volume is estimated base on the gem's shape and dimensions.  The specific gravity is dictated by the type of gem.  For the specific gravity of different gem, CLICK HERE.

Types of Gems

The gems supported in this calculator include: Agate, Alexandrite, Almandite garnet, Amethyst, Andalusite, Aquamarine, Beryl, Bloodstone, Blue Topaz, Carnelian, Cats eye, Chalcedony, Chrysoberyl, Citrine, Corundum, Demantoid Garnet, Diamond, Emerald, Golden beryl, Green beryl, Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli, Morganite, Onyx, Opal, Precious topaz, Pyrope garnet, Quartz, Rhodolite garnet, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Sardonyx, Smokey quartz, Spessartite garnet, Spinel, Tanzanite, Topaz, Tourmaline, Tsavorite garnet, Turquoise, Yellow topaz, and Zircon

Other Gem Cuts

Gem carat weight estimates:  Gem Cuts