Cabochon Beads for Jewellery
Cabochons are a core component in jewellery making, valued for their smooth domed surface and clean finish. Used in pendants, rings, earrings, and brooches, they provide colour, pattern, and focal detail without the need for drilling.
This category brings together a wide range of cabochons suitable for both traditional metalwork and modern adhesive-based designs.
The bead shop
A Family Run Business
For Over 30 Years
The Bead Shop was first established in 1993, the brainchild of Fay Kersh and her husband, Harvey. Fay woke up one morning and told the family she had been dreaming about beads; it was from this dream that the bead shop concept was born
What Are Cabochons?
A cabochon is a stone or decorative element that has been shaped and polished with a flat back and a rounded top. Unlike faceted stones, cabochons rely on surface depth, colour, and texture rather than sparkle.
They are designed to sit flush in a setting, bezel, frame, or tray, or to be bonded directly onto jewellery findings using a suitable jewellery glue.
Materials and Finishes
Cabochons are available in many materials, each offering a different look and working method.
Glass cabochons are popular for their clarity and depth, often used with printed images, artwork, or backgrounds beneath the surface. Resin cabochons are lightweight and practical for larger designs. Stone cabochons offer natural variation and weight, making them ideal for statement pieces. Metal-backed cabochons provide structure and durability for everyday wear.
Most cabochons in this category feature a smooth, even dome and a flat reverse for secure setting or gluing.
Common Jewellery Uses
Cabochons are widely used for:
- Pendants and necklace centres
- Ring heads and adjustable ring blanks
- Earrings and studs
- Brooches and pins
- Decorative accents in mixed-media work
They suit both open-backed and closed-backed settings, as well as glue-in trays and bezels.
Setting and Fixing Cabochons
Cabochons can be secured in several ways depending on the design.
Bezel settings and frames provide a traditional mechanical hold, while glue-in trays and flat-backed findings rely on strong jewellery adhesive. For adhesive work, a clear, flexible glue is usually preferred to maintain a neat finish and long-term durability.
Correct sizing is important; cabochons are measured by diameter or length and width, and should match the internal dimensions of the chosen setting.
A Versatile Design Element
Cabochons allow jewellery makers to focus on surface design, colour, and composition without the need for specialist stone-setting tools. They work equally well in refined pieces and bold statement jewellery.
From simple pendants to detailed mixed-material designs, cabochons remain one of the most adaptable components in jewellery making.