Introduction to Cabochons
Cabochons are decorative pieces with a flat back and a smooth, rounded or domed front. Unlike beads, most cabochons do not have holes for stringing. Instead, they are usually glued, set into bezels, wire wrapped, or attached to a project as a decorative focal piece.
Cabochons are used in jewelry making, beading, sewing, mixed media art, scrapbooking, doll making, hair accessories, costumes, and many other craft projects. They may be made from glass, gemstone, acrylic, resin, ceramic, shell, metal, wood, or other materials.
Cabochons Explanation and Their Uses
Cabochons are popular because they can quickly add color, texture, shine, or a themed design to a project. A gemstone cabochon may be used as the center of a pendant, while a flower-shaped resin cabochon might be glued to a hair bow, greeting card, picture frame, or decorative box.
Flat-back cabochons are especially useful for craft projects because they can be attached to many surfaces with the proper adhesive. They are commonly used on ring blanks, bracelet blanks, pendant trays, earrings, barrettes, brooches, magnets, ornaments, doll accessories, and embellishments.
When choosing a cabochon, consider the material, size, shape, thickness, color, and backing surface. Smooth flat backs are usually easier to glue securely, while heavier cabochons may need a stronger setting, bezel, or wire-wrapped support.
Page Description
This Cabochons reference guide explains what cabochons are, how they differ from beads, and how they are commonly used in jewelry making, crafts, embellishments, mixed media projects, hair accessories, costumes, and decorative designs.
Cabochons Reference Chart
Cabochons are flat-back decorative pieces used in jewelry making, crafts, and embellishment projects. The chart below compares common cabochon materials and typical uses.
| Cabochon Type |
Description |
Common Uses |
Helpful Notes |
| Gemstone Cabochons |
Polished stones with a smooth domed front and flat back. |
Pendants, rings, bracelets, wire wrapping, bezels. |
Often heavier and may need a secure setting. |
| Glass Cabochons |
Clear, colored, patterned, or printed glass pieces. |
Jewelry trays, magnets, picture jewelry, crafts. |
Can magnify images or designs placed underneath. |
| Acrylic or Resin Cabochons |
Lightweight decorative pieces in many colors and shapes. |
Hair bows, scrapbooking, cards, kids crafts, embellishments. |
Available in flowers, hearts, animals, food shapes, and more. |
| Cameo Cabochons |
Raised profile designs, often oval in shape. |
Vintage-style jewelry, brooches, pendants, costumes. |
Commonly used in decorative frames or bezel settings. |
| Flat-Back Embellishments |
Cabochon-style pieces with a flat back for gluing. |
Frames, ornaments, dolls, mixed media, decorative boxes. |
Best attached with an adhesive suitable for the material. |
Cabochons are usually attached with glue, wire wrapping, bezel settings, or mounting trays. Choose an adhesive or setting based on the cabochon material, weight, and the surface it will be attached to.
NOTE: Image is not to scale. Image is for reference only.
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