Irina Oleinik's "Dragon" necklace was a finalist in our 2023 Jewelry-Making Contest. This masterpiece of seed beading is destined to make a dramatic entrance!

A carved gem or shell, in which the carved design stands out against a background of a different color.

A particular shape of cut glass or crystal, most commonly known as Crystal Passions® rhinestones. A chaton is a faceted, pavillion-shaped (pointed) bottom. Some chaton styles have the same point on top, while others have a smooth domed top (similar to cabochons) or a flat top (similar to faceted gemstones).

Every jewelry artist knows the rewarding feeling of taking jewelry designs from imagination to creation. Learn about the different product lines that allow you to create pieces of art for you to add to your jewelry.

Bezel setting connectors have made creating gemstone cabochon jewelry a breeze. Create a sophisticated Western-inspired style with this turquoise set.

Q: Is it better to put a smaller stone in a larger setting, or a larger stone in a smaller setting?

Q: I bought an odd-shaped cameo in Roatán, Honduras. Would I damage the product if I bonded a bail to it? I bought just the piece, so there is no sterling or any other type of metal attached to it already.

Q: I am seeing cabochons used with pictures and words, and I want to use this style to make a 50th wedding anniversary piece for my mom. Is it just printer paper, or is there a certain glue or mounting that has to be used?

Q: I am new to beading and struggle with understanding bead sizes—especially as I look at websites like Fire Mountain and see beads I like. I haven't been able to find a good size chart to use. Can you recommend one?

Create a custom cabochon setting using these step-by-step instructions. This project tutorial explores bench jeweler metal fabrication techniques such as sawing, soldering, filing and polishing.

Q: How do you tell the difference between a cameo that is carved out of a single piece of shell, and one that has the image glued onto the background?

Q: Can you use bezel cups inside cab settings? If yes, which ones?

Q: What are your items that will hold Faceted Gems and Cabochons? Is it best to use glue? If so, what kind?

Q: What is a cabochon and does it have a hole drilled in it to be used for necklace or bracelet?

Q: What do I use to drill a hole in a cabochon? I can't find anything to go through.

Q: I have a pretty rose cabochon with petals that can't be set in a bezel. Should I wire wrap it—if so, how do I do this? Thank you.

Q: I have two questions: 1) How do you glue a cabochon into a setting that doesn't have a back? If I glue around the edge, I still have problems with it being too easy for the cabochon to come off. 2) Besides the metal settings that are sold, are there other ways to create a setting that would allow a cabochon to become a pendant without drilling a hole in the cabochon? Thanks.

Q: I just purchased leverback earrings with settings to set stones into. I have both cabochons and faceted stones, which one is appropriate for this type of setting? Also, can you please advise how to set the stones so I'm sure they stay secure?

Q: Where can I find instructions on surrounding cabochons with beads? Is there a book that I could get?

Q: Several cabochon gemstones and paua shells do not exactly fit the settings I purchased for their size. How do I shave down the edges to make them fit?

Chunky chain combines with Crystal Passions® mystic black beads and electric pink cabochons for style that exudes punk vibes and sophistication alike.

Q: What tools should I use to stretch the Sterling silver bezel for a cabochon that has fallen out of it's setting? Which tool do I use to get the bezel down around the stone again?

Learn how to use No Days Bail Bond™ to attach cabochons and cameos to Aanraku and other styles of flat glue-on bails. This photo-illustrated guide has four easy steps.

Learn how to make a custom bezel setting for any cabochon using bezel strips. Clear images demonstrate every step in this how-to.