domed | ˈdōmd
adjective
A gemstone shape in which the top of the stone is rounded, resembling half of a sphere
Domed gems are those that have been shaped so the top of the stone is fully rounded, making it resemble the top half of a sphere. These gems are known as cabochons or cabs and have been popular since ancient times. Commonly cabbed gems include opals and moonestones because of the specific effects that occur when the gem is rounded. Faceting a gem like this woujld make it more difficult to see the plays of color , asterism, or cat’s eye effects that they are known for. Other gems might be cabbed because they are of a lower quality and faceting would not benefit them. Creating a domed gem is a good way to emphasize the qualities of a gem that that doesn’t have natural brilliance but does have fantastic color and luster that cabbing would help emphasize.
