A cabochon is shaped and polished with a smooth, rounded top rather than a faceted surface. With lapis, that dome displays the stone’s colour and mineral pattern across a continuous face.
Cabochon shape and polish
A well-proportioned cabochon has a dome and outline suited to the piece it will become. Check the symmetry, polish, edges and underside, and look across the surface for pits or chips that may not show in a straight-on image.
Lapis may show lazurite blue with calcite or pyrite. The pattern continues naturally across a cabochon, but a photo alone cannot determine whether the material is dyed, impregnated or from a claimed country.
Matching the cabochon to a setting
A bezel can cover the stone’s edge, while prongs leave more of it visible. Either can work when properly made; examine how evenly the stone sits and whether the setting holds it firmly without sharp edges.
For a custom piece, share the cabochon’s length, width, depth and outline with the jeweller. Depth affects how the stone sits in the mounting, and an irregular outline may need a made-to-fit bezel.
Assess material and disclosure
Ask whether the cabochon is natural lapis and whether any dye, wax or oil is known. If the seller states Afghan origin, ask what evidence supports that statement. These are separate questions from whether you like the stone’s colour.
Confirm that the item shown is the one being sold and that the back is photographed. For valuable rough or unusual material, a qualified gem professional can provide a more reliable assessment than visual comparison alone.
Care after setting
Lapis is relatively soft at about 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Store it apart from harder gems and protect it from knocks, solvents and high heat.
GIA recommends warm soapy water and advises against steam or ultrasonic cleaners for lapis. If the cabochon has an unknown treatment or an antique mounting, ask the jeweller before cleaning.