Cabochons are amongst the most beautiful of stone shapes. Deriving from the Middle French 16th century word caboche meaning ‘head’ (from which our word cabbage also originates), a cabochon gemstone is polished as opposed to faceted. In fact, before the technique of faceting was developed in the late 13th century, all gemstones were produced as cabochons and were often intricately carved with crests or religious insignia. This spring there are some exquisite pieces of jewellery incorporating this millennia old style of gemstone presentation. The Ritz Fine Jewellery House, a boutique in the Ritz Hotel, London, has one of the most superb selections. It includes this incredible ring featuring a midnight blue tanzanite set on two diamond bands and surrounded by six diamond briolette drops.
£60,000 / €75,150 / $85,820
www.ritzfinejewellery.com
