Filling an Empty Space and Enhancing a Cabochon

I often look for a special feature within a slab when choosing the shape to cut into a cab.

- BOB RUSH

When the slab has a uniquely shaped opening caused by the method of infilling in the rough, I always try to incorporate it into the cabochon, especially when it will enhance the piece.

The plume agate pictured had a very interesting vug with a botryoidal inner surface. Finding these features when you are slabbing a particular rock is often an accidental occurrence, but it is a plus. I designed the cab so that the vug was positioned horizontally near the bottom and it ended up well suited for my cab.