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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare equipment for gemstone examination
   • Examination methods and equipment are selected appropriate to the gem material and examination requirements.
   • Equipment and specimen/s are prepared.
2. Perform gemstone examinations
   • The physical and optical properties of gem materials are observed.
   • Examination results are recorded and verified.
3. Handle gem materials
   • Handling measures appropriate to gem material are identified.
   • Gem materials are handled to minimise risk of damage.
4. Investigate and report examination results
   • Examination results are prepared and recorded.

Required Skills

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in reading interpreting and following information on written job instructions specifications standard work procedures charts lists illustrations and other applicable reference documents checking and clarifying taskrelated information entering taskrelated information onto proformas and workplace documents selecting procedures and equipment for examination of gem materials preparing presetting balancing calibrating and levelling equipment cleaning specimens using equipment according to manuals and standard operating procedures identifying relevant physical and optical properties of gemstones recording results and comparing results with known control itemschartslistsgraphsdiagrams and resource materials reading valuation documents and making comparisons verifying outcomes selecting and applying handling measures and precautions in relation to given gem materials work processes and toolsequipment preparing formatdocumentation of results according to standard operating procedures interpreting results obtaining sufficient evidence to support conclusions undertaking numerical operations and calculationsformulae within the scope of this unit following verbal instructions

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of examination methods for gem materials in relation to the properties and features that may affect specific materials during jewellery manufacture repair or alteration equipment required for examination and the function of each limitations of the selected equipmentmethods standard operating procedures and suppliermanufacturer specifications the procedures for correct use of selected equipment definitions of processes and features physical and optical properties of relevant gemstones the process for verifying results resource materials handling measures and precautions for specific gem materials during jewellery manufacture repair or alteration specific handling measures and precautions used during given jobs evidence used in support of conclusions terminology and definitions limitationserrors in processmethods sources of independent verification hazards and control measures associated with handling gem materials including housekeeping the effects of inadequate housekeeping and workplace procedures use and application of personal protective equipment safe work practices and procedures

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package
Overview of assessment	A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to handle and examine gemstone materials Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria including required knowledge and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts
Context of and specific resources for assessment	This unit may be assessed on the job off the job or a combination of both Where assessment occurs off the job ie the candidate is not in productive work an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety quality communication materials handling recording and reporting associated with handling and examining gemstone materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit
Method of assessment	Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid sufficient current and authentic Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation supervisors reports project work samples and questioning Questioning techniques should not require language literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency The candidate must have access to all tools equipment materials and documentation required The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures product and manufacturing specifications codes standards manuals and reference materials
Guidance information for assessment

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Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Equipment	Refractometer UV light Microscope 10 X loupe Tweezers
Investigate	Assess need for further examination Cross reference other records Cross reference valuation documents

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