Required knowledge includes

melting points of various metalsalloys

properties of jewellery metals

nomenclature used in describing and identifying jewellery materials

physical and optical properties of gem materials

uses and characteristics of less common materials used in jewellery

industry standards for quality of materials

safe work practices

Required skills include

identifying metals and their alloys

measuring and handling gemstones

recognising the range of materials used in jewellery

interpreting industry technical information

conducting research and accessing information to inform work

applying quality standards to work

undertaking numerical operations geometry and calculations within the scope of the unit

carrying out work according to occupational health and safety OHS practices

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to identify the features of materials used in jewellery construction and the processes used to confirm quality and apply this knowledge in the selection and use of materials in the construction of jewellery items

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently

analyse and apply industry standards and information on material quality and grades

select materials to meet the needs of work outcomes

apply knowledge of metals and gemstones to work processes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations including work areas materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM Metal and Engineering Training Package

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application

Assessment may be applied under projectrelated conditions real or simulated and require evidence of process

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed

Materials

Qualities of materials

Information sources and specialist expertise

Types of gemstones

Basic tests to assess purity of metal

Gem characteristics

Facet cuts used on gems

Treatments and enhancement of gems