Application
This unit requires the application of knowledge and skills to investigate a range of methods of procuring rough opal and to evaluate the different methods. It has wide application and involves identifying the various sources of rough opal to determine the most cost-effective source for obtaining the opal for a particular market. Where appropriate the outcomes of this unit could be contextualised to apply to other gemstones. Examples of aspects of the unit that may need to be adjusted would include: the specific properties of each gemstones industry and market requirements underpinning knowledge Range Statement. |
Prerequisites
This unit may be assessed on its own or it may be assessed with other units that cover related skills and knowledge. Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity which combines the Elements of competency for the unit, or a cluster of units of competency. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1 Investigate markets for opal products. | 1.1 Review the market for cut and polished opals. 1.2 Identify the market segment for which the opal is to be obtained. |
2 Investigate the sources of rough opal and methods of obtaining the opal form each source. | 2.1 Identify sources of rough opal and method of obtaining rough opal. 2.2 Find out how to obtain opal from the various sources and procedures and protocol to be followed in each case. 2.3 Investigate the benefits of buying parcels of classed opal (whole or part) or buying single rough opal stones. |
3 Use effective communication skills to obtain opal. | 3.1 Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to convey messages and information. 3.2 Use cooperation and negotiation skills to solve problems and finalise interaction. |
4 Obtain opal. | 4.1 Follow identified procedures for obtaining rough opal from selected sources. 4.2 Comply with accepted protocol and ethics associated with each method of obtaining rough opal. 4.3 Show respect when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. |
Required Skills
Required skills: communication skills used to contact sellers and bargain for rough opal investigation skills ability to assess the value of a parcel or an individual stone. |
Required knowledge: sources of opal industry protocol and ethics potential markets. |
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. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | To achieve competency in this unit, a person must be able to identify sources of rough opal and obtain the rough opal. The assessment must confirm that sources and the methods, advantages and disadvantages of each and the protocol for obtaining rough opal can be identified. The person would have to be able to explain exactly what they would have to do to obtain opal for a variety of sources following accepted procedures and protocol. Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the range of variables and contexts applicable to the work environment. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | This unit may be assessed in a work environment, in a simulated work environment or in a combination of these situations. |
Method of assessment | For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance. Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills and other methods as required. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling). |
Assessment of this competency requires access to: various samples of rough opal and suppliers of rough opal a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team. |
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. | |
Market for cut and polished opals may include: | boutique jewellers craft stores or markets gemstone dealers |
hobby jewellers internet auction sites internet marketing jewellers retail jewellers wholesale rock and gem shows souvenir market. | |
Sources of rough opal may include: | gem and rock clubs internet lapidary supply shop mining operation noodling opal buyer opal miner opal specific store retail rock shop rock and gem shows trading news papers trash and treasure meets wholesale opal dealer. |
Buying parcels of classed opal may include: | considering whether the whole parcel is of use and determining whether to on-sell a segment of the parcel determining whether the price is appropriate negotiating the price paying extra for segment splitting the parcel understanding how the parcel price was established verifying the origin, who has seen the parcel, that it has been classed and how long it has been for sale. |
Communication techniques include: | active listening asking open ended questions clear speech giving accurate information respecting others' point of view. |
Protocol and ethics may include: | binding nature of hand-shake deals complying with noodling requirements ensuring agreement of all parties keeping transactions between parties private making appointments before visiting not entering unattended claims or property respecting privacy and property. |
Diverse backgrounds may include: | age culture ethnic origin language race religion sex socio economic status. |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Competency Field
Opal cutting and polishing | |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor