CUVOPA11B
Obtain opal

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to procure rough opal from a variety of sources.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

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