This unit applies to those involved in jewellery construction as makers and/or designers who require a working knowledge of the benefits and limitations of materials used. It includes recognition of quality assessment processes and industry standardisation in order to identify quality of materials. Materials may also be used in construction of decorative objects.
Band A
Unit Weight 2
Not applicable.
1 | Research jewellery materials | 1.1 | Identify materials typically used in jewellery construction and their range of uses |
1.2 | Identify information sources and specialist expertise available to confirm uses and quality of materials | ||
1.3 | Identify source/origin of materials and processes involved in extraction or development and known environmental impacts | ||
1.4 | Identify recovery and recycling opportunities for materials used in jewellery | ||
1.5 | Assess risk factors in using materials for various jewellery applications | ||
1.6 | Select materials for construction of jewellery according to design, work and quality requirements | ||
2 | Apply knowledge of metals to jewellery construction | 2.1 | Describe the qualities, features, limitations and working characteristics of different metals used in jewellery |
2.2 | Describe industry standards of purity for precious metals and the marking system used to identify grade of quality | ||
2.3 | Describe the process of making metal alloys and impact of mix on final properties | ||
2.4 | Conduct basic tests to assess purity of metal | ||
2.5 | Determine costing implications of using metals of various purity in jewellery | ||
2.6 | Select metals for construction of jewellery according to design, work and quality requirements | ||
3 | Apply knowledge of gemstones to jewellery construction | 3.1 | Identify types of gemstones and their key characteristics |
3.2 | Identify processes used to determine quality of gemstones and interpret industry standards | ||
3.3 | Identify range of facet cuts used on gems and range of applications in jewellery design | ||
3.4 | Identify techniques used to enhance lower quality gemstones | ||
3.5 | Determine costing implications of using various gemstones in jewellery | ||
3.6 | Identify requirements for handling and cleaning gemstones | ||
3.7 | Select gems for construction of jewellery according to design, work and quality requirements | ||
4 | Apply safe work practices in handling materials | 4.1 | Conduct risk assessment for materials and processes to be used in construction |
4.2 | Identify characteristics of chemicals and hazardous materials used in construction and ensure workplace safety procedures are applied | ||
4.3 | Access, interpret and apply material safety data sheets (MSDS) and labelling information | ||
4.4 | Use protective equipment required for handling and manipulating materials |
Required knowledge includes: melting points of various metals/alloys 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 and/or 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 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 project-related 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 | Materials may include: gemstones (e.g. diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds) ornamental materials (e.g. lapis lazuli and malachite) biological gem materials (e.g. amber, coral and ivory) and their synthetics and imitations rocks non-crystalline materials (e.g. amorphous opal) glass, plastic and composite stones gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper and their alloys |
Qualities of materials | Quality of materials may include: malleability ductility conductivity strength reaction to treatments and construction processes |
Information sources and specialist expertise | Information sources and specialist expertise may include: industry associations Australian standards documentation gemmologists trade publications internet suppliers |
Types of gemstones | Types of gemstones includes: diamonds beryl quartz agate opal jade |
Basic tests to assess purity of metal | Basic tests to assess purity of metal may include: acid testing touch stone electronic testing |
Gem characteristics | Gem characteristics may include: beauty durability rarity cost colouring size shape |
Facet cuts used on gems | Facet cuts used on gems include: emerald pear cut round brilliant asscher cut cushion cut oval cut radiant cut marquise cut princess cut heart cut |
Treatments and enhancement of gems | Treatments and enhancement of gems may include: heat treatment oiling irradiation coating colouring |
Jewellery and horological
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.