1

Prepare for grain setting

1.1

Identify and implement occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements for carrying out the tasks and for the work area

1.2

Define the characteristics and purpose of grain in a setting

1.3

Define the characteristics of pave’, thread and grain, and single stone bead set

1.4

Plan grain setting procedure

1.5

Obtain and prepare equipment for the task and make modifications as required for work

1.6

Identify materials used and their essential characteristics

1.7

Handle gems in a manner which ensures damage is prevented

2

Prepare grain setting

2.1

Secure the item to be set in a manner which negates damage to the jewellery piece during the setting process

2.2

Drill and countersink the item producing a bearing to suit gem diameter

2.3

Seat the gem in the bearing opening checking the gem is at the correct height, straight and level

2.4

Raise the grains using various shaped gravers and bead the grains over to secure the gem

2.5

Form the grains into beads using a beading tool to secure the gem

2.6

Perform the final bright cutting using either a flat or onglette graver

2.7

Conduct work in accordance with environmental considerations

3

Finish work

3.1

Remove any securing compound and clean the jewellery piece for inspection

3.2

Apply techniques for inspection and quality control of the setting work produced through a 10X magnification

3.3

Ensure that jewellery piece meets quality standards

3.4

Complete workplace documentation

3.5

Clean up and maintain production environment and equipment according to enterprise procedures

Required skills

Required skills include:

selecting and preparing tools

identifying metals

identifying gem features

adjusting, sharpening and maintaining tools

preparing metals

securing gems

calculating required material size

securing the jewellery item to be set without inflicting damage

marking out and drilling the layout for the gem to be grain set

selecting the appropriate depth at which to countersink and form a bearing reflective of the gem height

seating the gem material level and straight in the bearing

securing the gem by raising two or more grains over the gem

using gravers to remove excess metal from around the gem to highlight the reflective properties of the gem

choosing the correct size beading tool and form the grains into beads over the gem

bright cutting the edges of the setting area using gravers to finish the setting work in accordance with industry standards

applying techniques for handling gems safely and minimising stress during setting processes

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

setting terminology

gem features and handling procedures

maintenance of tools

setting techniques, processes and procedures

working properties of gems

suitability of metal for carving and setting

essential characteristics of various styles of grain settings

various securing techniques for jewellery items to be set

spacing and layout techniques for pave’ setting

safe operation all workshop equipment used

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 produce a variety of pave´, thread and grain, and single stone bead settings.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

implement OHS workplace procedures to safely and effectively use grain setting equipment and processes

apply techniques for handling materials safely and minimising gem stress during setting processes

produce various styles of grain setting, including pave’, thread and grain, and single stone bead setting.

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.

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.

OHS requirements

OHS requirements may include:

legislation

personal protective equipment

material safety management systems

hazardous substances and dangerous goods code

local safe operation procedures

awards provisions

Gem materials

Gem materials may include:

gemstones

round brilliant and baguette shaped stones

natural stones

modified and synthetics gems

faceted and cabochon cut gems in either calibrated or free-form shapes

gold

silver

platinum

cast and handmade alloys

Grain setting tools and equipment

Grain setting tools and equipment may include:

gravers

grinders

micro motors

polishing machines

sharpening stones and beading tools

setters wax/cement

jewellers burrs/drills

10X loupe or head set

emery paper

flat and half pliers

needle files

pocket knife

oil

blocks or dowels covered with setters cement

bench mate setters clamp

engravers vice

bench vice

Environmental requirements

Environmental requirements may relate to:

liquid waste

solid waste

gas, fume, vapour, smoke emissions, including fugitive emissions, and dust

excessive energy and water use

excessive noise