MEM19047A
Set gems in claw and bezel style settings

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, seat and set gems into claw and bezel style settings.

Application

This unit applies to pre-manufactured jewellery items and must include application of both claw and bezel setting techniques to produce a variety of completed settings. Bezel settings must include set faceted and cabochon gem material. Claw settings must include round or shaped wire.

Work includes use of gem setting equipment and cleaning and inspection of the work produced.

Band A

Unit Weight 4


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Prepare for gem 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 of bezels, including full and part bezels, along with bezel construction types

1.3

Plan gem setting procedure

1.4

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

1.5

Identify materials used in bezel and claw settings and their essential characteristics

1.6

Handle gem material in a manner which ensures damage is prevented

2

Prepare various shapes and types of bezels for 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

Adjust the height of the bezel in accordance to the depth of the gem

2.3

Cut the bearing by hand or with a burr and seat and secure gem in accordance with industry standards

2.4

Shape the top of the bezel wall and bright cut the inner edge as required by the shape

2.5

Conduct work in accordance with environmental considerations

3

Prepare claw settings

3.1

Describe advantages and disadvantages of 2,4,6,8,12 wire settings and ā€˜Vā€™ wire claw settings

3.2

Prepare claw for setting and select the height and depth of the bearing to be cut

3.3

Cut the bearing by hand or with a burr and seat the gem in accordance with industry standards.

3.4

Form the claw to secure the gem in the setting, including finishing the top of the claw to a predetermined shape without damaging the gem

4

Finish work

4.1

Remove any securing compound and clean the jewellery piece for inspection

4.2

Ensure that jewellery piece meets quality standards

4.3

Complete workplace documentation

4.4

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

Required Skills

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

selecting the appropriate height and depth at which to cut the bearing on the wire of the claw setting

seating the gem level and straight in the claw setting

securing the gem by pushing the claw wire over the gem

finishing the top of the claw to desired shape

selecting the appropriate height and depth at which to cut the bearing on the inside of the bezel wall

seating the gem level and straight in the bezel setting

securing the gem by pushing the bezel wall over the gem

finishing the top of the bezel to desired shape

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 materials

types of gems and their key characteristics

range of facet cuts used on gems

qualities, features, limitations and working characteristics of different metals used in jewellery

suitability of metal for carving and setting

essential characteristics of wire claw settings

essential characteristics of various styles of bezel settings

various securing techniques for jewellery items to be set

safe operation all workshop equipment used

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.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to produce a variety of both claw and bezel 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 gem setting equipment and processes

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

produce claw and bezel settings according to industry standards.

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.


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.

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 synthetic gems

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

gold

silver

platinum

cast and handmade alloys

Setting tools and equipment

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


Sectors

Jewellery


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.