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 handle and examine gemstone materials. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both. Where assessment occurs off the job, i.e. the candidate is not in productive work, an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with handling and examining gemstone materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading, interpreting and following information on written job instructions, specifications, standard work procedures, charts, lists, illustrations and other applicable reference documents

checking and clarifying task-related information

entering task-related information onto proformas and workplace documents

selecting procedures and equipment for examination of gem materials

preparing, pre-setting, balancing, calibrating, and levelling equipment

cleaning specimens

using equipment according to manuals and standard operating procedures

identifying relevant physical and optical properties of gemstones

recording results and comparing results with known control items/charts/lists/graphs/diagrams and resource materials

reading valuation documents and making comparisons

verifying outcomes

selecting and applying handling measures and precautions in relation to given gem materials, work processes and tools/equipment

preparing format/documentation of results according to standard operating procedures.

interpreting results

obtaining sufficient evidence to support conclusions

undertaking numerical operations and calculations/formulae within the scope of this unit

following verbal instructions

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

examination methods for gem materials in relation to the properties and features that may affect specific materials during jewellery manufacture, repair or alteration

equipment required for examination and the function of each

limitations of the selected equipment/methods

standard operating procedures and supplier/manufacturer specifications

the procedures for correct use of selected equipment

definitions of processes and features

physical and optical properties of relevant gemstones

the process for verifying results

resource materials

handling measures and precautions for specific gem materials during jewellery manufacture, repair or alteration

specific handling measures and precautions used during given jobs

evidence used in support of conclusions

terminology and definitions

limitations/errors in process/methods

sources of independent verification

hazards and control measures associated with handling gem materials, including housekeeping

the effects of inadequate housekeeping and workplace procedures

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe work practices and procedures

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.

Equipment

Refractometer

UV light

Microscope

10 X loupe

Tweezers

Investigate

Assess need for further examination

Cross reference other records

Cross reference valuation documents