Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:11 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:11 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Complete pre-cutting processes for solid opals
Complete pre-cutting processes for solid opals
Unit of competency
National Code
CUVOPA203A
CUVOPA203A
State Code
S7688
S7688
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/11/2014
Field of Education
100307 - Jewellery Making
Original Release Date
06/11/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to determine market needs for solid opals as a basis for decision making, to plan the stones to be cut and complete the pre-cutting processes. It includes documenting and recording all aspects of the procurement and cutting process.This unit requires the application of research skills to determine market preferences for buying cut and polished opal so that decisions can be made on how to cut the opal to gain the best yield and show of colour. It also covers the ability to carry out all the pre-cutting planning, cleaning and pre-forming of the gemstone while working safely with materials and equipment
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Survey market requirements as a basis for making a decision on opal cutting strategy
- 1.1 Establish current client cut and polished opal-buying preferences in the retail and wholesale markets
- 1.2 Determine the internet buying preferences for cut and polished opal
- 1.3 Document client buying preferences for cut and polished opal
2. Weigh opal and record information
- 2.1 Weigh opal before cleaning as a basis for determining yield
- 2.2 Record relevant information
3. Clean and orient opal to determine yields and shape
- 3.1 Make an assessment of the stone and consult with supervisor, colleagues, client or other appropriate persons
- 3.2 Rub down to expose the colour face using appropriate equipment
- 3.3 Determine best orientation for gemstone
- 3.4 Establish the top and bottom of the stone
- 3.5 Remove unwanted material
- 3.6 Check for internal flaws with powerful light source
- 3.7 Cut stone to maximise value, taking yield and colour play into consideration
4. Process opal to pre-form state
- 4.1 Remove unwanted material from the planned gemstone using appropriate equipment
- 4.2 Grind to the desired shape
- 4.3 Check for internal flaws and correct if necessary
- 4.4 Follow general OHS principles and safe operating procedures when using tools, equipment and materials
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.
Determining opal-buying preferences may involve:
accessing internet auction sites
accessing internet opal-specific sites
making contact with opal dealers
making contact with opal cutters
phoning jewellery wholesalers and other jewellers
talking with local jewellery store owners
targeting specialist opal stores.
Relevant information to be recorded may include:
date of purchase
description of stone
description of area where mined
mining lease number
number of classes
purchase price
vendor
weight.
Appropriate equipment may include:
cleaning equipment
diamond grinder
diamond saw
free-hand saw
silicon carbide grinder
slab saw
trim saw.
Unwanted material may include:
cracked material
iron stone
materials with inclusions or stains
matrix
poor colour
potch
sandstone.
General OHS principles and safe operating procedures may include:
complying with safe operating procedures for each machine
good housekeeping, in particular avoiding contaminants
using personal protective equipment (PPE) where required.
Determining opal-buying preferences may involve:
accessing internet auction sites
accessing internet opal-specific sites
making contact with opal dealers
making contact with opal cutters
phoning jewellery wholesalers and other jewellers
talking with local jewellery store owners
targeting specialist opal stores.
Relevant information to be recorded may include:
date of purchase
description of stone
description of area where mined
mining lease number
number of classes
purchase price
vendor
weight.
Appropriate equipment may include:
cleaning equipment
diamond grinder
diamond saw
free-hand saw
silicon carbide grinder
slab saw
trim saw.
Unwanted material may include:
cracked material
iron stone
materials with inclusions or stains
matrix
poor colour
potch
sandstone.
General OHS principles and safe operating procedures may include:
complying with safe operating procedures for each machine
good housekeeping, in particular avoiding contaminants
using personal protective equipment (PPE) where 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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
apply knowledge of current retail, wholesale and internet buying trends
make decisions on what the final product should be and how to cut the stone to achieve the desired outcome, maximising the yield and colour play from each stone
safely complete cleaning, shaping and pre-forming.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a computer
an opal-cutting workshop with stones and equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
evaluation of the final product
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.
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).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
apply knowledge of current retail, wholesale and internet buying trends
make decisions on what the final product should be and how to cut the stone to achieve the desired outcome, maximising the yield and colour play from each stone
safely complete cleaning, shaping and pre-forming.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a computer
an opal-cutting workshop with stones and equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
evaluation of the final product
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.
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).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D669 | CUV40611 | Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing | Qualification |