Elements and Performance Criteria

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

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.