Practice and Application Flashcards

A jeweler needs to solder a sterling silver clasp onto a sterling chain. The correct solder flow temperature sequence is to use:

Answer: Easy solder to avoid melting any previously soldered joints

Easy solder has the lowest flow temperature and is used for final operations to avoid re-flowing earlier joints made with higher-temperature solders.

A customer's 18k gold bracelet has a worn box clasp that no longer holds. The best permanent repair is to:

Answer: Fabricate or source a new clasp and solder it onto the bracelet end

Replacing the worn clasp entirely with a properly soldered new one restores full security and function.

When drilling a hole through a gemstone for a pendant bail, the correct drilling medium is:

Answer: Water or cutting fluid with a diamond drill bit at low speed

Diamond drill bits used wet at low speed prevent heat buildup that could crack or shatter the gemstone.

After completing a repair on a rhodium-plated white gold ring, the jeweler should:

Answer: Re-plate the entire ring with rhodium to restore a uniform appearance

Re-plating the entire piece after repair ensures a consistent color and surface across all areas of the ring.

A jeweler is bending a piece of 18-gauge fine silver wire into a tight curve and it fractures. The correct response is to:

Answer: Anneal the wire first, then re-attempt the bend gradually

Annealing restores ductility to work-hardened fine silver, allowing the bend to be completed without fracture.

When using a burnisher to tighten a bezel around a soft cabochon like turquoise, the jeweler should:

Answer: Work in small overlapping strokes around the entire bezel perimeter evenly

Even, incremental pressure around the full perimeter prevents the stone from shifting and ensures uniform contact.

A 14k yellow gold chain shows a blackened, pitted link that has been exposed to a strong acid. The jeweler should:

Answer: Assess whether the damage is cosmetic or structural, then replace the link if compromised

Acid attack can structurally weaken gold alloy by attacking base metal components — the link must be tested for integrity before any repair.