CBJ Assessment and Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which gemstone property is MOST critical to assess before applying heat during soldering near a set stone?
- Color grade
- Heat sensitivity and thermal shock risk (Correct answer)
- Refractive index
- Country of origin
Correct answer: Heat sensitivity and thermal shock risk
Heat sensitivity varies widely among gemstones; some like emerald, opal, and tanzanite can crack or change color with even minimal heat exposure.
Question 2: A ring shank measures 1.2mm at its thinnest point. This assessment indicates:
- The shank is too thick and needs filing
- The shank is at high risk of breakage and the customer should be advised (Correct answer)
- No action is needed as all shanks are the same
- The ring is ready for sizing immediately
Correct answer: The shank is at high risk of breakage and the customer should be advised
A shank thinner than 1.5mm is typically considered at-risk for breakage and should be disclosed to the customer before repair or sizing.
Question 3: What does a 'flat' reading on a magnetic tester for a piece marked '925' most likely indicate?
- The piece is pure gold
- The piece may be silver-plated base metal, not sterling silver (Correct answer)
- The stamp is authentic sterling silver
- The tester is broken
Correct answer: The piece may be silver-plated base metal, not sterling silver
Silver and gold are not magnetic; a magnetic response on a piece marked 925 suggests a ferrous base metal with plating, not genuine sterling silver.
Question 4: When evaluating an antique piece for repair, why is it important to identify the solder previously used?
- To match the decorative style
- To avoid introducing incompatible solder that could cause joint failure or discoloration (Correct answer)
- To determine the piece's country of origin
- To calculate the resale value
Correct answer: To avoid introducing incompatible solder that could cause joint failure or discoloration
Mismatched solder flow temperatures or compositions can weaken existing joints or cause visible color differences at repair seams.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a loupe with 10x magnification during gem assessment?
- To weigh the gemstone accurately
- To examine inclusions, surface scratches, and chip damage in detail (Correct answer)
- To measure the stone's refractive index
- To test the stone's hardness
Correct answer: To examine inclusions, surface scratches, and chip damage in detail
A 10x loupe is the industry standard for examining gemstone clarity, detecting chips, abrasions, and inclusions prior to jewelry repair.
Question 6: A customer's white gold ring appears yellowing. Before recommending rhodium plating, the jeweler should first:
- Apply rhodium immediately
- Assess whether the yellowing is due to worn plating or alloy composition and document condition (Correct answer)
- Polish with rouge compound only
- Recommend replacing the ring
Correct answer: Assess whether the yellowing is due to worn plating or alloy composition and document condition
Yellowing in white gold can be from worn rhodium plating or the natural color of the white gold alloy, and proper assessment guides the right recommendation.
Question 7: During evaluation of a channel-set piece, what indicates that stones may have shifted out of alignment?
- The channel walls appear bright and polished
- Stones sit at uneven heights or show gaps between girdles and channel walls (Correct answer)
- The ring shank is round
- The stones face-up with good brilliance
Correct answer: Stones sit at uneven heights or show gaps between girdles and channel walls
Uneven stone height or gaps between the girdle and channel walls are indicators that stones have shifted and the setting requires realignment.
CBJ Assessment and Evaluation 3
Which gemstone property is MOST critical to assess before applying heat during soldering near a set stone?