CBJ Finishing and Polishing 3

Question 1

In a standard finishing sequence, which step comes FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Filing and sanding with progressively finer abrasive papers

Answer

Applying rouge compound on a muslin wheel

Answer

Applying tripoli compound on a spiral-sewn wheel

Answer

Burnishing with a steel tool

Question 2

What is 'planishing' in metalworking?

Accepted Answer

Smoothing and work-hardening metal using a polished hammer on a steel mandrel or stake

Answer

Planning the layout and design of a piece before fabrication

Answer

Applying a protective lacquer coating to finished jewelry

Answer

Removing firescale with an acid pickle after annealing

Question 3

What technique is most commonly used to create an 'antiqued' or 'oxidized' look on sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Using liver of sulfur or other oxidizing agents on the surface

Answer

Applying high heat with a torch to darken the surface evenly

Answer

Tumbling with steel shot in a rotary tumbler

Answer

Buffing with a coarse tripoli compound to bring out natural oxidation

Question 4

What is the primary danger of over-polishing prong tips on a ring?

Accepted Answer

The prongs may become too thin and weak, risking loss of the gemstone

Answer

The prongs may become too bright, drawing attention away from the stone

Answer

The stone may be scratched by polishing compound during the process

Answer

The metal may permanently change color due to work hardening from the wheel

Question 5

Which abrasive tool is most effective for finishing the inside surface of a ring band?

Accepted Answer

A tapered spindle, split lap, or ring-inside tool sized to fit inside the band

Answer

A large flat lap wheel

Answer

A large muslin buff wheel

Answer

A wire brush wheel run at low speed

Question 6

What finishing process involves applying a chemical to darken recessed areas while leaving raised surfaces polished and bright?

Accepted Answer

Patination or selective oxidizing followed by polishing the high points

Answer

Electroplating with a contrasting metal

Answer

Laser surface texturing of the recessed areas

Answer

Acid etching to remove metal from the raised areas

Question 7

When polishing a piece that combines yellow gold and white gold elements, what is the recommended practice?

Accepted Answer

Polish each metal type separately with appropriate compounds and avoid cross-contamination

Answer

Polish all metals together with a coarse compound to create a uniform surface

Answer

Avoid polishing the yellow gold elements to preserve the contrast between the two metals

Answer

Apply rhodium plating over all surfaces before beginning the polishing process