CBJ Practice and Application 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When preparing a ring shank for sizing, a jeweler notices prior solder joints along the shank. The safest approach is to:
- Identify all existing solder and plan cuts and new soldering to avoid re-flowing them (Correct answer)
- Apply maximum heat quickly so all old solder re-flows at once
- Grind out all old solder seams before proceeding
- Ignore the old joints and proceed with standard sizing technique
Correct answer: Identify all existing solder and plan cuts and new soldering to avoid re-flowing them
Mapping existing joints allows the jeweler to control heat and avoid accidentally opening old seams during the new soldering operation.
Question 2: A jeweler is setting a row of channel-set princess-cut stones and notices one stone is slightly smaller than the rest. The correct response is to:
- Replace the undersized stone with one that matches the specified calibrated size (Correct answer)
- Build up the channel wall with solder on that section
- Use a larger prong tip to compensate for the smaller girdle
- Set the undersized stone first and adjust the channel to fit
Correct answer: Replace the undersized stone with one that matches the specified calibrated size
Consistent calibrated stones are required for channel settings to ensure uniform tension and appearance across the row.
Question 3: What is the purpose of using binding wire when soldering multiple components simultaneously?
- To hold parts in precise alignment so they do not shift when solder flows (Correct answer)
- To conduct heat evenly across the entire piece
- To prevent flux from flowing onto unwanted areas
- To mask areas that should not be soldered
Correct answer: To hold parts in precise alignment so they do not shift when solder flows
Binding wire keeps components in correct position throughout the heating cycle so solder flows into properly aligned joints.
Question 4: A customer's emerald ring needs re-tipping on one prong. Because emerald is a heat-sensitive stone, the jeweler should:
- Remove the stone before soldering and reset it after the repair cools (Correct answer)
- Use a wet cotton barrier to protect the stone while laser welding the prong
- Apply heat-sink paste around the stone and proceed with torch soldering
- Advise the customer no repair is possible due to stone fragility
Correct answer: Remove the stone before soldering and reset it after the repair cools
Removing heat-sensitive stones before any soldering is the safest protocol and eliminates all risk of thermal shock damage.
Question 5: When using a rolling mill to reduce metal sheet thickness, the correct procedure for each pass is to:
- Reduce roller gap by a small, consistent increment per pass and anneal as needed (Correct answer)
- Set the final target thickness on the first pass for efficiency
- Alternate rolling direction 180 degrees each pass without annealing
- Apply lubricating oil directly to the rollers before each pass
Correct answer: Reduce roller gap by a small, consistent increment per pass and anneal as needed
Gradual reductions in small increments prevent stress cracking and extend the life of both the metal and the rolling mill.
Question 6: A jeweler is asked to apply a matte finish to one half of a ring and a high polish to the other half. The correct sequence is to:
- Achieve the high polish first, then apply the matte finish to the designated area (Correct answer)
- Apply the matte texture first, then high polish the designated area last
- Apply both finishes simultaneously using a split buff
- Matte finish first on both halves, then selectively polish half
Correct answer: Achieve the high polish first, then apply the matte finish to the designated area
Completing the high polish first and then applying the matte texture prevents polishing compounds from contaminating the matte surface.
Question 7: A vintage brooch is brought in for repair with an unknown white metal component. Before soldering, the jeweler should:
- Test the metal to identify whether it is silver, white gold, or a base metal before applying heat (Correct answer)
- Apply silver solder as a universal solution for all white metals
- Polish the metal surface and proceed with medium-temperature solder
- Assume it is sterling silver and solder at standard silver temperatures
Correct answer: Test the metal to identify whether it is silver, white gold, or a base metal before applying heat
Pot metal, pewter, and other base white alloys melt at much lower temperatures than silver or white gold and will be destroyed by standard soldering heat.
CBJ Practice and Application 5
When preparing a ring shank for sizing, a jeweler notices prior solder joints along the shank.
The safest approach is to: