CBJ Quality Assurance and Improvement 4

Question 1

A client returns a ring complaining that the shank has thinned significantly after only two years of wear. What is the most likely quality failure?

Accepted Answer

The shank was cast or fabricated thinner than the minimum specification

Answer

The ring was polished too heavily before delivery

Answer

The client wore the ring during ultrasonic cleaning

Answer

The rhodium plating was too thick

Question 2

What does a 'nick' on a girdle edge of a gemstone indicate from a quality standpoint?

Accepted Answer

The stone was damaged during setting and may be prone to further chipping

Answer

The stone is a simulant, not a natural gem

Answer

The girdle was intentionally faceted at this point

Answer

The stone has a natural crystal inclusion near the surface

Question 3

Which measurement instrument is most appropriate for verifying the wall thickness of a tube setting?

Accepted Answer

A digital micrometer or caliper

Answer

A ring mandrel

Answer

A millimeter gauge ruler

Answer

A polariscope

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'control sample' or 'master sample' in a production jewelry quality system?

Accepted Answer

It serves as an example piece that all subsequent work is measured against

Answer

It is the first piece produced that is immediately destroyed for metallurgical testing

Answer

It is used exclusively for photography and marketing purposes

Answer

It represents the minimum acceptable quality that can be sold

Question 5

When inspecting chain links for quality, which defect would most likely cause the chain to break under normal wear?

Accepted Answer

Open or improperly closed solder joints on individual links

Answer

Links that are slightly oval instead of perfectly round

Answer

Minor variation in link wire gauge

Answer

Surface scratches along the outer edge of the links

Question 6

Which of the following practices best prevents cross-contamination of polishing compounds during the finishing process?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining separate buffs and compounds for each polishing stage, clearly labeled

Answer

Using a single buff for all polishing stages to maintain consistency

Answer

Switching buff direction between compounds

Answer

Cleaning buffs with a metal brush between uses without changing compound

Question 7

A bench jeweler discovers that a ring tests at 13-karat gold using an acid test kit, but it was invoiced as 14-karat. What is the appropriate quality action?

Accepted Answer

Flag the discrepancy and escalate for XRF or fire assay verification before sale

Answer

Re-test with a finer acid and accept if close enough

Answer

Apply 14K stamps and proceed with finishing

Answer

Polish the ring further since acid tests are not always accurate