CBJ Skills and Expertise 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When sizing a ring down using the cut-and-weld method, where should the jeweler make the cut?
- At the top of the shank near the setting
- At the bottom of the shank (Correct answer)
- Directly behind one of the prongs
- At the solder seam from a previous repair
Correct answer: At the bottom of the shank
The cut is made at the bottom of the shank to preserve symmetry and keep any solder seam away from visible areas.
Question 2: Which torch tip size is most appropriate for soldering a delicate platinum grain-set band?
- A large bushy tip for broad heat distribution
- A fine tip for precise, controlled heat (Correct answer)
- A medium tip for balanced heat
- Tip size does not matter for platinum work
Correct answer: A fine tip for precise, controlled heat
A fine tip delivers precise, controlled heat to the small work area without overheating adjacent grain-set stones.
Question 3: A customer's yellow gold chain has a broken link. Which repair technique restores the most strength to the link?
- Applying epoxy adhesive to the break
- Fusing the link with laser welding and filing flush (Correct answer)
- Wrapping the break with fine wire
- Replacing the entire chain rather than repairing it
Correct answer: Fusing the link with laser welding and filing flush
Laser welding fuses the metal at the break point and filing it flush restores both strength and appearance.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a flex shaft machine in a jewelry bench setting?
- Melting metal for casting
- Driving rotary tools for grinding, drilling, and polishing (Correct answer)
- Measuring gemstone dimensions precisely
- Applying chemical patinas to metal surfaces
Correct answer: Driving rotary tools for grinding, drilling, and polishing
A flex shaft machine powers rotary handpieces used for grinding, drilling, engraving, and polishing tasks at the bench.
Question 5: When tightening a loose prong on a pavé-set ring, which tool minimizes the risk of chipping the small stones?
- A burnisher
- A pointed graver
- A pair of flat-nose pliers
- A prong pusher with a polished cup tip (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A prong pusher with a polished cup tip
A prong pusher with a polished cup tip provides controlled pressure over the prong tip, reducing chip risk on small pavé stones.
Question 6: Which alloy characteristic makes white gold more prone to cracking during cold working than yellow gold?
- Higher gold content
- Nickel or palladium alloying metals reduce ductility (Correct answer)
- White gold has a lower melting point
- White gold lacks any work-hardening ability
Correct answer: Nickel or palladium alloying metals reduce ductility
Nickel and palladium used to decolorize gold reduce its ductility, making white gold more susceptible to cracking during cold working.
Question 7: A bench jeweler needs to open a jump ring cleanly without distorting it. What is the correct motion?
- Pull the two ends apart in a straight line
- Twist one end forward and one end backward in opposite directions (Correct answer)
- Bend both ends outward symmetrically
- Rotate the entire ring in a circular motion
Correct answer: Twist one end forward and one end backward in opposite directions
Twisting the ends in opposite directions (front-to-back) opens the ring without distorting its circular shape, allowing it to close cleanly.
CBJ Skills and Expertise 2
When sizing a ring down using the cut-and-weld method, where should the jeweler make the cut?