Risk Assessment & Mitigation Flashcards

What is the most effective workspace setup to mitigate the risk of dropping and losing a diamond during grading?

Answer: Working over a padded, velvet-lined surface with a raised edge

A padded velvet surface cushions any falls and prevents diamonds from rolling or bouncing off the work area.

Which security measure most effectively reduces the risk of internal theft of high-value diamonds in a grading laboratory?

Answer: Requiring dual control—two-person verification for high-value stones

Dual control ensures no single employee has unsupervised access to high-value inventory, creating mutual accountability.

What physical risk does ultrasonic cleaning pose to certain diamonds?

Answer: It can extend or worsen existing fractures and feathers

High-frequency ultrasonic vibration can propagate existing fractures, particularly cleavages and feathers, causing sudden breakage.

When transporting diamonds between facilities, which method best mitigates transit risk?

Answer: Using bonded, insured courier services with full tracking

Bonded couriers provide insurance coverage and a documented chain of custody, offering both financial protection and accountability.

What risk is associated with exposing a fracture-filled diamond to the intense heat of jewelry repair?

Answer: Melting or vaporization of the glass filler, destroying the clarity enhancement

The glass or resin used in fracture filling has a much lower melting point than diamond, so heat from soldering or casting destroys the treatment.

Which girdle characteristic creates the highest risk of chipping a diamond during setting or removal?

Answer: A Thin to Very Thin girdle

Thin and Very Thin girdles have minimal material at the stone's widest point, making them highly susceptible to chipping under setting pressure.

What is the primary security risk of using an unsecured wireless network in a diamond grading laboratory?

Answer: Unauthorized access to client records, inventory data, and financial information

Unsecured Wi-Fi exposes the lab's client submissions, stone valuations, and financial records to interception by unauthorized parties.