Quality Assurance & Control Flashcards

Under the FTC Jewelry Guides, when must a gemstone treatment be disclosed?

Answer: When it is not permanent, needs special care, or significantly affects value

16 CFR Part 23 requires disclosure under any of these three conditions.

What is the most reliable way to confirm that a grading report belongs to the stone in hand?

Answer: Match the girdle laser inscription and verify the report number in the lab's online database

Matching the inscription and the lab's database record, together with weight and measurements, links the report to the specific stone.

Which care instruction is most important for a fracture-filled emerald?

Answer: Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners

Heat, vibration, and solvents can remove or damage fillers, so special care must be disclosed.

Before accepting a customer's stone for repair, what intake control best protects the business?

Answer: Record the weight, measurements, description, and photos, and get the customer's signature

Detailed intake documentation sets up chain of custody and prevents disputes over stone switching or damage.

Which term does the FTC allow for describing a synthetic ruby?

Answer: Laboratory-created ruby

Terms such as laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, or [manufacturer]-created must be stated clearly.

Two graders disagree on a diamond's clarity grade. What is the best QA response?

Answer: Have a third grader assess it blind, without seeing the earlier grades

An independent blind review reduces bias and gives a defensible consensus.

Beryllium diffusion in sapphire is usually confirmed by which method?

Answer: Advanced lab chemical analysis such as LA-ICP-MS

Beryllium is a light trace element that needs sophisticated lab instruments to detect.