DCA Advanced Jewelry Repair & Design Techniques 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of annealing metal during jewelry fabrication?

Accepted Answer

To relieve work-hardening stress and restore malleability

Answer

Annealing heats metal to a specific temperature and allows it to cool slowly, relieving internal stresses caused by working and restoring ductility.

Question 2

A customer's white gold ring has turned slightly yellow after years of wear. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The rhodium plating has worn away, revealing the yellow gold alloy beneath

Answer

White gold is naturally slightly yellow; rhodium plating gives it a bright white appearance, but plating wears over time, exposing the underlying alloy.

Question 3

Which flux type is most appropriate when soldering sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Borax-based paste flux

Answer

Borax-based paste flux prevents oxidation on sterling silver during soldering and promotes clean solder flow.

Question 4

When sizing a ring up using the stretching method rather than adding metal, the jeweler must be aware that:

Accepted Answer

The shank will become thinner as it is stretched

Answer

Stretching a ring on a mandrel increases diameter but thins and weakens the shank metal, which limits how much stretching is advisable.

Question 5

In electroforming, what is the role of the mandrel?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the form over which metal is electroplated to create the hollow structure

Answer

In electroforming, metal ions are deposited over a mandrel (often wax or other removable material) which is later removed to leave a hollow metal shell.

(DCA) Certified Diamond Council of America Diamond Specialist Practice Test

(DCA) Certified Diamond Council of America Diamond Specialist Practice Test

DCA Advanced Jewelry Repair & Design Techniques 3