Jewelry Design Gemstones and Precious Stones

Question 1

Which gemstone hardness scale is universally used in jewelry to rate scratch resistance?

Accepted Answer

Mohs Scale

Answer

The Mohs Scale rates mineral hardness from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond) and is the standard reference in gemology and jewelry.

Question 2

What is the term for the weight unit used to measure gemstones?

Accepted Answer

Carat

Answer

A carat equals 0.2 grams and is the standard unit for measuring the weight of gemstones in the jewelry industry.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a variety of corundum?

Accepted Answer

Emerald

Answer

Emerald is a variety of beryl, while ruby, sapphire, and padparadscha are all varieties of the mineral corundum.

Question 4

What optical phenomenon causes a star-shaped light pattern in certain gems like star sapphires?

Accepted Answer

Asterism

Answer

Asterism is the optical effect caused by needle-like inclusions that reflect light into a star pattern, seen in star sapphires and star rubies.

Question 5

Which treatment is most commonly applied to emeralds to improve their clarity?

Accepted Answer

Oil or resin filling

Answer

Emeralds are routinely filled with cedar oil or synthetic resin to reduce the visibility of surface-reaching fractures, a widely accepted trade practice.

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Gemstones and Precious Stones