Jewelry Design Jewelry Business and Professional Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What certification is offered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for gemologists?
- CGA — Certified Gemstone Appraiser
- GG — Graduate Gemologist (Correct answer)
- FGA — Fellow of the Gemmological Association
- CGS — Certified Gem Specialist
Correct answer: GG — Graduate Gemologist
The GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) designation is the most internationally recognized gemology credential, covering gem identification, grading, and diamond quality assessment.
Question 2: What does 'sterling silver' mean in the US jewelry market?
- 100% pure silver
- 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper) (Correct answer)
- 80% silver and 20% copper
- 95% silver, the European standard
Correct answer: 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper)
Sterling silver is a standard alloy of 92.5% silver (925 parts per thousand) and 7.5% other metals—usually copper—stamped '.925' to indicate this purity.
Question 3: In the US jewelry trade, what does 'vermeil' refer to?
- A type of synthetic ruby
- Gold-plated sterling silver meeting FTC minimum thickness requirements (Correct answer)
- A French term for any gold-colored jewelry
- An antique gilding technique using mercury
Correct answer: Gold-plated sterling silver meeting FTC minimum thickness requirements
Under FTC guidelines, vermeil is sterling silver electroplated with at least 10-karat gold to a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns, offering better quality than standard gold-plated brass.
Question 4: What document does the GIA issue after scientifically analyzing a diamond's quality characteristics?
- Gem Certificate
- Diamond Grading Report (Correct answer)
- Assay Certificate
- Valuation Report
Correct answer: Diamond Grading Report
The GIA Diamond Grading Report (often called a 'GIA certificate') is a scientific assessment documenting a diamond's four Cs, measurements, and additional characteristics.
Question 5: What is 'consignment' in the jewelry retail context?
- Buying jewelry at wholesale and selling at retail
- A designer supplying jewelry to a retailer who pays only after items sell (Correct answer)
- A type of trade-in arrangement for estate jewelry
- A layaway plan for high-value pieces
Correct answer: A designer supplying jewelry to a retailer who pays only after items sell
Consignment means the jewelry designer or supplier places goods with a retailer who displays and sells the items, with the supplier paid only upon sale and unsold items returned.
Question 6: What is the 'Kimberley Process Certification Scheme' in the diamond industry?
- A gemological grading standard for colored stones
- An international certification system to prevent trade in conflict diamonds (Correct answer)
- A US government quality control program for imported gems
- A GIA certification for mine-of-origin diamond tracing
Correct answer: An international certification system to prevent trade in conflict diamonds
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme established in 2003 to prevent 'conflict diamonds' (used to finance rebel wars) from entering legitimate diamond markets.
Jewelry Design Jewelry Business and Professional Practices 2
What certification is offered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for gemologists?