Jewelry Design Metalworking and Fabrication Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the term for small spherical beads of metal fused to a metal surface as decoration, common in ancient jewelry?
- Granulation (Correct answer)
- Riveting
- Beading
- Embossing
Correct answer: Granulation
Granulation is an ancient surface decoration technique using tiny metal spheres fused to the surface without visible solder, mastered by Etruscan and Greek goldsmiths.
Question 2: Which alloy is typically used as solder in fine gold jewelry work?
- Sterling silver solder
- Gold solder of slightly lower karat (Correct answer)
- Lead-tin solder
- Platinum solder
Correct answer: Gold solder of slightly lower karat
Gold jewelry is soldered with gold solder of a slightly lower karat than the base metal so it flows at a lower temperature without compromising the piece's karat value.
Question 3: What technique involves hammering metal from the reverse side to create a raised design on the front?
- Engraving
- Chasing
- Repoussé (Correct answer)
- Stamping
Correct answer: Repoussé
Repoussé is the technique of hammering sheet metal from the reverse side to push it outward, creating three-dimensional raised relief designs.
Question 4: What is 'mokume-gane'?
- A Japanese mixed-metal laminating technique (Correct answer)
- A Korean gemstone setting style
- A Chinese wire-weaving method
- An Indian gold inlay process
Correct answer: A Japanese mixed-metal laminating technique
Mokume-gane is a traditional Japanese metalworking technique that bonds multiple layers of different metals to create wood-grain-like patterns revealed through carving and rolling.
Question 5: Which gauge system is most commonly used by US jewelers to measure wire and sheet metal thickness?
- Metric gauge
- Brown & Sharpe (AWG) (Correct answer)
- Birmingham Wire Gauge
- Imperial gauge
Correct answer: Brown & Sharpe (AWG)
The Brown & Sharpe gauge, also known as American Wire Gauge (AWG), is the standard gauge system used by jewelers in the United States.
Question 6: What is the purpose of 'pickling' metal in a jewelry workshop?
- Hardening the metal surface
- Removing oxides and flux residue after soldering (Correct answer)
- Adding color to the metal
- Preparing the metal for plating
Correct answer: Removing oxides and flux residue after soldering
Pickling uses a mild acid solution to remove the oxidized scale and flux residue that forms on metal during soldering, restoring a clean surface.
Jewelry Design Metalworking and Fabrication Techniques 2
What is the term for small spherical beads of metal fused to a metal surface as decoration, common in ancient jewelry?