Jewelry Design Jewelry 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between 'white gold' and platinum in jewelry?
- They are identical metals with different names
- White gold is yellow gold alloyed and plated; platinum is a distinct element that is naturally white (Correct answer)
- Platinum is an alloy while white gold is a pure metal
- White gold is heavier and more durable than platinum
Correct answer: White gold is yellow gold alloyed and plated; platinum is a distinct element that is naturally white
White gold is yellow gold alloyed with white metals and rhodium-plated, while platinum is a naturally white precious metal that is denser and more durable.
Question 2: Which soldering technique uses the lowest temperature filler metal and is NOT recommended for fine jewelry joints?
- Hard soldering
- Medium soldering
- Easy soldering
- Soft/lead soldering (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Soft/lead soldering
Soft (lead/tin) soldering uses low-temperature alloys that create weak joints not suitable for fine jewelry, and can contaminate precious metals.
Question 3: A customer wants a ring that will resist scratching over decades of daily wear. Which metal should you recommend?
- Fine silver
- 10k yellow gold
- Platinum (Correct answer)
- Brass
Correct answer: Platinum
Platinum is the most scratch-resistant precious metal and develops a patina rather than losing material when scratched, making it ideal for heirloom pieces.
Question 4: What does 'GIA' stand for in the context of jewelry and gemstones?
- Gold Industry Association
- Gemological Institute of America (Correct answer)
- Gem Identification Authority
- Grading Institute of America
Correct answer: Gemological Institute of America
The Gemological Institute of America is the world's foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls, and created the 4Cs grading system.
Question 5: Which of the following describes the 'bezel setting' technique?
- Multiple prongs grip the stone from above
- A metal rim completely surrounds and secures the stone's girdle (Correct answer)
- The stone sits in a drilled hole with no visible metal
- Tiny beads of metal are raised to hold the stone
Correct answer: A metal rim completely surrounds and secures the stone's girdle
A bezel setting encircles the stone with a custom-fit metal collar that is pressed down over the girdle to secure it.
Question 6: In jewelry design, what is 'chasing'?
- A technique of cutting away metal to create patterns from behind
- A surface decoration technique using blunt tools to push metal into designs from the front (Correct answer)
- The process of soldering two metals together
- A method of electroplating one metal onto another
Correct answer: A surface decoration technique using blunt tools to push metal into designs from the front
Chasing uses blunt tools to push and shape metal from the front surface, creating decorative raised or recessed patterns.
Question 7: What is the significance of the hallmark '925' stamped on silver jewelry?
- The jewelry was made in 1925
- The piece is 92.5% pure silver (sterling silver) (Correct answer)
- The item weighs 925 grams
- The jewelry passed 925 quality inspections
Correct answer: The piece is 92.5% pure silver (sterling silver)
The 925 hallmark certifies that the piece contains 92.5% pure silver, meeting the international standard for sterling silver.
Jewelry Design Jewelry 3
What is the difference between 'white gold' and platinum in jewelry?