Jewelry Design Jewelry 5

Question 1

What is the primary difference between 'cloisonné' and 'champlevé' enamel techniques?

Accepted Answer

Cloisonné uses wire cells to contain enamel; champlevé uses recesses carved into the metal

Answer

Cloisonné builds compartments using thin wire soldered to a base, while champlevé carves or etches recesses directly into the metal before filling with enamel.

Question 2

A designer wants to create a piece with a matte, non-reflective finish on silver. Which finishing technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Sandblasting or brushing with a wire wheel

Answer

Sandblasting or wire brushing creates a uniform matte texture by abrading the surface, scattering light rather than reflecting it.

Question 3

What does 'vermeil' describe in the context of fine jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Gold-plated sterling silver meeting specific thickness requirements

Answer

Vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is sterling silver electroplated with at least 2.5 microns of gold, regulated by the FTC for marketing claims.

Question 4

Which chain style is the strongest and most resistant to kinking or breaking?

Accepted Answer

Rope chain

Answer

Rope chains consist of twisted oval links that distribute stress along the full length, making them highly resistant to breakage from pulling or kinking.

Question 5

In jewelry design, what is 'granulation'?

Accepted Answer

A decorative technique attaching tiny metal spheres to a surface without solder

Answer

Granulation is an ancient technique of bonding minute metal spheres to a metal surface using a copper-based fusion process instead of traditional solder.

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Jewelry 5