Jewelry Design Jewelry Design 5 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'repoussé' in traditional metalsmithing?
- Etching designs into metal using acid
- Raising relief designs by pushing metal from the back (Correct answer)
- Inlaying contrasting metals into recessed areas
- Fusing granules of metal to a surface for decoration
Correct answer: Raising relief designs by pushing metal from the back
Repoussé is a technique where metal is worked from the reverse side using punches and hammers to create raised three-dimensional designs on the front.
Question 2: Which precious metal is most resistant to tarnish and corrosion and is used in fine jewelry for its durability?
- Sterling silver
- Platinum (Correct answer)
- White gold
- Palladium
Correct answer: Platinum
Platinum is extremely resistant to tarnish and corrosion, and its density and durability make it the most secure metal for holding precious gemstones.
Question 3: What is 'mokume-gane' in jewelry making?
- A Japanese laminated metal technique creating wood-grain patterns (Correct answer)
- A Korean method of applying enamel to cloisonné wire
- A Chinese technique of weaving gold and silver wires
- A Thai style of repoussé using bamboo punches
Correct answer: A Japanese laminated metal technique creating wood-grain patterns
Mokume-gane is a Japanese metalworking technique where layers of different metals are fused and manipulated to reveal swirling, wood-grain-like patterns.
Question 4: In gemstone grading, what does 'eye-clean' mean?
- A stone with no inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- A stone with no inclusions visible to the naked eye at normal distance (Correct answer)
- A stone that has been laser-cleaned by the cutter
- A stone with a clarity grade of VS2 or better
Correct answer: A stone with no inclusions visible to the naked eye at normal distance
Eye-clean describes a gemstone that appears free of inclusions and blemishes when viewed with the unaided eye at approximately 10â12 inches.
Question 5: Which finishing technique creates a matte, textured surface on metal jewelry using a wire brush?
- Burnishing
- Brushed or satin finish (Correct answer)
- Mirror polish
- Hammered texture
Correct answer: Brushed or satin finish
A brushed or satin finish is achieved by using a wire brush or abrasive pad in one direction, creating a fine-grained matte texture on the metal surface.
Question 6: What is the primary advantage of using a 'tube setting' for gemstones?
- It allows maximum light to enter the stone from all angles
- It provides strong protection for the stone with minimal prong risk (Correct answer)
- It is the least expensive setting to produce commercially
- It creates the largest visible table facet on the stone
Correct answer: It provides strong protection for the stone with minimal prong risk
A tube setting encases the stone's girdle in a precise metal tube, providing secure, even protection with no exposed prong tips that could snag or bend.
Question 7: In jewelry design, what is a 'findings'?
- Gemological reports issued by a certified lab
- Pre-made metal components like clasps, jump rings, and ear wires (Correct answer)
- The inventory list of stones available for setting
- Textural patterns etched onto metal backgrounds
Correct answer: Pre-made metal components like clasps, jump rings, and ear wires
Findings are commercially manufactured metal componentsâsuch as clasps, jump rings, ear wires, and pin backsâused to assemble or finish jewelry pieces.
Jewelry Design Jewelry Design 5
What is 'repoussé' in traditional metalsmithing?