The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to prepare jewellery designs. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with preparing jewellery designs or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading and interpreting information on specifications, design documentation, illustrations, design drawings and other applicable source documents

identifying purpose and needs, including design restraints, budget considerations, item end-use, proportions and desired features, available materials

checking and clarifying information

developing research/idea to sufficient level in order to determine customer expectations and/or design outcomes

evaluating abstract and applied concepts/data for use in a commercial environment

interpreting design concepts/drafts as appropriate for client/industry technician

collecting and collating data relevant to design

communicating concepts in terms suitable to relevant customer or other contacts e.g. engineer, master pattern maker

documenting and maintaining design process, features and design development notes

producing basic form drawings that accurately reflect design concept

using balance, proportion, highlights, shadowing, texturing effects appropriately

selecting technologies suitable for manufacture of item(s)

undertake numerical operations, geometry and calculations within the scope of the unit

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

design resources and where to locate them

research techniques and available resources

social trends, cultural/environmental/social context

relevant industry literature

existing designs, ethical and competitive considerations

applicable industry standards or regulations

brainstorming techniques for research/idea development

design principles including form, function, harmony, line definition (interpretive/actual)

drawing media and their functions/applications including paper, watercolour, pastel/ink/pencil

drawing tools and their functions/applications including stencils, rubbers etc.

design documentation

form drawing development

geometric forms and drawing techniques e.g. cones, cylinders, cube, rectangle, sphere etc. 3D concept, axis lines, conversion of 2D to 3D concepts, depth, perspective and scale (1,2,3 point)

enhancement techniques

available manufacturing technologies and their suitability for jewellery manufacture

types of working drawings and their uses

the inter-relation between technical and design drawings

industry requirements and availability of industry expertise

hazard and control measures associated with preparing jewellery designs

safe work practices

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Design requirements

Materials

Stone specifications

Special requirements

Size restrictions

Budgetary range

Design principles

Correct construction techniques employed

Construction limitations of materials

Drawing to scale for designs

Form, function, harmony, line definition (interpretive/actual)

Decorative aesthetics

Surface finishing such as sandblasting, polishing, electroplating