1

Prepare for gem setting

1.1

Identify and implement occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements for carrying out the tasks and for the work area

1.2

Plan gem setting procedure

1.3

Obtain and prepare equipment for the task and make modifications as required for work

1.4

Identify materials used in channel settings and their essential characteristics

1.5

Handle gem in a manner which ensures damage is prevented

1.6

Determine the characteristics and purpose of channel in setting gem material

2

Construct channel settings

2.1

Secure the item to be set in a manner which negates damage to the jewellery piece during the setting process

2.2

Check the thickness, width and length of the channel construction in regard to the gem dimension to be set

2.3

Prepare, lay out and cut the appropriate channel to suit the gem shape and number to be set

2.4

Cut the bearing by hand or with a burr and seat the gem in accordance with industry standards

2.5

Form the channel edge by hand or with an automatic hammer handpiece to secure the gem in the setting, including executing a bright cut on the inside edge of the channel

3

Finish work

3.1

Remove any securing compound and clean the jewellery piece for inspection

3.2

Ensure that jewellery piece meets quality standards

3.3

Complete workplace documentation

3.4

Clean up and maintain production environment and equipment according to enterprise procedures

Required skills

Required skills include:

selecting and preparing tools

identifying metals

identifying gem features

adjusting, sharpening and maintaining tools

preparing metals

securing gems

calculating required material size

securing the jewellery item to be set without inflicting damage

selecting the appropriate depth and spacing at which to cut the bearing on the inside of the channel wall

seating the gem level and straight in the channel that has been prepared

securing the gem by forming the channel wall over the gem

finishing the top of the channel to reflect industry standard

applying techniques for handling gem safely and minimising stress during setting processes

reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures and drawings

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

setting terminology

gem features and handling procedures

maintenance of tools

setting techniques, processes and procedures

working properties of gems

suitability of metal for carving and setting

essential characteristics of various styles of channel settings

various securing techniques for jewellery items to be set

safe operation all workshop equipment used

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, seat and set gems into channel style settings.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

implement OHS workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures

produce a channel setting reflective of industry standard

use the safety equipment provided appropriately

demonstrate safe working operations at all times

applying techniques for handling gems safely and minimising stress during setting processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment. Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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.

OHS requirements

OHS requirements may include:

legislation

personal protective equipment

material safety management systems

hazardous substances and dangerous goods code

local safe operation procedures

awards provisions

Materials used in channel settings

Materials may include:

gemstones

natural stones

modified and synthetics gems

gold

silver

platinum

cast and handmade alloys

faceted and cabochon cut gems in either calibrated or freeform shapes

Gem setting tools and equipment

Gem setting tools and equipment may include:

gravers

grinders

micro-motors

polishing machines

sharpening stones

setters wax/cement

jewellers burrs/drills

10X loupe or head set

emery paper

flat and half pliers

needle files

pocket knife

oil

workbench

blocks or dowels covered with setters cement

bench mate setters clamp

engravers vice

bench vice

hand held setters clamp

Environmental requirements

Environmental requirements may relate to:

liquid waste

solid waste

gas, fume, vapour, smoke emissions, including fugitive emissions, and dust

excessive energy and water use

excessive noise

Enterprise procedures

Enterprise procedures may include:

the use of tools and equipment

instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs

reporting and communication

manufacturer specifications

operational procedures