Experiment with properties of common precious metals and alloys used in jewellery or silversmithing

URN: CCSJ24
Business Sectors (Suites): Jewellery Manufacture, Silversmithing and Allied Trades
Developed by: Creative & Cultural Skills
Approved on: 14 Aug 2015

Overview

​This standard covers the skills to identify and understand the properties and characteristics of the types of manufacturing materials commonly used in jewellery manufacturing and silversmithing. You will prepare materials and experiment with specialist techniques on a range of precious metals and alloys and record your findings.​


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. research the commonly used precious metals and alloys in jewellery and silversmithing in line with the project needs and industry best practice
  2. review the basic properties of commonly used metal alloys in line with the project needs and industry best practice
  3. prepare the materials for jewellery and metalwork in line with workplace instructions
  4. experiment with specialist techniques using a range of precious metals and alloys for jewellery and metalworking in line with the project needs and industry best practice
  5. record lessons learnt from experimentation to improve future practice in line with own professional development needs
  6. use safe working practices in line with health and safety practice

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. terminology used by the jewellery and silversmithing industry
  2. properties of metal allow when worked with and when worn
  3. principles of hallmarking
  4. where to find information about most common precious metals and alloys
  5. safe ways of experimenting with specialist techniques and materials including how to read a risk assessment
  6. best practice in the use for precious metals and alloys in chosen jewellery industry
  7. different ways to prepare materials
  8. what format to record findings
  9. how to assess own professional development
  10. common ferrous and non-ferrous alloys
  11. the properties of jewellery and silversmith manufacturing materials
  12. the characteristics of  jewellery and silversmith manufacturing materials such as aesthetic qualities, ease of working, strengths and weaknesses, and quality of finishes 

Scope/range

​1.         Basic properties of the following metals:


    1. gold
    2. silver
    3. platinum
    4. palladium


2.         Types of instructions:


    1. verbal
    2. written
    3. drawings 


3.        Properties of jewellery and silversmithing can include:


    1. strength
    2. toughness
    3. ductility
    4. malleability
    5. weight
    6. surface treatment
    7. construction
    8. section thickness
    9. hardness​



4.         Specialist techniques can include:


    1. cutting
    2. shaping
    3. forming
    4. laminating
    5. forging
    6. lost wax casting
    7. stone setting
    8. surface decoration (hammering, engraving, acid etching, patination, reticulation, sand blasting, enamelling)
    9. construction and assembling (soldering, welding, riveting)


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

14 Aug 2018

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Creative & Cultural Skills

Original URN

CCSJ2.4

Relevant Occupations

Design Associate Professionals, Skilled Trades NEC

SOC Code

5449

Keywords

Jewellery; design; technique; product; materials; properties; alloys; precious metals; silversmithing