Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...
- Identify the tools and supplies needed to establish a jeweler's bench and perform successful repairs
- Identify the properties of precious metals, how to weigh the amount of precious metal in an alloy, and how to calculate value
- Design a pattern following appropriate design elements, and from raw materials create clean, well-formed and finished monogrammed jewelry including a bail
- Solder jewelry parts by choosing the correct torch, fuel, solder, flux, and flame for a particular job, and utilizing the proper soldering methods
- Enlarge or shrink rings by using a mandrel, adding an insert, or removing a piece of the ring to preserve the ring's design and roundness
- Comprehend how to cut and bend individual links and jump rings from raw materials
- Comprehend how to make a wax model by carving or casting in a rubber mold, mix and cure investment, burn off the wax model, and fill a cast with molten metal using the gravity pour, vacuum, or centrifugal casting processes
- Comprehend business and sales models used in the jewelry industry, the pricing structure of keystoning, and methods of work distribution and work flow
- Identify the chemical composition and characteristics of some common gemstones and the factors that contribute to their market value
- Demonstrate procedures for performing quality repairs on common items such as metal chains, quartz watches, and pearl necklaces, and the standards for pricing the work performed
- Build a sterling silver bezel-set ring by hand from raw materials
- Size, cut, and solder a 3-layer ring band, measure and place prong settings, and mount gemstones into the prongs