Jewellery, silversmithing, and allied trades professional

Knowledge and Understanding (Know it)

• Relevant H & S legislation related to their role and that of the wider workplace.
• The systems, processes and organisational procedures used to ensure compliance with H & S and other relevant legislation.

• Demonstrate the application of H & S, COSHH and other policies within the workplace.
• Demonstrate an understanding of workplace hazards and other areas of legislative non-compliance and how these can be addressed.

• The purpose and use of different hand tools and equipment.
• The maintenance of hand tools and equipment.
• How to purchase hand tools and equipment.

• Select and utilise tools and equipment to achieve the desired finish/outcome.
• Maintain the effectiveness of hand tools and rectify any defects should these arise.
• Purchase or order appropriate tools and equipment.

• The purpose and use of different powered plant and equipment.
• The maintenance of powered plant and equipment.
• How to purchase powered plant and equipment.

•  Select and utilise the correct powered plant or equipment for the task to achieve the desired finish/outcome.
• Maintain the effectiveness of the powered plant and/or equipment; and rectify defects and damage.

• How to read working drawings and specifications, including industry standard descriptions and symbols used to describe processes and finishes
• How to measure, interpret size and scale.
• How to communicate design requirements to colleagues and clients.
• The limitations of different design approaches.

• Translate designs into physical items from working drawings to a specification.
• Identify the material required to produce an item based upon a given specification.
• Communicate requirements of the design to colleagues using industry standard language.

• Where different materials used in manufacture are sourced from
• The organisational procedures to follow when obtaining materials
• The physical properties and limitations of different materials used and their relative financial value.
• Alternative materials that may be used/substituted.
• The importance of reducing waste and the methods used for managing it.

• Select the correct quantity of material for the task as specified within the design and specification and in accordance with organisational procedures
• Identify alternative materials that could be substituted.
• Organise and implement the production process to minimise waste.
• Demonstrate a wider understanding of waste management within the workplace.

• The importance of working to tolerances against the original design/specification.
• The importance of self-reflection to assist with the development of skills.

• Select and utilise tools to measure tolerances and accuracy throughout the production process.
• Implement actions to improve the finish/accuracy of the item.

• The industry specific terminology used to describe materials, processes and finishes
• The roles of differing team members within the organisation and an understanding of how their own work relies upon and impact on the work of others
• The different skill sets available within the organisation and those services that are outsourced to other individuals and organisations
• The organisational methods used to communicate with customers

• Communicate with colleagues and other individuals involved in the manufacturing process in a manner that is clear, indicates understanding of the desired outcome and which promotes teamwork.
• Communicate with the customer different options that may be possible to produce the item

• How customer requirements can be identified.
• How different techniques, processes and finishes can be communicated to customers.
• How work can be accurately priced.
• Where information regarding new and emerging techniques and materials can be sought.

• Translate customer requirements.
• Communicate the various techniques, processes and finishes related to the item(s)

• The organisational procedures which ensure the security of materials, work in progress, employees and the general public.

• Follows procedures to promotes their own security and that of colleagues and the organisation.
• Takes action to recognise and mitigate risks

Knowledge and Understanding

 (Know it)

• Different shaping and forming techniques that may be utilised.
• Different tools and equipment that may be used for the task.
• Process and purpose of annealing metal when shaping and forming materials.
• Removal of oxides, etc. from the item during processing.

• Demonstrate the processes required to shape a piece of silverware from a given design, including the tools and equipment that would be required.
• Demonstrate annealing process to shape and form metals.
• Maintain an effective working environment.

• Different processes used to join items.
• How the different properties of metals impact on the method used to join them.
• How to support and hold work during the joining process.

• Demonstrate the use of suitable joining techniques in the successful completion of the task.
• Demonstrate an understanding of different types of solder and related fluxes.
• Demonstrate an understanding around the use of jigs, binding wire, “stiches” and other fixtures used when soldering.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the use of safety pickle and oxide prevention techniques and materials

• Different finishes that can be applied to silverware.
• How surfaces should be prepared prior to polishing and finishing.
• The use of plating and patination
• How different finishes can be achieved.
• The principle of part polishing when assembling an item.
• The importance of cleaning the item prior to and after polishing.

• Use abrasives, papers, powders and blocks to prepare items for polishing and finishing.
• Demonstrate a range of polishing and finishing techniques
• Use lathe, and/or other suitable equipment to polish work to the required standard.
• Post-process work to a commercial standard.

Knowledge and Understanding

 (Know it)

• The various moulding making materials used by the industry and their application.
• The limitations of different mould making materials,
• The mould making and cutting process related to each material.

• Demonstrate a range of relevant mould making skills to the required standard.
• Demonstrate relevant cutting techniques.
• Checks that moulds are free from defects.

• The types of wax pot that may be employed, both manual and automated.
• The working temperature and pressure of molten wax.
• The removal of wax patterns from moulds avoiding damage or deformation.
• The identification and prevention of defects that could affect the viability of the wax pattern.

• Inject rubber mould with wax to a consistent standard and remove from mould
• Check on the quality to ensure that the wax pattern is free from defects
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area

• The tools required to build wax trees.
• The basic principles of metal flow, solidification and spruing.
• How wax patterns are assembled

• Create a functional wax tree ready for investing.

• The stages of the investment process.
• The importance of the burnout cycle in the investment process
• The operation of the furnace

• Prepare machinery for the investment process.
• Mix the investment material and invest the mould within its flask    
• Load, program and run the furnace for casting.

• The various casting processes and their appropriate application to different metals.
• The use and purpose of cloaking gases, over-pressure and vacuum when applied to casting processes.
• The temperature and casting cycles that should be applied.
• The processes needed to ensure that casts are fully formed
• Identifying common defects and how to rectify them.

• Calculate the volume of metal required to successfully fill a given flask.
• Prepare metal and machinery for casting and cast metal into flasks.

• The purpose process for quenching.
• The post-processing of flasks including the removal of investment by jet washing.
• Techniques and tools required to remove the finished castings from the central sprue or tree.

• Quench flasks and remove the investment using appropriate equipment.
• Remove casting from trees using appropriate equipment.

Knowledge and Understanding

 (Know it)

• The different types of stone setting used in the industry.
• The tools and techniques required to successfully complete the task including those used for marking out, the use of burrs, drills and frazes.
• The different levels of hardness of different stone types and its impact on the type of setting used

• Select the correct setting technique suitable for the type and hardness of the stone(s) being used
• Prepare the item for setting by marking out and/or opening out the item to be set to accommodate the precious gems.

• How to create bearers and grains using the appropriate tools including scorpers and gravers.

• Demonstrate a range of techniques to create bearers or grains prior to setting the piece

• The correct process for setting stones using pushers, burnishers, etc.
• The correct process for removing stones using the appropriate equipment.

• Demonstrate a range of setting processes using the correct techniques.
• Demonstrate the successful removal of precious gems using the correct techniques.

• The process for finishing items once these are set.
• The use of burnishers to deburr items post-setting.

• Complete post-processing of set items to a standard that meets the requirement of the employer.

Knowledge and Understanding

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Skills

(Show it)

• How to measure dimensions accurately.
• How to transfer the design to the item and mark out.

• Use dividers and calliper and measuring gauges for marking out.
• Use measuring devises to attain correct dimensions.

• How to translate the design onto materials.
• How designs can be measured and marked out on materials and the different tools that can be used.
• The terminology used within working drawings in stone mounting activities.

• Select and use appropriate measuring and marking equipment.
• Transfer the design and drawing requirements to metal.
• Mark out positions on material for cutting, shaping and drilling to the required specification.
• Cut and shape material to the specifications set out in the design.

• The properties of different materials used in the production of jewellery.
• The different melting points of non-ferrous metals and precious metals.
• The ductility and malleability of the metals used.
• The required level of metal surface finishing required prior to final polishing.

• Select the correct metal and fineness to produce the required item.
• Task is completed without damage to the surface.
• Material is used economically, producing as little waste as possible.
• Achieve an acceptable surface level finish on precious metals.
• Ensure that the mount is adequately prepared for setting.

Knowledge and Understanding

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Skills

(Show it)

• Know the various types of letter forms and layouts for inscriptions and monograms.
• Know about the key differences between repair, restoration, conservation and reconstruction.
• How associated crafts (e.g. silversmithing, enamelling, metal spinning, polishing, stone mounting etc), impact on the completion of the engraved work.

• Mark out and measure materials for engraving.
• Lay out scroll work and ornamental patterns.
• Produce engraved surfaces using a range of materials, designs, surface types, standard and advanced techniques (including cutting, seal engraving, carving, piercing, inlay and overlay).
• Apply designs using hand or machine-based processes.

• How customer requirements can be identified.
• How different engraving techniques and finishes can be communicated to customers.
• How work can be accurately priced.
• Where information regarding new and emerging engraving techniques can be sought.

• Translate customer requirements.
• Effectively communicate the various techniques surrounding engraving.

• The process of repairing engraved items damaged during the engraving process.

• Implement repair techniques including the use of burnishers, etc.

Knowledge and Understanding

 (Know it)

Skills

(Show it)

• The appropriate chemicals to use to prepare the specific metal to be enamelled.

• Follow correct safe handling processes for use of chemicals.
• Clean and prepare the surface ready to enamel.

• The methods of preparing the enamel prior to application.
• How the grade of the enamel can be assessed.

• Grind and wash the enamel to the required grade.
• Dry the enamel ready for application if using dry sifting technique.

• How wet lay enamel should be applied.
• How dust enamel should be applied.
• How enamel can be reworked prior to firing.

• Grind enamel in purified water for applying wet enamel onto the product as per design requirements.
• Apply wet enamel onto the product as per design requirements.
• Dust the enamel onto the product to the correct level ready for firing.

• The different firing methods suitable for enamelling purposes including gas torch, batch, firing in electric kiln, firing in an electric conveyor furnace.

• Select the appropriate method of firing the product.
• Set kiln to the correct temperature for vitrifying the enamel.

• The finishing methods that may be applied to enamelled products.
• Spotting and identifying errors in enamelling.
• How defects can be corrected.

• Produce the surface required including matt, shiny or satin finishes.
• Finish the enamel to the required surface effect.
• Correct pin holes, surface dirt and cracks.

Knowledge and Understanding

 (Know it)

Skills

(Show it)

• How surfaces can be cleaned and prepared correctly
• The correct sequences for removing fire stain, preliminary abrasive polishing, pickling, barrelling, finishing, chemical stripping, bright polishing and finishing.

• Apply the appropriate pre-polishing processes

• The differing polishing materials that may be used.
• The appropriate hand or machine polishing processes to achieve required finishes.
• The properties associated with differing polishing materials.
• How to specify the use of specific compounds including abrasive, polishing, finishing and matting.

• Produce a commercially acceptable finish on completed work.
• Finish work using a range of equipment, compounds and chemicals.
• Polish and finish work made from a range of materials.

Utilise appropriate tools and machinery

• How to specify the use of polishing tools and equipment including mops, felt bobs, brushes and composition wheels.
• How to specify the use of polishing equipment including hand and machine polishing.
• How tools should be prepared.
• The function of materials used in barrel polishing.

• Select the appropriate hand or machine polishing tools, equipment and machinery.
• Prepare and dress mops and bobs.
• Select and use appropriate polishing media.

• How to appropriately use ultra sonic cleaner and chemicals.
• The use of different drying methods in the polishing processes.
• How plating equipment should be used.
• How to measure the micron thickness of the product used when plating.

• Prepare and use ultra sonic cleaner and solution.
• Prepare and use plating equipment.
• Apply drying methods within the polishing process.

Knowledge and Understanding

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Skills

(Show it)

• How to read a working drawing, industry standard terminology and descriptors around finishes, etc.
• How to communicate with the designer to ensure that the CAD design is optimal.
• How to interpret what the designer is seeking to achieve

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to read technical drawings and specifications.
• Work effectively with colleagues to ensure that CAD designs are fit for purpose and reflective of the design intent.

• The functional and practical aspects and nature of materials needed to produce differing designs including weights and thicknesses
• The importance of accurate measurement of existing components
• The importance of accurate measurement of existing components, e.g. stones
• How to assess the practicality of a design in regard to its production

• Develop production drawings and specifications which take account of the manufacturing processes being used and the properties of the material selected.
• Assess the functionality and practicality of the design

• Relevant industry specific software packages.
• The differences between 2D, 2.5D and 3D software programmes.
• The use of component libraries and other software tools that support effective design and production.
• How to create forms and shapes relevant to the trade specialisation.
• The different forms of output e.g. machining files, SLA, STL., etc.

• Selecting the correct software tools to achieve the required outcome.
• Demonstrate the use of rendering packages for presentation purposes.

• How parts can be produced using CAD and CAM processes
• The range of materials that are available and suitable for CAM processing.
• The role of support materials and supports in the CAM process.
• The limitations, strengths and weaknesses of the available CAM solutions.

• Create appropriate files for CAM usage.
• Check that CAM parts have adequate supports and that the model is orientated correctly to ensure an optimal outcome.
• Demonstrate the application of an appropriate CAM and CNC processes.

• The post-processing of CAM models
• Why models may require curing and the different methods by which this can be achieved.

• Check on the successful curing of 3D printed resin models.
• Produce post-process models.
• Remove support and build lines in preparation for casting

• How to assess the design is to scale and meets the requirements of the design.
• The impact that shrinkage, warping and fitting can have on items produced
• How the design can be adjusted to take account of shrinkage and warping.

• Utilise software to address issues of shrinkage, etc.
• Use measuring equipment to assess whether the item has been built to acceptable tolerances and to scale 

• The protocols for storage and security of data and intellectual property

• Apply organisational protocols around data storage, file naming and security.

Knowledge and Understanding

 (Know it)

• Different types of stones used within the jewellery and creative industries, including precious and semi-precious
• Fundamentals of gemmology and how stones are created
• Different levels of hardness of different stone types and its impact on the approaches used to cut and shape the stone

• Select stones based on size, weight, colour and shape in accordance with standards required by the customer and set by the organisation

• Terminology used to describe the most common cuts and shapes of stone
• Tools and techniques required to mark and set the cuts required to create the shape and.or facets required

• Interpret work documentation to identify types of cut required
• Demonstrate a range of techniques to mark areas and facets to be cut

• Methods used to cleave and cut stones
• Tools used to cut stones and how they should be set up for use
• Methods used to measure and assess the effectiveness and quality of the cut

• Cut stones using saws
• Cut stones using abrasion techniques
• Measure and assess the effectiveness of the cut of precious gems using the correct techniques.

• Tools and used to achieve a range of finishes
• Media used to achieve differing finishes
• Process for polishing different types of stones  once cut
• The organisational standards for the finishes required

• Set up and use correct polishing equipment
• Apply suitable media to achieve specified standard
• Assess as to whether the required standard has been achieved
• Store polished stones in a manner that preserves their finish