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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Jewellery Manufacturing Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57876  Further Education and Training Certificate: Jewellery Manufacturing Operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MQA - Mining Qualifications Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  150  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification will enable qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge, understanding and competence to conduct the operations associated with the manufacture of jewellery. It will include working with metals in jewellery manufacture and knowledge of the non-specialised areas like design and stone setting. Learners credited with this qualification are able to manufacture jewellery utilising advanced jewellery technology.

The ability of the industry to develop its potential in the beneficiation of raw materials is dependent upon the development of these skills to provide the platform for expansion and to have a base of skilled workers for further development.

Learners credited with this qualification are able to:
  • Communicate and solve problems within a jewellery manufacturing environment.
  • Prepare materials for the manufacturing of jewellery.
  • Comply with workplace practices regarding Occupational Health and Safety.
  • Manufacture jewellery using various manufacturing processes and techniques.

    Rationale:

    The Jewellery Manufacturing Industry has identified Jewellery Manufacturing as a critical skill. 80% of commercial jewellery in South Africa is imported. Rapid technological development has necessitated the need for the manufacturing of high quality jewellery in South Africa. Production software and hardware is commercially available which has brought about a critical need in the industry to convert experienced operators into qualified jewellery manufacturers.

    Currently there is a shortage of well-rounded goldsmiths that can manufacture for the South African jewellery market. This qualification will produce more skilled goldsmiths raising the quality standard, enabling strong links to be forged with industry thus making industry more competitive in the global market. This qualification will increase the technical proficiency and size of the workforce; which would then enable industry to satisfy the local demands for jewellery without having to rely on imports, thereby decreasing the importation of cheap jewellery which is a threat to the Industry.

    The majority of the learners entering this qualification are likely to be Gemstone setters, Jewellery designers and those working in the Jewellery manufacturing industry as operators. In some cases learners may come from other industries, however they would have to become familiar with the basic operations associated with Jewellery manufacturing before they can proceed with this qualification.

    Current Jewellery Manufacturing operators in particular will benefit from the opportunities of assessment and subsequent recognition presented by RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).

    A typical learning pathway for learners with this qualification would be the GETC: Mining and Minerals Processes (Jewellery stream), National Certificate: Minerals Processing, NQF Level 2, National Certificate: Jewellery Manufacture, NQF Level 3. Learners can then progress onto the National Certificate: Jewellery Production Management, NQF Level 5.

    Qualifying learners will be appointed as Goldsmiths under the guidance of a Senior Goldsmith in a Jewellery Manufacturing environment. Qualifying learners will become more employable to those jewellery companies that manufacture more exclusive jewellery.

    Goldsmithing is based on information from the client/and or designer specifications. The goldsmith will guide the client/and or designer in terms of manufacturing techniques, combination of stones, and other precious materials. This qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and skills in jewellery manufacturing processes and techniques necessary for the manufacture of jewellery. The elective unit standards provide the learner with knowledge and skills in setting and design which could provide a basis for further specialisation into those areas. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the criteria laid out in the Integrated assessment.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    Access to the qualification:

    Access is open; however it is preferable that learners have completed the National Certificate: Jewellery Manufacturing, NQF Level 3. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 150 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at NQF Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at NQF Level 4 and the other at NQF Level 3

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Component:
  • The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 84 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective Component
  • The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 172 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 10 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate and solve problems regarding the manufacturing process of Jewellery.

    2. Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

    3. Prepare materials for the manufacturing of jewellery.

    4. Manufacture and repair jewellery.

    Consistency of Exit Level Outcomes with Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    In accordance with SAQA guidelines, all unit standards include the assessment of relevant Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. Consequently, Exit Level Outcomes are consistent with critical cross-field outcome requirements.

    The following CCFO's have been addressed in this qualification as per the unit standards outlined in the Annexures.

    SAQA Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical thinking have been made.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3.
  • Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 3, 4.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility toward the environment and health of others.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes: 2, 3, 4.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem contexts do not exist in isolation.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes: 3, 4. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1:
  • Oral communication skills is maintained and adapted as required to promote effective interaction in the manufacturing process of jewellery.
  • Written communication is conducted at an appropriate level for designated target audiences.
  • Mathematical principles and techniques needed in the jewellery manufacturing process are explained and applied in accordance with specified requirements.

    2:
  • Occupational health and safety requirements are explained and applied within the jewellery manufacturing environment.
  • Hazardous conditions are identified and reported in accordance with specified requirements.

    3:
  • The integrity and characteristics of the metals to be used must comply in accordance with industry practice.
  • Tools, materials and equipment are selected in accordance with the job specifications.
  • Materials are weighed and calculated according to job requirements.

    4:
  • Jewellery manufacturing principles are explained and applied with in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Read and interpret the design in accordance with client and/or designers specifications.
    > Range: The design refers to but not limited to:
    > Drawing.
    > Photograph.
    > Model.
  • Tools and equipment are used to manufacture the jewellery in accordance with specifications.
  • Jewellery manufacture and repair techniques are applied in the manufacturing process in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Jewellery is manufactured in accordance with design specifications.
    > Range: The design refers to but not limited to:
    > Drawing.
    > Photograph.
    > Model.

    Integrated assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts.

    Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance, and must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner while manufacturing jewellery.This includes:
    > Gem setting.
    > Design and interaction with clients, colleagues and management.
  • Asking questions regarding the processes underlying a wide range of activities such as:
    > Jewellery manufacture.
    > Gem setting.
    > Design.
    > Gemmology.
  • Initiating short discussions to test understanding of:
    > House keeping.
    > Productivity.
  • Looking at the objects and artefacts that were manufactured or photos in lieu thereof, records such as employment history and references, progress reports and statement of competency, other evidence in the portfolio and reviewing previous assessments.

    In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place, particularly when looking at the manufactured items of jewellery to see whether the requirements have been met.

    The manufacture of the jewellery entails:
  • Applied Numeracy:
    > Manufacture components to specified dimensions.
    > Weigh and calculate alloys and other components.
  • Applied Communication:
    > Liasing with the clients and key people in the production process.
  • Problem Solving:
    > Combining techniques, materials and processes to produce innovative variations of jewellery.
    > Produce standard forms of jewellery using unique and innovative processes, techniques and tools.
    > Troubleshooting.
    > Improving productivity.

    The fundamental part of the qualification may be applied in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes have been achieved.

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit-Level Outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International qualifications were compared to ensure that the qualification structure and unit standards are comparable in terms of level, scope of qualification and competencies covered. Qualifications and/or programmes from Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, India and Ireland were selected based on proven best practice within the field of Jewellery Manufacturing Operations.

    The findings regarding comparisons within each country are as follows:

    1. Hong Kong:

    (http://www.vtc.edu.hk/prospectus/eng/course.php?action_type=detail&course_id=200)
  • Technician Foundation Certificate in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing offered by the Vocational Training Council.

    Curriculum covers:

    Vocational English & Communication Skills, Jewellery Design, Jewellery Illustration, Basic Materials, Practical Computer Application, Professional Goldsmithing, Lost Wax Casting.

    The structure of the certificate is similar, however no judgement could be made on the level but it seems to be at a slightly lower level than this FETC Jewellery Manufacturing Operations as only a few elements of competence were found that would compare favourably with the proposed qualification.
  • School for art and Technical Education in Jewellery - Hong Kong: Certificate In Jewellery Design - (http://www.satej.com/Jeweller/courses.htm#Top):

    This is four-month short-term course is introduced for people who want to pursue conventional jewellery designing. At the end of the course, the students are able to:

    > Design jewellery on paper using the most advanced rendering techniques.
    > Understand conventional jewellery manufacturing processes.

    Some key roles and competencies were found in the module - understand conventional jewellery manufacturing processes however no judgement could be made on the level and depth of the outcomes.

    2. Australia:
    (apprenticeship.det.nsw.edu.au/docs/training/MEM98.pdf)
    (wwwfp.opcet.tas.gov.au/trapeze/reports/VocationalPathway/Funded_Path_History.htm)

    The FETC Jewellery Manufacturing Operations matches very closely in terms of qualification purpose, structure, entry level, credits and outcomes with the Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture apprenticeship; offered by the Department of Education and Training, Australia. Favourable comparisons were found in terms of the outcomes for Occupational Health and Safety, Organising and analysing information, operate in a work based team environment, measure with graduated device, perform computer operations, Operate and monitor machine/process, perform gemstone setting, handle and examine gemstone materials, produce rubber moulds for lost wax casting process and perform hand engraving.

    Outcomes or competencies identified in the Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture are generally quite comparable to the South African qualification in terms of levels and range of competencies covered. Both provide a firm foundation for further study at the higher levels. This apprenticeship is also offered in Tasmania.

    3. Thailand:
    Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) Thailand:
    (http://www.giathailand.com/)
    (http://www.gia.edu/education/31732/jewelry_manufacturing_arts_program_descriptions.cfm)

    Programmes offered include Graduate Jeweller Diploma and Applied Jewellery Arts Diploma Program. The curriculum covers:

    > Learn to illustrate shape, form, and texture of metal.
    > Learn leading-edge 3-D technology to design jewellery using CAD (computer aided design) software.
    > Create a wide variety of designs in wax.
    > Use your own designs to make complete models for casting and mould making.
    > Explore the art of vulcanised rubber and R.T.V. (Room Temperature Vulcanising) mould making and cutting techniques.
    > Learn the art of cutting a mould.
    > Work with metals including how to melt, pour, roll, form, and solder.
    > Learn how to file, pierce, and polish metal.
    > Learn to perform the most common repair requests, including sizing rings, repairing chains, replacing earring posts, and resetting stones.
    > Use laser welding technology to manufacture or repair jewellery - and reduce your production time.
    > Learn the basics of working with gemstones.
    > Learn how to set stones by working with a variety of mounting styles, settings, and fancy shape stones.

    Similar competencies were found and the outcomes of the programmes match closely with the outcomes of the unit standards covered in this FETC.

    4. India:
    (http://www.ensign.in/learningsolution/?pageurl=Certificate%20Programmes)
  • Certificate Programme in Custom made Jewellery Manufacturing offered by the Jewellery Design and Technology Institute.

    Programme outline:

    > Basic metallurgy and Alloying.
    > Use of hand tools and workshop machinery.
    > Basic goldsmith and jewellery making skills.
    > Technical exercise in jewellery manufacturing.
    > Wax Modelling.
    > Casting technology (complete cycle of casting and extensive practical training).
    > Practical aspects of polishing and finishing.
    > Electroplating.
    > Stone setting.
    > Enamelling and Engraving.
    > Stamping and Coining.
    > Jewellery repair techniques.
    > Maintenance of jewellery equipment and machinery.
    > Environment pollution and safety measures.
    > Final project in manufacturing.

    Here again, the content covered in this programme is very similar to the outcomes and competencies within this FETC, however the two are different in terms of structure.
  • Art and Design Institute offer courses in:

    > Jewellery Manufacturing Part I:
    > Properties of metals, alloys, terminologies in manufacturing.
    > Tools used in Jewellery manufacturing, utility & limitations of important tools.
    > Cutting and bending, pattern and texture, fusing and soldering, cold joining, finishing, patinas, stone setting, mechanism & chains.

    > Jewellery Manufacturing Part II:
    > Making earrings, chains, pendants.

    Similar competencies were found and the outcomes of the courses offered here match closely with the outcomes of the unit standards and key competencies covered in this FETC.

    5. Ireland:

    (http://www.fas.ie/couframe.htm)
  • Jewellery Manufacturing Operative Traineeship.

    Course description:

    This course has been designed in order to provide trained personnel for the jewellery industry. The aim of the course is to develop the skills and related knowledge in all aspects of jewellery production.

    Modules:

    > Career planning and job seeking skills.
    > Casting.
    > Forming/filing/polishing.
    > Induction.
    > Sawing & piercing.
    > Soldering.

    The course compares favourable in terms of purpose, similar competencies match, however no judgement could be made on the entry level. Similar competencies were found that compare favourable to this FETC in terms of casting, soldering, stone setting, forming/filing/polishing as well as sawing and piercing.

    Summary:

    The FETC Jewellery Manufacturing Operations compares favourable with a wide selection of international qualifications, programmes, courses identified above. Where outcomes or competencies were identified within the international qualifications, programmes or courses, they are generally quite comparable to the South African qualification in terms of competencies covered. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical articulation exists with:
  • National Certificate: Jewellery Production Management NQF Level 5 (still in the design phase).

    Horizontal articulation exists with:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Jewellery Setting Processes, NQF Level 4 (still in the design phase).
  • 57875: Further Education and Training Certificate: Jewellery Designing, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should be in possession of:
  • An appropriate qualification at or above the level of the qualification and preferably relevant workplace practical experience.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 21844, "National Certificate: Jewellery Manufacture in a Mass Production Environment", Level 3, 159 credits.
    . 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  243000  Manufacture jewellery  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Core  9648  Manufacture jewellery for single faceted stone settings  Level 3  NQF Level 03  21 
    Core  243005  Describe and understand metallurgical principles for jewellery manufacture  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  15268  Forge metal to manufacture jewellery  Level 4  NQF Level 04  21 
    Core  243003  Manufacture and repair complicated jewellery  Level 4  NQF Level 04  23 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119462  Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  12417  Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  119471  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119459  Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  9647  Draw and design jewellery  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  15264  Make and use repousse and chasing punches  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  15278  Produce a mould of a piece of jewellery or related artefact for reproduction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  243007  Demonstrate an understanding of the historical developments of jewellery  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  9645  Flush-set faceted stones  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  243006  Grade a gemstone  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  243008  Identify a gemstone  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  243004  Mass produce jewellery using lost wax casting techniques  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Elective  243001  Pave- and star-set faceted stones  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  9643  Set faceted stones in channel settings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  18 
    Elective  9642  Set faceted stones in multiple tube settings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  9638  Set stones in multiple claw or wire settings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  9644  Tension set a single faceted stone  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Elective  243002  Use a 3D computer programme as a design- tool to produce drawings to specifications  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.