Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ) Practice
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Comprehensive Practice Exam – Jewelers of America Certification Program
Covers: Jewelry Repair, Stone Setting, Metal Work, Polishing, Casting,
Soldering, Design, and Safety
1. What is the most appropriate saw blade size for cutting 20-gauge
sheet metal?
a. 1/0
b. 2/0
c. 4/0
d. 3
Rationale: A 2/0 blade provides good control and cutting ability for 20-
gauge sheet metal without breaking easily.
, 2. When annealing silver, what visual cue indicates the proper
temperature has been reached?
a. The metal turns black
b. The metal shows a dull red glow
c. The metal becomes shiny
d. The metal begins to melt
Rationale: A dull red glow indicates silver is at annealing temperature,
restoring ductility without melting.
3. Which torch flame is best for soldering sterling silver?
a. Oxidizing
b. Neutral
c. Reducing
d. Carburizing
Rationale: A neutral flame balances oxygen and fuel, preventing oxidation
and contamination of the solder joint.
4. What is the purpose of using flux during soldering?
a. To prevent oxidation and promote solder flow
b. To polish the metal surface
c. To create a stronger solder
d. To speed up cooling
,Rationale: Flux prevents oxidation and allows solder to flow smoothly across
metal surfaces.
5. Which of the following karat golds is the hardest?
a. 18K yellow gold
b. 14K white gold
c. 10K yellow gold
d. 22K yellow gold
Rationale: Lower karat golds like 10K contain more alloy metals, increasing
hardness.
6. What is the first step in resizing a gold ring smaller?
a. Polish the ring
b. Solder the cut
c. Cut out a small section of the shank
d. Add sizing stock
Rationale: To make a ring smaller, a section is removed before rejoining and
soldering.
7. Which type of file is best for refining prongs during setting?
a. Flat file
b. Needle file
, c. Half-round file
d. Barrette file
Rationale: Needle files allow for precise shaping in small, detailed areas like
prongs.
8. What is the Mohs hardness of corundum (sapphire/ruby)?
a. 8
b. 9
c. 7
d. 10
Rationale: Corundum ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond.
9. Which polishing compound is best for final high polish on platinum?
a. Tripoli
b. Rouge
c. White diamond
d. Emery
Rationale: White diamond compound gives a bright finish suitable for hard
metals like platinum.
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Comprehensive Practice Exam – Jewelers of America Certification Program
Covers: Jewelry Repair, Stone Setting, Metal Work, Polishing, Casting,
Soldering, Design, and Safety
1. What is the most appropriate saw blade size for cutting 20-gauge
sheet metal?
a. 1/0
b. 2/0
c. 4/0
d. 3
Rationale: A 2/0 blade provides good control and cutting ability for 20-
gauge sheet metal without breaking easily.
, 2. When annealing silver, what visual cue indicates the proper
temperature has been reached?
a. The metal turns black
b. The metal shows a dull red glow
c. The metal becomes shiny
d. The metal begins to melt
Rationale: A dull red glow indicates silver is at annealing temperature,
restoring ductility without melting.
3. Which torch flame is best for soldering sterling silver?
a. Oxidizing
b. Neutral
c. Reducing
d. Carburizing
Rationale: A neutral flame balances oxygen and fuel, preventing oxidation
and contamination of the solder joint.
4. What is the purpose of using flux during soldering?
a. To prevent oxidation and promote solder flow
b. To polish the metal surface
c. To create a stronger solder
d. To speed up cooling
,Rationale: Flux prevents oxidation and allows solder to flow smoothly across
metal surfaces.
5. Which of the following karat golds is the hardest?
a. 18K yellow gold
b. 14K white gold
c. 10K yellow gold
d. 22K yellow gold
Rationale: Lower karat golds like 10K contain more alloy metals, increasing
hardness.
6. What is the first step in resizing a gold ring smaller?
a. Polish the ring
b. Solder the cut
c. Cut out a small section of the shank
d. Add sizing stock
Rationale: To make a ring smaller, a section is removed before rejoining and
soldering.
7. Which type of file is best for refining prongs during setting?
a. Flat file
b. Needle file
, c. Half-round file
d. Barrette file
Rationale: Needle files allow for precise shaping in small, detailed areas like
prongs.
8. What is the Mohs hardness of corundum (sapphire/ruby)?
a. 8
b. 9
c. 7
d. 10
Rationale: Corundum ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond.
9. Which polishing compound is best for final high polish on platinum?
a. Tripoli
b. Rouge
c. White diamond
d. Emery
Rationale: White diamond compound gives a bright finish suitable for hard
metals like platinum.
