Pre-shaper – Gemstone Processing
SECTOR: GEMS & JEWELLERY
SUB-SECTOR: Gemstone Processing
OCCUPATION: Gemstone Pre-shaping
REFERENCE ID: G&J/Q6602
ALIGNED TO: NCO-2015/7313.1601
Brief Job Description: The individual works with high-speed rotating scaife
machines with diamond or steel laps in order to give the rough cut gemstone
the shape as per plan. Gemstone Pre-shaper is also called ‘Pre-former’, the Preshaper gives a base shape to the gemstone for further faceting and polishing as
per the customer’s requirement. Shaping, sizing and calibrating the rough cut
gemstone are an essential part of pre-shaper’s role.
Personal Attributes: The job requires the individual to have: attention to
details; good eyesight; steady grip; ability to work in a process driven team, for
prolonged hours in noisy environment and in seated position with patience. The
individual must avert machine failures, errors and avoid safety hazards.
Keywords /Terms Description
Sector Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having similar
business and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset of the
economy whose components share similar characteristics and interests.
Sub-sector Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the characteristics
and interests of its components.
Occupation Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/ related set of functions
in an industry.
Job role Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique
employment opportunity in an organisation.
Occupational Standards
(OS)
OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve when
carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the knowledge and
understanding they need to meet that standard consistently. Occupational
Standards are applicable both in the Indian and global contexts.
Performance Criteria Performance criteria are statements that together specify the standard of
performance required when carrying out a task.
National Occupational
Standards (OS)
NOS are occupational standards which apply uniquely in the Indian context.
Qualifications Pack (QP) QP comprises the set of OS, together with the educational, training and other
criteria required to perform a job role. A QP is assigned a unique qualifications
pack code.
Unit Code Unit code is a unique identifier for an Occupational Standard, which is denoted
by an ‘N’
Unit Title Unit title gives a clear overall statement about what the incumbent should be
able to do.
Description Description gives a short summary of the unit content. This would be helpful to
anyone searching on a database to verify that this is the appropriate OS they
are looking for.
Scope Scope is a set of statements specifying the range of variables that an individual
may have to deal with in carrying out the function which have a critical impact
on quality of performance required.
Knowledge and
Understanding
Knowledge and understanding are statements which together specify the
technical, generic, professional and organisational specific knowledge that an
individual needs in order to perform to the required standard.
Organisational Context Organisational context includes the way the organisation is structured and how
it operates, including the extent of operative knowledge managers have of their
relevant areas of responsibility.
Technical Knowledge Technical knowledge is the specific knowledge needed to accomplish specific
designated responsibilities.
Core Skills/ Generic
Skills
Core skills or generic skills are a group of skills that are the key to learning and
working in today’s world. These skills are typically needed in any work
environment in today’s world. In the context of the OS, these include
communication related skills that are applicable to most job roles
Keywords /Terms Description
NOS National Occupational Standard(s)
NSQF National Skills Qualifications Framework
QP Qualifications Pack
Unit Code G&J/N6601
Unit Title
(Task) Dop the gemstone
Description This OS unit is about fixing the rough-cut or pre-shaped gemstone securely on the
dop for pre-shaping, faceting or polishing.
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Fixing the gemstone on dop
Ensuring Productivity
Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Fixing the gemstone on
dop
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. match the stone type, weight and number as mentioned on the bag
received from supervisor
PC2. check the assortment of stones for shape, size and softness
PC3. interpret the plan for the stone as per job sheet for stone to be aligned
PC4. align the stone with accuracy
PC5. make correct selection of appropriate dop and material for fixing
PC6. maintain appropriate level of heating so that stone does not change
colour
PC7. achieve scratch-free doping
PC8. achieve secure setting
Ensuring Productivity PC9. ensure timely delivery to facet maker or shaper
PC10. achieve number of dops prepared per day as per target given
PC11. deliver damage-free output with minimum hazards
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(knowledge of the
company/organisation
and its process)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. company’s policies on: acceptable limits of stone loss, incentives, delivery
standards, safety and hazards, integrity and personnel management
KA2. non-disclosure of “confidential information” provided by the company
either orally or in writing marked as confidential
KA3. liability arising out of loss, theft or inadvertent disclosure of confidential
information
KA4. work flow involved in gemstone processing of company
KA5. importance of the individual’s role in the workflow
KA6. reporting structure
KA7. issue return procedures followed by the company
KA8. gemstone processing objective of the company, e.g. maximizing yield,
maximizing clarity, etc.
B. Technical Knowledge The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. different types of stones, the family of stone and their properties,
particularly, with respect to heat and pressure sensitivity
KB2. the assortment of stones for shape, size, softness
KB3. how to fix the stone on dop as per job sheet
KB4. different types of dops used to as per gemstone type
KB5. uses of different qualities of wax and lac for fixing, their merits and
demerits
KB6. potential work hazards, particularly, when using heating lamps
Skills (S) [Optional]
A. Core Skills/ Generic
Skills
Writing Skills
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. document reports, and loss of gemstones
Reading Skills
SA2. read the stone type, the family it belongs to and its properties
SA3. read notes, signs and instructions on job sheet
SA4. read company rules and compliance documents required to complete
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
SA5. receive instructions and materials from reporting supervisor
SA6. discuss task lists, schedules, with co-workers
SA7. share work load when multiple deliverables are required
B. Professional Skills Decision Making
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. make decisions pertaining to the concerned area of work
SB2. make decisions on the use of type of dop, e.g., metal or wooden for the
process involved
Plan and Organize
SB3. plan and organize the doping process
Customer Centricity
N.A.
Problem Solving
SB4. report about dops and tools shortage to supervisor
SB5. resolve problems about alignment and work process with facet maker,
polisher or pre-shaper
Analytical Thinking
SB6. visualize and map the final form of the stone
Critical Thinking
SB7. anticipate process disruption and reasons for delay
Unit Code G&J/N6602
Unit Title
(Task) Pre-shape or pre-form gemstone
Description This OS unit is about giving the base shape to the rough-cut gemstone and set the
base shape, size and weight of the stone for further processing
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Preparing to preform and calibrate the rough cut gemstone
Pre-shaping and calibrating
Achieving Productivity
Handling problem
Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Preparing to preform
and calibrate the
rough cut gemstone
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. match the stone type, weight, number as mentioned on the bag with
gemstone received from supervisor
PC2. understand pre-shaping requirement as per plan
PC3. level the scaife or grinding mill or fix vertical laps securely for vibrations-free
rotation
PC4. use correct pressure on water jet to reduce adverse effect of overheating of
stone, such as change of colour or breakage
Pre-shaping and
calibrating
PC5. pre-shape number of preforms generated with shape as planned
PC6. calibrate; size, dimensions and weight as per plan
PC7. identify correct lap and powder to use
PC8. achieve maximum number of QC approved stones
PC9. deliver hazard-free output
Achieving
Productivity
PC10. deliver the number and carats of stones preformed per day against target
given
PC11. maintain stone loss within prescribed limits, particularly, in precious stones
Handling problems PC12. deliver pre-shaped stone in time by reporting problems faced or anticipated
well in advanced
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(knowledge of the
company/organisa
tion and its
process)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. company’s policies on: acceptable limits of stone loss, incentives, delivery
standards, safety and hazards, integrity and personnel management
KA2. non-disclosure of “confidential information” provided by the company either
orally or in writing marked as confidential
KA3. liability arising out of loss, theft or inadvertent disclosure of confidential
information
KA4. work flow involved in gemstone processing of company
KA5. importance of the individual’s role in the workflow
KA6. reporting structure
KA7. Issuing and returning procedures followed by the company for rough
gemstones
KA8. gemstone processing objective of the company, e.g. maximizing yield,
maximizing clarity, etc.
B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. basic gemology and properties of different types of stones, the families they
belong to
KB2. different types of gemstones such as precious, semi-precious, synthetic
KB3. market value of stone to understand the rationale for different acceptable
levels of stone loss
KB4. origin of the stone, i.e., which mine, particularly, precious stones to read the
softness/ hardness as developed from precedence of use
KB5. use of vernier calipers and other measuring instruments
KB6. how to pre-shape stones using scaifes and laps
KB7. different types of laps that are available in terms of material such as diamond
or steel or the grits
KB8. how the faceting mill works
KB9. how to use water jet and keep the stone cool
KB10. how use calibrating machines with master preforms to calibrate semiprecious
and synthetic gemstones
KB11. how to work in a safe environment, i.e., without injuries
KB12. market demand, i.e., popular shapes in demand
Skills (S) [Optional]
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. fill the feedback form and send it to the supervisor
SA2. report stone losses via documentation as per company policy
Reading Skills
SA3. read height, weight, dimensions of the stones to pre-shape as given on job
sheets
SA4. read company rules and compliance documents required to complete the
work
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
SA5. receive instructions and materials from reporting supervisor
SA6. give feedback to supervisor or polisher on any specific stone handling
requirement
SA7. rework based on feedback from quality control department
SA8. share work load when multiple deliverables are required
B. Professional Skills Decision Making
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. decide on the correct use of lap and polishing powder
Plan and Organize
SB2. plan and organize the work bench for efficient work management.
Customer Centricity
SB3. adhere to specification, as required by the customer
Problem Solving
SB4. resolve difficulties with respect to practicality of plan or shape to be created
SB5. refer shortage of dops, powder or lap to the supervisor
SB6. minimize stone loss below the prescribed limits
Analytical Thinking
SB7. how to assess the angle for pre-shaping
SB8. spot difficulties with respect to practicality of plan or shape to be created
Critical Thinking
SB9. spot process disruption and reasons for delay
Unit Code G&J /N6605
Unit Title
(Task) Operate tumble shaping machine
Description This OS unit is about giving the base shape to the rough-cut gemstone by using the
tumble machine, for further processing
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Operating the tumble machine
Handling problems
Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Operating the tumble
machine
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. match the stone type, weight, number as mentioned on the bag with
gemstone received from supervisor
PC2. run target number of tumble cycles
PC3. maintain quality of stones using appropriate quantity and types of abrasives
Handling problems PC4. deliver pre-shaped stone in time by reporting problems faced or anticipated
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(knowledge of the
company/organisa
tion and its
process)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. company’s policies on: acceptable limits of stone loss, incentives, delivery
standards, safety and hazards, integrity and personnel management
KA2. non-disclosure of “confidential information” provided by the company either
orally or in writing marked as confidential
KA3. liability arising out of loss, theft or inadvertent disclosure of confidential
information
KA4. work flow involved in gemstone processing of company
KA5. importance of the individual’s role in the workflow
KA6. reporting structure
KA7. the issuing and returning procedures of the gemstones, followed by the
company
KA8. gemstone processing objective of the company, e.g. maximizing yield,
maximizing clarity, etc.
B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. basic gemology and properties of different types of stones, the families they
belong to
KB2. different types of gemstones such as precious, semi-precious, synthetic
KB3. tumble machine operation technique and consumables required
Skills (S) [Optional]
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. fill the feedback form and send it to the supervisor
SA2. report stone losses via documentation as per company policy
SA3. fill requisition slip to order consumables
Reading Skills
SA4. read machine manual and job sheets
SA5. read company rules and compliance documents required to complete the
work
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
SA6. receive instructions from reporting supervisor
SA7. give feedback to supervisor or polisher on any specific stone handling
requirement
SA8. rework based on feedback from quality control department
SA9. share work load when multiple deliverables are required
B. Professional Skills Decision Making
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. decide number of tumble cycles required based on type of gemstones.
Plan and Organize
SB2. plan and organize the maintenance schedule of the machine
Customer Centricity
N.A.
Problem Solving
SB3. improve work process for greater productivity
Analytical Thinking
N.A.
Critical Thinking
SB4. spot process disruption and reasons for delay
Unit Code G&J/ N9901
Unit Title
(Task) Coordinate with others
Description This OS unit is about communicating with colleagues, seniors and outside parties in
order to achieve the deliverables on schedule
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Interacting with supervisor
Interacting with colleagues within and outside the department
Interacting with outside parties
Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Interacting with
supervisor
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. coordinate for receiving work instructions and raw materials from reporting
supervisor
PC2. communicate to the reporting supervisor about process flow improvements,
product defects received from previous process, repairs and maintenance of
tools and machinery as required
PC3. communicate to reporting supervisor about operation details and hazards
PC4. interact with supervisor regarding compliance of company policy and rules
Interacting with
colleagues within and
outside the
department
PC5. coordinate with colleagues to share work, as per the workload in order to
achieve team goals
PC6. communicate and discuss work flow related difficulties in order to find
solutions with mutual agreement
PC7. coordinate and receive feedback from quality control department
PC8. resolve conflicts by communicating with colleagues and other departments
PC9. coordinate with colleagues regarding multitasking in other departments as
per requirements
Interacting with
outside parties
PC10. adhere to nondisclosure policy of the company in all outside coordination
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(knowledge of the
company/organisation
and its process)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. company’s policies on: preferred language of communication, reporting and
escalation policy, quality delivery standards, and personnel management
KA2. company’s policies on non-disclosure of “confidential information” provided
by the company either orally or in writing marked as confidential
KA3. liability arising out of loss, theft or inadvertent disclosure of confidential
information
KA4. reporting structure
B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. various categories of people that one is required to communicate and
coordinate within the organization
KB2. importance of effective communication in the workplace like expressing and
addressing grievances appropriately and effectively
KB3. importance of teamwork in organization and individual success
KB4. various components of effective communication
KB5. barriers to effective communication
KB6. common reasons for interpersonal conflict
KB7. what constitutes disciplined behavior for a working professional
Skills (S) [Optional]
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. write instructions, remarks, job sheets, basic information, technical details
etc. in preferred local language of communication and English
Reading Skills
SA2. read preferred language of communication as prescribed by the company
SA3. read job sheets and interpret technical details mentioned in the job sheet
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
SA4. discuss task lists, schedules, and work-loads with co-workers
SA5. be a good listener
SA6. be effective in communicating the issues faced to the supervisor
SA7. avoid using jargon, slang or acronyms when communicating
B. Professional Skills Decision Making
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. spot and communicate potential areas of disruptions to work process and
report the same
SB2. report to supervisor or deal with a colleague individually, depending on the
type of concern
Plan and Organize
SB3. to plan work for maximum productivity
SB4. to plan and organize the schedule for maintenance of tools and machines
Customer Centricity
SB5. convey accurate information to relevant internal as well as external
customers
Problem Solving
SB6. how to handle critical situations caused due to communication issues at
workplace and solve problems without blaming others
Analytical Thinking
SB7. analyse the work processes by interacting with others and adopting best
practices
SB8. use prior experience to observe and reflect for development of ideas
Critical Thinking
SB9. think through the problem, evaluate the possible solution(s) and suggest an
optimum /best possible solution(s)
SB10. deal with clients lacking the technical background to solve the problem on
their own
SB11. spot process disruptions and delays and report and communicate with
solutions
SB12. identify immediate or temporary solutions to resolve delays
SB13. apply, analyze, and evaluate the information gathered from observation,
experience, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to thought and action
Unit Code G&J/N9902
Unit Title
(Task) Maintain health and safety at workplace
Description This OS unit is about being aware of, communicating and taking steps towards
minimizing potential hazards and dangers of accidents on the job and maintaining
health and safety at workplace
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Health and safety in work area
Fire safety
Emergencies, rescue and first aid procedures
Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Health and safety in
work area
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. identify and use appropriate protective clothing/equipment for specific
tasks and work
PC2. identify hazardous job activities in his/her job and communicate the
possible causes of risks or accidents in the workplace
PC3. carry out safe working practices while dealing with hazards to ensure
safety of self and others
PC4. identify and avoid doing any tasks or activities in a wrong posture
PC5. practice appropriate working postures to minimise occupational health
related issues
Fire safety PC6. use the appropriate fire extinguishers on different types of fire
PC7. demonstrate rescue techniques applied during fire hazard
PC8. demonstrate good housekeeping in order to prevent fire hazards
PC9. demonstrate the correct use of any fire extinguisher
Emergencies, rescue and
first aid procedures
PC10. provide appropriate first aid procedure to victims wherever required eg.in
case of bleeding, burns, choking, electric shock etc.
PC11. respond promptly and appropriately to an accident or medical emergency
PC12. participate in emergency procedures such as raising alarm, safe
evacuation etc.,
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(knowledge of the
company/organisation
and its process)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. company’s policies on: safety and hazards and personnel management
KA2. names and location of documents that refer to health and safety in work
place
KA3. reporting structure
B. Technical Knowledge The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. meaning of “hazards” and risks
KB2. health and safety hazards commonly present in the work place and related
precautions
KB3. various dangers associated with the use of electrical equipment
KB4. preventative and remedial actions to be taken in case of exposure to toxic
material
KB5. methods of accident prevention
KB6. how different chemicals react and the related hazards
KB7. how to use machines and tools without causing any accident
KB8. importance of using protective clothing/ equipment while working
KB9. precautionary activities to prevent the fire accident
KB10. various causes of fire
KB11. techniques of using different fire extinguishers
KB12. different materials used for extinguishing fire
KB13. rescue techniques applied during a fire hazard
KB14. various types of safety signs and what they mean
KB15. appropriate basic first aid treatment relevant to condition e.g. bleeding,
minor burns, eye injuries etc.
KB16. casualty lifting in case of an accident caused to a person
Skills (S) [Optional]
A. Core Skills/ Generic
Skills
Writing Skills
The individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
N.A.
Reading Skills
SA1. read and comprehend basic content to read labels, charts, signage
SA2. read and comprehend basic English to read manuals of operations
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
SA3. communicate effectively the risk of not following safety measures
B. Professional Skills Decision Making
The individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. respond to emergencies/accidents, by taking an apt and timely decision
Plan and Organize
SB2. organize work schedule, work area, tools equipment and material to
minimize health and safety risk
Customer Centricity
N. A.
Problem Solving
SB3. ensure apt action in case of any emergencies, accidents or fire at the work
location
Analytical Thinking
SB4. analyse untoward incidents from the past and implement correct use of
machines, tools or hazardous chemicals
Critical Thinking
SB5. critically analyse the processes carried out by self and by colleagues in the
department to spot potential hazards and safety issues
Criteria For Assessment Of Trainees
Job Role Pre-shaper – Gemstone Processing
Qualification Pack G&J/Q6602
Sector Skill Council Gem & Jewellery
Guidelines for Assessment
- Criteria for assessment for each Qualification Pack will be created by the Sector Skill Council. Each Performance
Criteria (PC) will be assigned marks proportional to its importance in NOS. SSC will also lay down proportion of
marks for Theory and Skills Practical for each PC. - The assessment for the theory part will be based on knowledge bank of questions created by the SSC.
- Assessment will be conducted for all compulsory NOS, and where applicable, on the selected elective/option
NOS/set of NOS. - Individual assessment agencies will create practical tests for skill evaluation for candidates at every
examination/training centre. (As per assessment criteria below) - To pass the Qualification Pack, every candidate should score a minimum 50% of aggregate marks to successfully
clear the assessment. - In case of successfully passing only certain number of NOSs, the candidate is eligible to take subsequent
assessment to pass the Qualification Pack. - In case of unsuccessful completion, the trainee may seek reassessment on the Qualification Pack
