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APPENDIX  I
SPECIFICATIONS FOR PRECIOUS METAL: 
MOUNTINGS & CHAINS / printable version
(Updated 21 February 2003)

INSPECTION PROCEDURES:

All shipments are subject to inspections. Inspections will be accomplished in the following manner:

  1. All items will be inspected under cool-white fluorescent lighting with the unaided eye. Ten-power (10x) magnification will be used to identify manufacturing defects.
  2. Working mechanisms such as clasps will be opened and closed to assure smooth, unrestricted function.
  3. Selected samples will be weighed to assure merchandise will meet or exceed the contracted weight.
  4. All gold items will be plumb gold as defined by the Federal Trade Commission's Guidelines for the Jewelry. Precious Metals and Pewter Industries, 16 C.F.R. Part 23, reference section 23.4, the National Stamping Act., and the National Gold & Silver Stamping Act 15 U.S.C. 291, et. seq. and the FTC.
  5. Inspection of the hallmark and trademark will be accomplished with the aid of ten-power (10x) magnification to assure legibility.
  6. Tagging will be inspected for adherence to tagging requirements.
  7. Copies of assay tests for gold content will be submitted to the Quality Assurance Gemological Laboratory by each supplier on demand. QA will conduct random gold assay's to assure compliance to laws regulating karat fineness.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PRECIOUS METAL MERCHANDISE:

  1. All gold items will be plumb gold as defined by the Federal Trade Commission's Guidelines for the Jewelry. Precious Metals and Pewter Industries, 16 C.F.R. Part 23, reference section 23.4, the National Stamping Act and the National Gold & Silver Stamping Act 15 U.S.C. 291, et. seq. and the FTC.
  2. All merchandise must comply with FTC regulations and laws governing the production of fine jewelry, precious metals and gem stones.
  3. All rings for stock will be furnished in size seven (7) for ladies and size ten and one half (10 1/2) for men unless specified on individual order. All finger sizes must be within 1/4 size of the required size. Other ring sizes are available through special order.
  4. Earring backs and posts will be of sufficient strength to withstand normal wear without bending or becoming loose. The weight of the earring backs will be equal to or heavier than 0.20 grams. Earring posts should be 7/16" long with a minimum thickness of 0.033" for BEST & BETTER specifications and a minimum post thickness of 0.027" for GOOD specifications.
  5. Castings will be complete and show no signs of eye-visible damage.
  6. Settings must be sufficient to hold the diamonds/ colored stones securely. Loose diamonds/colored stones are not acceptable.
  7. Items will be free of porosity and metal fractures of cracks resulting in the loss of structural durability within the mounting. Magnification will be used to confirm defects.
  8. Items will be uniform in thickness, color, and polish, properly constructed, strong and durable for normal wear. Indentations, holes, excessive, insufficient or discolored solder are not acceptable. Proper construction and strength of solder joints will be determined when necessary under magnification.
  9. Items will be smooth and uniformly polished, free of file marks, scratches, nicks, protrusions, rough edges, tarnish or ridges visible to the unaided eye.
  10. Clasps will be of sufficient weight, strength and size to support the item.
  11. Items supplied will meet or exceed the required weight specified in the contract.
  12. All prongs or heads will be uniform, straight and flush with the diamond/ colored stone. The prongs will not have sharp edges or points. Excessive prongs and flashing , which detracts from the appearance of the item, will not be accepted. Insufficient prong coverage or over polished prongs, which affect the durability of the prong or security of the stone, is not acceptable. Diamond/ colored stone pavilions will not protrude into the finger area.
  13. All white gold items will be rhodium plated.
  14. All items must be furnished in the length, width and thickness as specified on the Jewelry Cost Analysis Proposal Worksheet.
  15. Jump rings must be soldered. No excessive/incomplete amounts of solder that will affect appearance and/or product durability.

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