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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 223 — Master Guide to Isotopic Analysis for Dating Antique Wood and Ivory
Isotopic analysis is one of the most scientifically rigorous methods available for dating and authenticating antique wood and ivory. As forgeries become more sophisticated—using artificially aged wood, composite ivory, bonded materials, or chemically modified surfaces—traditional visual inspection is not always enough. Isotopic testing provides measurable, laboratory-verifiable evidence that can confirm or challenge claimed provenance.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 223 — Master Guide to Isotopic Analysis for Dating Antique Wood and Ivory teaches collectors and professionals the complete scientific framework behind radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analysis, strontium-ratio signatures, atmospheric “bomb-pulse” detection, and environmental isotope markers. This guide explains how isotopes form, how laboratories interpret results, and how experts combine scientific findings with stylistic and historical evidence.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Differentiate radiocarbon dating, stable-isotope analysis, and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry
Use isotopic profiles to date ivory growth layers, tusk segments, and dentine cores
Detect modern ivory disguised as antique using bomb-pulse radiocarbon signatures
Evaluate wood age by matching isotopic carbon profiles to tree-ring timelines
Identify chemical treatments, artificial aging, and surface contamination
Interpret geographic origin using strontium, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon trends
Understand calibration curves, probability ranges, and margin-of-error considerations
Combine isotopic findings with visual, stylistic, and cultural analysis
Recognize when isotopic testing is unnecessary, inconclusive, or best handled by a specialized lab
Apply isotopic evidence in legal, ethical, and regulatory contexts (CITES, customs, estates, insurance)
Volume 223 provides collectors with a complete, museum-grade scientific foundation for using isotopic analysis to authenticate and date antique wood and ivory—ensuring defensible, high-confidence conclusions in one of the most complex areas of material evaluation.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
Isotopic analysis is one of the most scientifically rigorous methods available for dating and authenticating antique wood and ivory. As forgeries become more sophisticated—using artificially aged wood, composite ivory, bonded materials, or chemically modified surfaces—traditional visual inspection is not always enough. Isotopic testing provides measurable, laboratory-verifiable evidence that can confirm or challenge claimed provenance.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 223 — Master Guide to Isotopic Analysis for Dating Antique Wood and Ivory teaches collectors and professionals the complete scientific framework behind radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analysis, strontium-ratio signatures, atmospheric “bomb-pulse” detection, and environmental isotope markers. This guide explains how isotopes form, how laboratories interpret results, and how experts combine scientific findings with stylistic and historical evidence.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Differentiate radiocarbon dating, stable-isotope analysis, and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry
Use isotopic profiles to date ivory growth layers, tusk segments, and dentine cores
Detect modern ivory disguised as antique using bomb-pulse radiocarbon signatures
Evaluate wood age by matching isotopic carbon profiles to tree-ring timelines
Identify chemical treatments, artificial aging, and surface contamination
Interpret geographic origin using strontium, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon trends
Understand calibration curves, probability ranges, and margin-of-error considerations
Combine isotopic findings with visual, stylistic, and cultural analysis
Recognize when isotopic testing is unnecessary, inconclusive, or best handled by a specialized lab
Apply isotopic evidence in legal, ethical, and regulatory contexts (CITES, customs, estates, insurance)
Volume 223 provides collectors with a complete, museum-grade scientific foundation for using isotopic analysis to authenticate and date antique wood and ivory—ensuring defensible, high-confidence conclusions in one of the most complex areas of material evaluation.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access