Metal composition testing is one of the most powerful scientific tools in authentication, appraisal, and forensic evaluation. Counterfeit metals—incorrect alloys, plated cores, artificially aged surfaces, and recast pieces—are common across jewelry, coins, antiquities, sculptures, historical artifacts, and weaponry.
This Master Guide provides the complete laboratory-grade methodology used by professional authenticators and metallurgical analysts to identify alloys, detect fraud, confirm historical correctness, and integrate scientific findings into appraisal and authentication reports.
Inside, you’ll learn how professionals:
Identify metal alloys using XRF, LIBS, ICP, SEM-EDS, and density testing
Distinguish native metals from ancient, cultural, and period-correct alloys
Detect plating, multi-layer cores, solder repairs, and artificial patina
Evaluate karat accuracy in gold, sterling content in silver, and purity thresholds
Analyze cultural alloy recipes across ancient bronze, early silver, colonial gold, and more
Interpret trace elements that indicate mine source, authenticity, or modern contamination
Identify fraudulent alloys used in counterfeits
Recognize recast metal via microstructure, impurity patterns, and alloy homogenization
Detect incorrect solder joints, modern repair metals, and non-period brazing
Analyze patina chemistry, corrosion layers, and artificial aging
Verify hallmarks using metal purity, engraving depth, and assay-office standards
Apply density and specific-gravity testing to detect plating, hollowness, and incorrect purity
Integrate laboratory data into authentication, appraisal ranges, and historical conclusions
Determine when professional laboratory testing is required for high-value pieces
Whether evaluating ancient bronzes, colonial silver, gold jewelry, numismatic pieces, ethnographic metal artifacts, or fine-art sculptures, Volume 329 gives you the scientific, forensic, and analytical framework needed to determine metal authenticity with absolute confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
Metal composition testing is one of the most powerful scientific tools in authentication, appraisal, and forensic evaluation. Counterfeit metals—incorrect alloys, plated cores, artificially aged surfaces, and recast pieces—are common across jewelry, coins, antiquities, sculptures, historical artifacts, and weaponry.
This Master Guide provides the complete laboratory-grade methodology used by professional authenticators and metallurgical analysts to identify alloys, detect fraud, confirm historical correctness, and integrate scientific findings into appraisal and authentication reports.
Inside, you’ll learn how professionals:
Identify metal alloys using XRF, LIBS, ICP, SEM-EDS, and density testing
Distinguish native metals from ancient, cultural, and period-correct alloys
Detect plating, multi-layer cores, solder repairs, and artificial patina
Evaluate karat accuracy in gold, sterling content in silver, and purity thresholds
Analyze cultural alloy recipes across ancient bronze, early silver, colonial gold, and more
Interpret trace elements that indicate mine source, authenticity, or modern contamination
Identify fraudulent alloys used in counterfeits
Recognize recast metal via microstructure, impurity patterns, and alloy homogenization
Detect incorrect solder joints, modern repair metals, and non-period brazing
Analyze patina chemistry, corrosion layers, and artificial aging
Verify hallmarks using metal purity, engraving depth, and assay-office standards
Apply density and specific-gravity testing to detect plating, hollowness, and incorrect purity
Integrate laboratory data into authentication, appraisal ranges, and historical conclusions
Determine when professional laboratory testing is required for high-value pieces
Whether evaluating ancient bronzes, colonial silver, gold jewelry, numismatic pieces, ethnographic metal artifacts, or fine-art sculptures, Volume 329 gives you the scientific, forensic, and analytical framework needed to determine metal authenticity with absolute confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
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