A multi-analytical approach for the identification of technological processes in ancient jewellery

Abstract

Abstract:The compositional and structural characterization of the constituent alloys of precious metal artefacts is the basis for understanding the technological processes used in the art of the ancient goldsmiths. This research presents a multi-analytical approach to the study of the technologies of ancient jewellery manufacturing through the use of non-traditional methods. The development of original methods, such as the application of hardware devices and software programs, allows us to overcome the application limits of traditional analysis, as in the study of Castellani's earrings, where statistical analyses were carried out using Pearson's Coefficient Correlation and Cluster Analysis to identify the correlation of elements in the soldering areas. For the Tarquinia fibula, a methodology based on Imaging Analysis has been used to measure the geometrical parameters involved in the construction of the jewel. For another study, a new experimental apparatus was set up in order to identify markers on the micro/nano scale. It consists of a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS) integrated with XRF, an equipment developed in order to obtain a greater depth of analysis and a better integration of the compositional data. The aim of the work has been to integrate data from different analytical methodologies in order to identify technology transfer and/or production features, as well as the circulation of the goldsmith's artefacts. Résumé : La caractérisation de la composition et de la structure des alliages en métal précieux est fondamentale pour la compréhension des procédés technologiques liés à l'orfèvrerie antique. Ce travail décrit un nouveau protocole d'analyse dédié à l'étude des technologies de fabrication de bijoux anciens, grâce à l'utilisation de méthodes non traditionnelles. Le développement de méthodes originales, utilisant entre autres des dispositifs expérimentaux et des logiciels, permet de dépasser les limites d'application de l'analyse traditionnelle. Par exemple, dans l'étude de boucles d'oreilles de la collection

Research on chemical soldering in early medieval jewellery: The case of lunula‐type Viking age ornaments

“…Significant works appeared in 2017 in Nature (Ashkenazi et al, 2017) and in 2018 (Ashkenazi et al, 2018); however, they concerned technological studies on much earlier finds from the Middle East. Furthermore, Etruscan silver objects were studied from the point of view of a possible use of chemical soldering (Ferro et al, 2009). In recent years, Czech researchers have published results of their work on silver jewellery.…”

“…These lunulas are part of the production of post‐Great Moravian jewellery makers who were active among the Rus (Scandinavians) in Eastern Europe in the 10th century AD (Duczko, 1983). The characteristic ornamentation of lunulas represents the end of the ancient art of granulation, which was popular in Europe since the times of the Etruscans (Ferro et al, 2009). In our investigation we focused on characteristics of surface ornaments—that is, granules and wire that were attached to the surface by soldering.…”

In-situ non-destructive analysis of Etruscan gold jewels with the micro-XRF transportable spectrometer from CNA

“…The first one employs a lower melting point alloy; the second one consists in the use of a copper salt solution in the joining area; whereas the last one is based on the local heating of the pieces to be soldered without the use of any additional material (Baldini Lippolis and Guaitoli, 2009;Echt and Thiele, 1993;Mathot and Demortier, 2004;Nestler and Formigli, 1994;Scrivano et al, 2013). These methods could be used separately or combined in the same jewel, depending on the size of the decoration to be joined and the skill of the goldsmiths (Ferro et al, 2009).…”