Gold and Silver

Physical identification

Precious-metal jewelry, vessels, coins and fittings. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• Old metal can be newly fabricated.
• Repairs and solder joints require examination.
• Cleaning can remove archaeological residues.

Provenance and lawful movement

Document texture, joins, deposits, corrosion, movement and prior treatment. Stop handling when surfaces powder, flakes lift, corrosion appears active or cracks move.

Authenticity and conservation

Condition and authenticity can be intertwined. Artificial deposits, modern joins and restored surfaces may disguise manufacture. No single photograph, certificate or test proves the complete history of an object.