TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIPON JEWEL

Author(s): C Mortimer

Non-destructive analysis of the gold-silver-copper alloys used to make this seventh-century artefact was carried out using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis in a scanning electron microscope. Three levels of gold purity were identified, with the most silver-rich alloy being used at the back of the artefact. The foils and an area of possible cement or filler material were also examined by this method. The existence of some silver-rich foils were confirmed, but these may have been mercury-gilt originally. The identity of the cement or filler remains unknown. The garnets were investigated using a refractometer, absorption spectroscopy and non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis. The resulting data are compared with the results of similar work on contemporary artefacts, with some discussion about the origins of the materials.

Report Number:
3/1996
Series:
AML Reports (New Series)
Pages:
13
Keywords:
Copper Alloy Gold Silver Stone Stone, Precious

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