Fine Art and Artifact Authentication Services
Sophisticated fakes can fool even experienced collectors, thus care must be taken at all times.
The authentication of carved stone and jade objects is very specialized and difficult because there is no scientific method capable of dating when a stone was carved. Therefore expertise in the knowledge of the ancient techniques of lapidary work is essential as well as the ability to distinguish the differences between ancient and modern tooling signatures. Surfaces of ancient tooling have been exposed to long-term weathering and chemical changes in their burial. There can be erosion, accretions and surface changes that fakers often try to duplicate but when it is done artificially it can be detected in a thorough examination.
Authentication / Scientific Analysis
While style is always an important consideration, a thorough visual examination using 5x to 10x magnification under a raking light can usually reveal evidence that is sufficient to form an opinion about the object.
In some cases it is necessary to use a higher power digital microscope to analyze tooling signatures, methods of production, and the effects of weathering, wear, deposits, and accretions that are present. It is possible for us to find the details that can expose modern forgeries. However, with some materials, scientific analysis may also be needed for additional certainty.
We are certified associates of the finest laboratories in the world and can offer a variety of scientific analysis that is applicable to the study of antiquities.