Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

is visually stunning double-snake armlet with Herakles knot and stone inlay is dated ca. 4th c. BCE–1st c. CE. Surface examination revealed signi cant evidence of primitive manufacturing techniques and subsequent weathering, wear and patination. However, an item of such magni cence demanded further investigations to ensure its authenticity. Metallurgical and radiographic studies were performed. Outside facilities in Switzerland and Germany then conducted Uranium- orium-Helium gold dating tests, A "True Authentication" process usually requires a thorough understanding of the science used in the investigation as well as an in-depth knowledge of the history and the medium of the piece being examined. O en, years of hands-on study are necessary to develop the requisite skills to identify suspect objects. Experience with original methods of manufacture and with restoration and conservation techniques is o en the necessary precedent or means to interpret results of testing when identifying whether an artifact is an ancient construction, modern repair, unacceptable alteration or an outright forgery. us, although detailed visual inspection by a thoroughly knowledgeable specialist is an essential part of the overall process, this examination must be supported with hard science when possible. TK Asian requires that its artifacts of consequence have scienti c evidence of authenticity. In the 1990s, the company began to more extensively conserve and restore antiquities. en aside from its own facilities it began to send hundreds of samples to outside facilities for radiocarbon and thermoluminescence testing to establish the approximate age of speci c objects. From there TK hungrily gained expertise and scienti c equipment for other areas of artifact analysis. e Director of Research, Melanie Roy, uses these analytical tools and others for substantive and o en exhaustive examination of artifacts in collaboration with other world-class institutions, peer-recognized private laboratories, and top specialists located around the world. 2 9 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I