look closer

This is my friend Lore, at work investigating the structure of some earrings from the collection.. She's also been x-raying them to see how they're constructed internally. This however was the view through the optical microscope looking at the surface wear and also the patina on the gold. It all helps to build up a picture of how the items were used and when and where they might have been made. Also useful to establish if there is any damage or existing repairs, before objects are cleaned or placed on display.