Abstract

This paper reviews the use of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS) for non-destructive studies of valuable metallic objects in the fields of jewelry, archaeology and art, as well as its application in the analysis of coatings and solutions, due to the interest of these issues in jewelry manufacture. The general features of the technique as well as the most outstanding results obtained in the commented fields are described, taking into account the most important sources of error, mainly in the case of samples that have suffered corrosion processes.

Keywords: X-rays, Noble metals, Jewelry, Cultural heritage