Dating methods

Radiocarbon dating

Objects containing organic material (paper, wood, textile fibres, ivory, papyrus etc.) can be dated by measuring the concentration of the isotope carbon 14 (radiocarbon). This technique usually does not give useful results between c. 1650 and 1950. However, it proves a possible date of the raw materials after 1950 through the identification of radiocarbon originating from nuclear tests.

The analysis requires removal of a small sample. The exact sampling area is decided by our specialists in agreement with the client.

Thermoluminescence dating

Thermoluminescence establishes the date of the last firing of ceramics, terracotta, or casting cores inside bronze sculptures. This technique is often used for the authentication of archaeological objects.

Dendrochronology

Dendrochronology is the scientific dating method based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings, also known as growth rings. The technique can date the time at which tree rings were formed, in many types of wood, to the exact calendar year.
The analysis usually requires a match-size sample. The exact sampling area is decided by our specialists in agreement with the client.