Possibilities and Limitations of Non-Invasive Analytical Methods in the Examination of Garnet- and Niello-Inlaid Precious Metal Objects – Case Study of Three Polychrome Animal-Style Silver Buckles from the 5th-Century Carpathian Basin

study of metal objects, particularly in the case of precious metal artefacts, from which sampling is not,
or in a limited way, allowed due to their high value. In this study, we highlight the main advantages and
limitations of non-destructive analytical methods used on three polychrome animal-style silver buckles
from the mid-to-late-5th-century Carpathian Basin. Optical microscopic observations, handheld XRF,
SEM-EDX and µ-XRD analyses were performed to determine the chemical composition of the metals
and their decoration (gilding, garnet and niello inlays), as well as the microtexture and mineralogical
composition of the niello, in order to gain a better understanding of the materials used and reconstruct
the manufacturing techniques in detail. The buckles were manufactured from relatively high-quality
silver derived from the re-use of gilded silver scrap metal and intentionally alloyed with brass or leaded
brass. The presence of mercury indicated the use of fire gilding. The niello inlays are composed of
mixed silver-copper sulphides, even reaching the composition of pure copper sulphide; this is the first
time, when copper sulphide niello is observed on a silver object. The almandine garnets most probably
originate from Southern India and Sri Lanka.