TL;DR: Fake ageing usually shows up as wear and dirt that look the same everywhere, instead of building up where hands, feet and weather actually touch an object. Tool marks, surface layers, ultraviolet light and a documented history all help, but each has limits and the best forgeries can fool experienced buyers. For anything valuable,…
TL;DR: Silver is graded by fineness, the parts of silver per thousand, so 925 means 92.5 percent silver (sterling) and 999 is fine silver. An independent hallmark is the dependable proof, while home signs such as a magnet, tarnish or a stamp only hint at the truth. In India, BIS silver hallmarking is still voluntary,…
The Puneri Pagadi is a traditional Marathi headgear from Pune, a symbol of pride and honour with a GI tag since 2009.
Shivrai coins, from the copper Shivrai to the gold Shivrai Hon, carry the history of Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire.
Lost wax casting melts a wax model out of a mould and replaces it with metal, a method used for thousands of years.
The bronze Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro, about 10.5 cm tall and made by lost wax casting, is a masterpiece of Indus Valley art.
How to spot a fake ancient coin: why fakes are made, what to check in design, weight, metal, casting and patina, and why a professional opinion matters.