SUASA Copper/Gold or Gold/Copper alloy

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Gavin,

your example would have been referred to as gold, even if it were a fairly low carat alloy. Suasa is supposed to have that copper hue but contain enough gold to avoid getting patinated when handled regularly. Basically, any yellow gold alloy (including "pure" gold) would be considered gold while red gold would be suasa (often at the low end of the carat scale).

Regards,
Kai

Thanks Kai,

Although there is not the desirable hue as you note, the bottom image, there are 'rusty' copper 'flecks' seen in the image and found on ...what accounts for this? It is found on the bands too...just not enough melting of the alloys together?

This spear also has the same compound by the eye and it is think banding...the copper is in there...so is the gold.....


Gav

[kai]

Hello Gavin,

Probably impossible to ascertain from pics of your peurawot. More often than not, this is a sign of gilt construction (on copper or brass) with copper leaching out through imperfections/wear. Maybe you can find any hints under magnification?

The spear looks very much like having gilt bands. In this case the gold seems to be very thin and may have been applied from very thin sheet gold.

Regards,
Kai

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Gavin,

Probably impossible to ascertain from pics of your peurawot. More often than not, this is a sign of gilt construction (on copper or brass) with copper leaching out through imperfections/wear. Maybe you can find any hints under magnification?

The spear looks very much like having gilt bands. In this case the gold seems to be very thin and may have been applied from very thin sheet gold.

Regards,
Kai

Makes perfect sense. Gilding is not often spoken of from the region.
Here is a gilt silver over brass Sumatran box I have.

Thanks

Gav