quote: "This is in no way a conclusive concept, but I find that there are many different qualities of new production pieces. In respect of the enamelled pieces the thicker gloopier bubbled finish of the enamel usually indicates new production, however there are also many new production examples which have far finer enamelling work" end-quote

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There are different grades of enemals. Cheap qualities are mostly responsible for bubbles and other mishaps during manufacturing. Also the content of silver, to which the enemal is applied, plays a role!

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quote: "A few ideas which may be helpful to you based on the things I have found so far.... Patina and wear are always my first check, it is very difficult ( though not impossible) to effectively age a piece, look at the places where the item would make contact and the kind of wear at this point, it is difficult to replicate this. Also try to be familiar with the techniques used to attempt fake aging...I mentioned in the past a kind of dirty varnish type of substance which is used widely to give an aged look. There are many others!!!" end quote!

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Yes? Many others? And which ones are you´re thinking about, Sarah? Could you name some? Just,....just 6,7,8 others of the "many others" you learned about? Common! Smile - I´m just kiddin´ you!

From your post it seems you take "wear" and "patina" as the centerpieces of your Moroccan She-lock Holmes work, trying to detect Moroccan forgery in old jewerly. You´re absolutely right. Both are important hints and can tell a lot, sometimes everything, especially in combination. But, this is the real question, how are you going to make this destinction? How do you make this difference between "worn wear" and "hanky-panky wear"....?

Let me insure you that forgery is not a big issue in the more touristy segment of the market. Moroccans do not even lie - and there´s no bigger hobby for Moroccan dealers in the tourist markets, than messing with truth - about the silver vs metal. Most pieces said to be silver, are indeed of the very material. Just...., silver is cheap. 350 bucks the kilo, just 200, given an avarage of 70% silver content. Why cheating for pennies or a few bucks, Sarah? What I am saying is one should not worry too much about "old and new" - neither way you get the real thing. No more! Instead of figuring out how to detect fraud - by the way: does that mean you distrust your beloved, honest-to-the-bone Moroccans - it´s the much better deal to learn about the real thing. Right, both are members of the same family, just the approach is different!
Of course I understand that you take your pieces for real, for being old and precious. And they are - for you. They contain memories of a kind only you can fully understand and appreciate. But what is the value of such knowledge? It´s like with holiday photos. Everybody confirms "wooow, how beautiful", while thinking at the same time "leave me alone with this sh**". Am I wrong? Tell me, do you think I´m wrong?
What I´m saying, what I mean to say is this: pieces of the kind you - and others, unfortunately all too often me too - were showing here are "sweet holiday pics". Tell are not even close to the inner circle of Moroccan workmanship. They may sound harsh to you, but why should I prozac your reality? There´s enough sweet'n'kind applause for you on this site - true, the thunder of clapping in my worst nightmare. Ask Caesar on his last comment on applause - that you´ll be able to deal with some innocent questionmarks. Use both of your ears for completing the picture!

Last question, somehow off-context: did you visit the Marrakech Museum, the one in the Souk, showing jewelry, among other pieces? Have you? How did you find it? I am eager to get your review, if you don´t mind!

May Santa surprise you with the same kind of presents, you had the fun to spread among the Atlas-kids, as you told in another post.

Merry Christmas to you,
Vara!