First insight into gemstones on historical ecclesiastical artefacts in Sicily (17th‐19th centuries): A non‐invasive survey

A wide production of ecclesiastical artefacts is traceable in Sicily between the 17th and 19th centuries, admirable in many diocesan museums. Nevertheless, these artefacts were never studied from an archaeometric point of view: Beyond their historical value, it is time to understand whether the information concerning the decorating gemstones is reliable. In situ investigations through portable instrumentations (Raman spectroscopy and portable X‐ray fluorescence) were performed on the gems decorating monstrances, a reliquary, and an archbishop's insignia , kept in two museums at Caltagirone (Sicily). The analyses in some cases confirmed the identification, whereas in others they contradicted the pre‐existing information.