Abstract
<jats:p>This volume presents a study of Iron Age leech fibulae with white inlays, as well as other artefacts made from alleged coral, from northern Italy. A typological, archaeometric and archaeo-technological approach was applied to the archaeological finds: of the 372 artefacts examined, 264 were selected for archaeometric analysis using a novel non- or µ-destructive protocol (Raman and FT-IR spectroscopies, µ-XRD, SEM-EDS). Through a combination of analysis, radiography and experimentation, the study identified the presence of C. rubrum and other materials in the decorations and some evidences of intentional control of the metal alloy composition, suggesting a reconstruction of the production sequences. The study sheds light on the technologies and cultural interactions of Iron Age Europe. </jats:p>