The unique Georgian codices with covers made of precious metals and inlaid with gems are among the most prized treasures of the Kekelidze Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts. A comprehensive study of 57 manuscripts was undertaken as part of the interdisciplinary project ‘Analysis of the Repoussé Metal Artefacts (Covers of the Twelfth – Thirteenth-Century Georgian Manuscripts)’ undertaken by the National Centre of Manuscripts. A total of 919 stones were identified; the alloys were subjected to a series of selective non-invasive tests using a handheld XRF analyser, and tentative chemical composition of ‘Byzantine’ glass stones used to embellish the Tskarostavi Four Gospels was established. The principal goal of the project was to evaluate the metal covers of Old Georgian manuscript Gospel books for restoration and conservation purposes. The paper presents findings from the analysis of the repoussé metal covers of Georgian manuscript Gospel books dating back to the twelfth – thirteenth centuries, namely the Berta (Q-906), Tskarostavi (Q-907) and Tbeti (Q-929) Gospels. The unique Four Gospels are particularly noteworthy because of the authenticity of their repoussé metal covers (a rare occurrence) and their exquisiteness which reveals traces of cultural contacts with the Byzantine world. Metal tests were performed with the help of a handheld XRF Olympus Delta Analyser. The composition of the alloy was established and the theoretical basis for subsequent conservation works was prepared; a comparative analysis of the three covers was conducted to determine the alloy production technologies and distinctive features of the artistic style of Beka and Beshken Opizrebi on the one hand, and the master of the Tbeti Gospel on the other; additional evidence on ancient artistic metals was obtained by determining the composition and purity of twelfth-century silver alloys, which may help to date the manuscript covers; the thickness of the gilding was also established. Gemmological and codicological studies of the colourful inserts and pearl decorations were conducted to determine the authenticity of the metal covers and identify traces of restoration. Particular attention is paid to three ‘Byzantine’ glass inserts on the cover of the Tskarostavi Gospel which formed part of the original décor; their composition, colouring elements and characteristic signs of glass corrosion are discussed.

Old Georgian manuscripts about precious stones preserved in various scientific centers and antiquities of Georgia are diverse in terms of content, composition and origin. The article reviews the unpublished Georgian manuscripts of gemological content: "Book of Gemstones and Pearls"; Qarabadin Q 916, H 406 - "For gemstones"; F.1446 № 388 - "For precious stones" the chronological framework of which includes the 17th - 18th centuries and the first half of the 19th century, and which we consider as a single cultural-historical and cognitive period that is evolutionarily connected with each other. The studied material clearly shows the way of assimilation and transformation of relevant knowledge and tradition by the country at the crossroads of cultures by translating, processing and interpreting Eastern, Muslim and European/Russian sources; The mentioned traces and influence are gradually reflected in the vocabulary in the form of Greek, Arabic-Persian, Turkish, Russian and partially Latin borrowings.