Reliquary Pendant with Custom made and filled with authentic Atocha Shipwreck Copper

"Inspired by the treasured reliquary pendants popular during the 15th through 18th centuries.

This reliquary pendant was created and hand crafted especially for Shipwreck Treasures of the Keys by jewelry artist Contina Graham"

MATERIAL: Sterling Silver Pendant with copper shavings from ingot 85A-1625-2

HISTORY:  The Cuban mine at Caridad De Cobre produced 582 royal copper ingots that were used as ballast on the Atocha. The mine itself was owned by the Spanish Crown, and only three ships in the 1622 Fleet carried the Royal Copper cargo. The Atocha, Santa Margarita and the Rosario were designated with this honor, and were loaded with the precious cargo in Havana Harbor, Cuba. This immense cargo, 30,000 pounds, was nestled neatly near the stern on the Atocha. Upon arrival to Spain, the copper was intended for the manufacturing of Bronze Canons, similar to those found on the Atocha.

 

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