Emerald Cross and Ring recovered from the sunken Spanish galleon "Nusestra Señora de Atocha"
Both the emerald cross and ring were found in a pewter box. Although the cross’ provenance is not known, it may be speculated that it was going to be a gift for Pope Gregory XV. Inscribed on the top of the pewter box were the initials “ABL,” perhaps for Gregory’s given name, Alessandro Boncompagni Ludovisi.
The cross is made of 18 carat gold and set with seven high-quality emeralds from Columbia’s famous Muzo mine. The reverse is inscribed with representations of the Virgin Mary and child, and St. Anthony of Padua, an emblem for the Franciscan Order, and ironically, the patron saint of lost things.
Exhibit at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida
Emerald Cross and Ring recovered from the sunken Spanish galleon "Nusestra Señora de Atocha"
Both the emerald cross and ring were found in a pewter box. Although the cross’ provenance is not known, it may be speculated that it was going to be a gift for Pope Gregory XV. Inscribed on the top of the pewter box were the initials “ABL,” perhaps for Gregory’s given name, Alessandro Boncompagni Ludovisi.
The cross is made of 18 carat gold and set with seven high-quality emeralds from Columbia’s famous Muzo mine. The reverse is inscribed with representations of the Virgin Mary and child, and St. Anthony of Padua, an emblem for the Franciscan Order, and ironically, the patron saint of lost things.
Exhibit at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida