New Update!
Gold Reliquary Begins Conservation Senior Conservator John Corcoran has begun the tedious process of conserving this delicate artifact. Each item we find has a unique set of characteristics that determine the appropriate path to take through conservation. Every artifact is handled with precision and care, especially items of this caliber. In the video below Corcoran explains what is currently being done and what he anticipates will happen next.
The crew of the Blue Water Rose has uncovered a magnificent Gold Reliquary from the site of the Santa Margarita shipwreck. The artifact is 1 ¼ inches high, 1 inch wide, 3/8 inch deep and has a 3/8 inch ring through which a chain would likely have been strung.
 It is, according to Carol Tedesco of Blue Water Ventures, “made of heavy, richly colored high karat gold, set with an oval of clear material, possibly rock crystal, providing a window into a recessed interior.” Within this recessed interior there are small pieces of gold foiling along with other small, unidentified items.
Historically speaking, reliquaries are used to hold personal items of religious significance. These may include, but are not limited to, physical remains of a Saint or pieces of holy cloth.
Blue Water Ventures’ CEO, Keith Webb, says the area, “is the furthest west an artifact of the caliber of the gold reliquary has been found.” After re-fueling, the Blue Water Rose and her crew will head back out to sea to continue working the area in which the reliquary was discovered. According to Captain Dan Porter, the portion of the Santa Margarita’s wreck site scatter pattern surrounding this find is an extensive area of unexplored territory which could hold more artifacts of this significance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|