Wayne (Whaleman) PhotoShopped my photo and with his permission, I have replaced my version with his. A big improvement. September 26, 2013 Sunday, September 4, 1622, the Tierra Firme fleet of 28 ships, sailed from the port of Havana, Cuba, heavily laden with treasure, to pay off Spains debts to King Philip IV. Little did they know, the next day they would be hit by a hurricane . The Nuestra Senora de Atocha (Our Lady of the Atocha) was one of eight ships that were driven into a reef in the Florida Straits. Its 110 foot by 33 foot hull carried 265 people of which only 5 survived. All attempts to locate the shipwreck failed until the location of the Primary Cultural Deposit was made on July 20, 1985. Treasure was scattered over 10 miles of the ocean floor. Mel Fisher is the worlds greatest treasure hunter and in in 1985, there was an estimated value of 400 million dollars of treasure found. Today Mel Fishers Golden Crew is still recovering treasures from the site of the Atocha. Information directly from the information card. This emerald cross was part of that treasure. This beautiful crucifix is produced from 18 carat gold which serves as a setting for seven high quality emeralds from the famous Muzo Mine in Columbia, South America. The reverse is exquisitely decorated with a representation of the Virgin Mary and child, Saint Anthony, tropical fruit and foliage. The cross and a ring were recovered together, all in a small silver box, engraved with the Popes initials. Information directly from the information card. The cross is about 8 inches (20.3 cm) long and about 3.5 inched (8.9 cm) wide. Mel Fisher has a museum of his treasures in Key West, Florida but this photo was taken in the lobby of the Gaylord Palms Hotel, in Kissimmee, Florida. For those that know us, we will be leaving for our winter home in south Florida soon. I may only get in one more post before we close up this place and make sure that all is in place for my In-Laws down in Massachusetts. It has been a very hectic summer and my presence here on RR has been limited. Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana