This distinctive cross was recovered by Art McKee, the grandfather of modern-day treasure salvage from La Genovesa, a Spanish galleon that sank on Pedro Banks, Jamaica, in 1730

Please Note: This item includes a black leather necklace in your choice of lengths!

It is described in the late Bob “Frogfoot” Weller’s book, Galleon Hunt, featuring some of the most unique shipwreck items ever found. Now, you can wear this rare piece with our Museum-Quality recreations.

In France it is known as the Cross of Loraine. In Spain, this double bar cross is a type of Caravaca cross and is said to have first miraculously appeared in the town of Caravaca, Spain in the 14th century. Franciscan missionaries brought the cross to Mexico in the 1700s, and this is why they are recovered from Spanish galleons.

The La Genovesa Cross

• Size: 7/8" Across, 1 7/8" Tall
• Original Artifact Date: circa 1720
• Metal: Bronze or Shipwreck Silver -click here to learn more about our blend of 4 shipwreck's silver treasure that is in this pendant
• Description:Above Christ’s head: INRI, an acronym for the latin inscription placed by Pontius Pilate on Christ’s cross “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews,” SALVATOR MVNDI  “Savior of the World” on the side of the cross depicting Jesus and MATER DEI “Mother of God” on the side depicting Mary.

Shipwreck Silver

The silver version of this cross is cast with our exclusive blend of shipwreck silver from four shipwrecks: Atocha - 1622, the 1715 Fleet, Le Chameu - 1725 and Santa Leocadia - 1800. To read about how we blend our authentic shipwreck silver, where the treasure came from, and the history of these shipwrecks, check out Robert's Blog "Shipwreck Silver - the Story Behind the Story."

Of Special Note: Our exclusive Empires Collection features Museum-Quality Castings that are produced by hand, in the USA, and to exacting standards, creating jewelry pieces that are amazingly faithful to the original artifact.  Each is hand-finished here in the studio - toned, hand-rubbed and polished - making the best of ancient art affordable and wearable for a life-time.

The History of the Caravaca Cross & Saint Roch, patron saint of the sick and of dogs...

The cross is attributed to Saint Roch (known as San Roque in Spain) who is the patron saint of the sick and of dogs. Tradition says that he went on a pilgrimage during the bubonic plague in Europe (which began in 1347) and effected many miraculous healings before falling ill himself. He went into the forest and built a small hut, were he expected to die. And then two miracles happened: a spring arose near his hut and a dog started bringing him bread and licked his wounds until he was healed. 

Father Junipero Serra (1713-1784) was the founder of the California missions. When his burial crypt was opened in 1943, a Caravaca style cross was found. In Mexican folklore, the cross is widely believed to have special powers to grant wishes and prayers, especially for epidemics and diseases.  

Your Empires Collection Pendant Comes Complete with:

1. A Detailed, Two Page Historic Brief Researched and Written by Robert Lewis Knecht
2. Please Note: This item includes a black leather necklace in your choice of lengths!
3. A Linen Gift Pouch
4. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card