Dear all who have rolled up sleeves to help me solve this lovely mystery. Alas I have learned something else of vast importance is of a pineapple shape.
Research at St. Augustine Historical Society library delivered a nugget.
In Plus Ultra Vol. II No. 3rd Qtr. 1993 found the following:
A photograph (very bad repro) and description. "JEWELS FOR THE NEW QUEEN OF SPAIN. In letters and depositions of the survivors of the 1715 Plate Fleet disaster there is mention made of jewels for the Queen of Spain. Specifically, there is reference to a pair of gold drop earrings made in three pieces 'with the lower part being in the shape of a pineapple...' Also in the same document, 'The Queen's jewels were not recovered during the salvage operation (of 1716).
'A solid gold 'pineapple' swings from each of the other two pieces of the earrings found off Sebastian. Each is carefully inlaid with 53 diamonds and has a large gold wire for hanging from a pierced ear lobe. The backs of the two upper pieces of the 'Pineapple Earrings' are ornately engraved with leafy patterns, perhaps designed after the foliage of a pineapple plant." [end copy]
Moreover,the article continues describing a third object in the photo with the pineapple earrings. It is a gold toothpick found on the 1715 fleet sites. A combo ear spoon/tooth pick. Where this one differs from many of the others is in the middle where there is a rosette or filigree pattern. "Congratulations to the fabulously lucky crew of the good ship Pandion.
My next step is to locate the good divers associated with this very fine find.
Oceans of joy,
IsabellaSea
