Tips on making a jewelry pendant out of an 8 Reales Cob?

[Greybeard Shepherd]

I have a couple of 8 Reales Cobs and I'd like to make pendants out of them to hang from a silver or gold chain - one for me and one for my dad. I don't want to drill a hole in them and the cobs are too irregular to use a standard 50 cent coin bezel. I know I could bring them to a jeweler and get them mounted, but I'd like to try and do something myself. I scrolled through the discussion threads and didn't see anything on the subject which is surprising. I figure there are many treasure hunters who proudly display their finds. Any tips? Thanks in advance!

 

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[wreckdiver1715]

Greybeard, welcome to TreasureNet! I have my first eight real mounted, and proudly wear it every day. It's a beautiful piece of history, and sparks many conversations, providing me with an opportunity to share that history with anyone that is inquisitive enough to ask.
My wife had it mounted for me as a Christmas present several years ago. I will see if I can dig a closeup picture and post it for ya. She had it done by a local jeweler down the street from us.

Tom

 

[PyrateJim]

My suggestion would be to have a wax cast of the cob made first. No need for details, just the outside shape. Then have a jeweler mold a "frame" AROUND the cob, NOT OVER IT. Finally, have him place 4 "holders" around the "frame" to hold the cob inside the "frame" so it kind of "floats" inside it. I had this done with a 4 reale that was given to me by Mel Fisher as a wedding present on our honeymoon. He was my first "boss" in this hobby of mine.

Here is a pic of the cob. Other than for diving, hasnt been off in 16 yrs, 11 months and 18 days. (got it July 4, 1991 in case the wife peeks. I'm not counting the looong days dear)