About This Artifact
Faceted glass jewel discovered by archaeology assistant Todd Langseth during excavation near the circular stone structure on Lot 5. Initially thought to possibly be a diamond, closer inspection suggested it was glass. The piece was sent to the lab where archeometallurgist Emma Culligan performed XRF analysis, confirming it was glass with high lead content and not modern. Culligan dated it to the early to mid-1700s and identified it as a French artificially simulated gemstone - a technique introduced in France in 1734. Such stones could have been worn by either men or women and likely indicated someone of wealth. The team speculated a possible connection to the Duc d'Anville expedition of 1746.
Historical Context
The Curse of Oak Island Season 12, Episode 13 ("Caissons Ho") - discovery and initial lab analysis; Episode 15 ("Channeling the Solution") - professional analysis presentation
Where It Was Found
Found at Lot 5 circular structure — Oak Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
