That sounds like a perfect project! First, let’s pry the lid open gently—maybe a small piece of wood wedged under the seam and some patience will do. While we’re at it, clean the carvings with a soft brush and a mild soap solution; it’ll bring the details back. For the frame, we can use a thin wood strip, match the style of the reliquary, and finish it with a quick coat of varnish. Once we get the lock to open, we’ll see what secret it’s keeping. Ready to get our hands dirty?

Right, first let’s test the wood. Grab a small screwdriver and a piece of scrap wood, wedge it gently under the seam, and give a light tap. If it moves, we’re good. If not, we’ll need a thin pry bar—just enough to avoid splintering. Once it’s opened, we can start brushing off the dust and see if any hidden inscriptions appear. Let’s do it step by step.