Rob Ellis, Author at The Ring Finders | Page 3 of 6

Lost Diamond Engagement Ring, Virginia…FOUND!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Metal Detecting Expert… Call/text/email, (703)-598-1435, Rob.Ellis@TheRingFinders.com

September 27th, 2020: Found a beautiful engagement ring deep in a Virginia forest while dodging angry yellow jackets!

Devon and Gabby were hiking in a forest in Virginia when Devon accidently dropped her ring. Although they saw the ring drop to the ground, it seemed to magically vanish. They searched the forest floor for several hours and couldn’t find it. Not the kind of people to give up, they purchased a metal detector and returned to the spot and searched for another two hours.

Frustrated, they turned to the internet and found me in a Google search on The Ring Finders https://theringfinders.com/Rob.Ellis/. We met the following day to look for the ring. Accompanied by their spirited puppy “River”, we had a beautiful hike of about 0.8 miles to the drop site. Along the way we passed a nest of yellow jackets in a log which a bear had just ripped open. Both the ladies were stung, but I escaped unscathed. I don’t know why since I resemble a bear much more than either of them!

It was 5 hours of travel for me, but it was nothing compared to the many hours of persistence and optimism of Devon and Gabby.

Once we set-up, it took less than a minute to locate and pull the ring out of the detritus. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to use my experience as a detectorist and help wonderful people like Devon and Gabby.

Devon and Gabby

I want to thank some other people, without whom we would not have been able to conduct the search. However due to the sensitive nature of the area, they must remain un-named. You three know who you are, and without you, this happy story would never have happened.

 

Call/text/email, (703)-598-1435, Rob.Ellis@TheRingFinders.com

 

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Ring lost for five years, Hamilton, Virginia…FOUND!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Metal Detecting Expert…Call or text 703-598-1435

September 22nd, 2020: Found a ring missing for 5 years, used a new detector to overcome interference, and teamed up with another Ring Finder!

Sandy called me in April after reading about some of my recoveries on the internet. Her husband Alan, lost his ring about 5 years ago somewhere between their garage and the end of the long driveway. My first search attempt was especially significant because it was very close to their 50th wedding anniversary. I searched for several hours with my reliable ATMax, and found many targets. One area I had trouble with was at the end of the driveway. There were underground cables producing a lot of interference with my detector. Despite adjusting my metal detector’s frequencies, sensitivity, and ground balance, I couldn’t reliably search the area. I tried another detector, but it lacked the discrimination necessary to ignore many old barbed wire pieces. I told Sandy I’d be back.

I considered buying an Equinox 800 after recommendations from others, including my friend and fellow Ringfinder, Brian Rudolph. I researched the detector’s capabilities and was impressed with the technology allowing it to function in areas with interference. So, I bought one specifically to look for this ring. I tried my new detector a few times around my neighborhood until I felt comfortable with the settings. Since the search area was so large, I called my friend Ray and asked him to join me. Ray is also an excellent Ringfinder (https://theringfinders.com/Raymond.Jones/), and I knew he would be a great help covering such a large area.

We met on a beautiful morning on the 22nd of September and planned to search for several hours. Ray started at the top of the hill by the garage, and I worked at the end of the driveway where I experienced the interference in April. I set my Equinox to Park 1, and the frequency to 20 kHz. This resulted in nice clean signals. In less than an hour I found the ring two inches under the soil.

 

Five Years Buried

Reunited

 

Sandy Smile!

All recoveries are special, and this one was no exception. When I handed the ring to Sandy, she dropped some laundry she was holding and with an expression of surprise and joy exclaimed “I don’t believe it!”

Sandy, Ray and I basked in that moment of happiness and the return of Alan’s ring, missing for 5 years!

If you lost something, call/text/email, (703)-598-1435, Rob.Ellis@TheRingFinders.com

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Today I received the following from Al & Sandy. Words can not express my feelings…

 

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Wedding Ring lost in the James River, Virginia…FOUND!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Ring Recovery Specialist…Call or text 703-598-1435

September 9th, 2020: A couple of days ago, Zach was tubing with his wife and sister in-law when his ring was lost. When he realized the ring was dropped, Zach carefully took note of where their party was located using the Huguenot bridge, some logs, and a boulder he could stand on. With rain in the forecast, we decided to meet as early as possible the next day to conduct the search.

When I met Zach, I was very impressed with how well he had observed the location of the ring drop. He drew a very good map with a circle illustrating the location in which he thought the ring landed. It turns out Zach is an Advanced SCUBA diver, and a mechanical engineer. His education really paid off. As I did recover the ring from within that area!!

Zach is a strong swimmer and offered to tow out some of my equipment. He found the boulder and I set an anchor for a modified jack-stay search. The visibility was poor and there was a moderate current. The depth near the bridge varies from 3 to 10 feet. Luckily the search area was about 5 feet deep. I made the first half circle sweep and moved the anchor 15 feet down river. The skies were getting darker and it started to rain. Time was short. I was concerned about safety because of rising water and an increasing current. I was a little more than half way through the second pattern when I heard my Excalibur make that tone indicating platinum! Once I knew where to look, I could see the ring sitting on the bottom. I was so happy to pick it up and hand it to Zach. The look on his face was priceless!

It was fortunate we decided to search sooner rather than later. With the rain, the current was increasing and it would take days to slow back to normal. Zach and I both had that goose-bump feeling that “it was meant to be”!

Huguenot Bridge

Zach Smile! 

 

 

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Lost wedding ring, Lake Montclair, Dumfries VA…FOUND!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Metal Detector Expert…Call or text 703-598-1435

August 13, 2020: A couple of days ago, Eddie was playing in the water with his children. When he realized his ring was missing, he searched as well as possible. He soon realized he needed a waterproof metal detector. Eddie called the Woodbridge SCUBA Dive Shop to see if someone could conduct a search. Since no one was available to immediately help, my friends at Woodbridge SCUBA referred me to Eddie.

 

West beach is private for the Montclair Property Owners Association members

We were supposed to meet at 0800, but we were both 15 minutes early. It was raining very hard the whole time and I was watching for approaching lightning. After Eddie showed me the potential areas the ring could have fallen off, I started the search. Something made me go just a little further out for my first leg of the pattern. Within a few minutes, I heard that lovely tone of gold and recovered Eddie’s wedding band. By this time Eddie’s wife had arrived and they were both there when I handed over the ring. It was then that they told me that tomorrow was their anniversary!! We were all soaking wet, but full of warm feelings.  I love this hobby!!!!

Smiles in the Rain 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lost Diamond Engagement Ring, Lake Pelham, Culpeper, Virginia…FOUND!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Ring Recovery Specialist…Call or text 703-598-1435

July 21, 2020: On Sunday, Maria was enjoying the Pelham Lake Park gazebo with her friends and family. She briefly removed her ring and it accidently dropped, bouncing off the table, falling in between the deck boards into the water. Maria attempted to find the ring but realized the depth and mud made it impossible to find without a detectorist’s help. She called me and we set up a time to search.

Lake Pelham

Every search is unique, and this one was no exception. The lake around and under the gazebo is about 4 feet deep. The mud was about 1 ½ feet deep. I worked my way from the shore and stooped under the gazebo. The first detector did not work well in the mud. I made the trip back to my car and got my Excalibur. After an hour of laboring through fishing lures, bits of trash, and construction materials, I finally heard that lovely tone.

It was such a pleasure to meet Maria and the other lovely ladies. Their unabashed delight at seeing the ring made me so happy!

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Lost Ring Annapolis, Maryland…Found!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Underwater Ring Recovery Specialist. Call or text 703-598-1435

July 5th, 2020, Annapolis Landing Marina.

Nick was helping passengers disembark from a tour boat onto the dock when a child fell into the water. He immediately provided assistance, pulling the boy from the water. After the adrenaline subsided from the rescue, Nick realized his beautiful diamond wedding ring was missing. He had another diver look for the ring for several hours that night, but the diver was unable to find it.

Nick called me the next morning and we were able to search that afternoon. Even though Nick was up most of the night with the other diver, he was alert and very detailed in his description of the incident. After meeting and getting the marina manager’s support for my search from Ralph, I prepared for the search. The marina staff and the boat owners we met were very friendly and made us feel welcome. The marina certainly lives up to its slogan as the “finest and friendliest marina in Annapolis”.

Annapolis Landing Marina

 

The water along the dock is brackish tidal. That day it was twelve feet deep and I could not see a thing. I used a circular search pattern and slowly combed the area. With the noise of all the holiday weekend boats in the water and zero visibility, it was disorienting. I was glad to be tethered to my divemaster (Mrs.E) on the surface. There was the usual trash to be expected around any dock. After about 45 minutes, I heard a target and could feel the shape of the ring. We were so happy to return the ring to Nick!

 

I am a detectorist with over 35 years’ experience in detecting on both dry land and under water. As a skilled underwater search and recovery specialist, I am often called to search after inexperienced divers attempted to recover the lost object. Underwater searches require unique techniques and equipment. At a minimum, an underwater detectorist should hold Advanced Diver or Master SCUBA Diver certifications. I also recommend they be certified in Underwater Metal Detecting, and Search & Recovery. As a Master SCUBA Instructor, I designed and taught the first specialty certification course for underwater metal detecting. I have professional certifications to teach SCUBA divers in 4 internationally recognized certification agencies and thousands of hours of underwater experience. When you call me, we will discuss the specifics of your situation. If I do not think there is a good chance of finding your lost item, I will not accept your case. (703)-598-1435

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Lost Diamond Ring Aquia Landing, Virginia…found!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Ring Recovery Specialist Underwater and on land …Lost Ring?… Call or text 703-598-1435.

On Saturday, Esmeralda and Rey were playing with friends in the water. When Esmeralda reached to catch a ball, her beautiful 10th anniversary diamond ring flew off her finger. They searched for hours to no avail. The next morning, Esmeralda emailed me for help.

Metal detecting for artifacts in the area is unlawful. So, I contacted the Stafford County Government to get permission for the search. Even though it was Sunday, I was able to reach Brett. He was very understanding and told me it was no problem as long as I was only looking for the ring.

Beach before Crowds

I met Rey at the beach and he showed me where they thought the ring landed. The water was about waist deep and there were many families enjoying the shallows. Since the spot was crowded, it took more time than anticipated. I forgot all that when I found the ring in the scoop. I am so happy to have helped a couple of patriots like Rey and Esmeralda!!!

 

Ring!

Rey Smile!

 

Rey and Esmeralda were so kind to post the story on their local Facebook news. I have already been contacted by people who saw their post! I also appreciate their generous reward, a portion of which was donated to the Fisher House Foundation https://fisherhouse.org/.

 

 

 

I was happy to retrieve trash during my search. As you can see in the photo, I removed jagged metal and glass just waiting to cut some unsuspecting swimmer’s foot.

 

 

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Ring Lost While Paddleboarding, Found by SCUBA Diver in James River, Richmond, Virginia

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
Contact:

Rob Ellis: Underwater Ring Recovery Specialist. Call or text 703-598-1435

June 7th, 2020 James River, Midlothian (Richmond), Virginia

Jake was paddle boarding off of his neighborhood dock when his gold wedding band slipped off. He called me and we set a date to search. My wife, son, and I met Jake and he took us to the dock. As you can see from the photos, it was a beautiful day for a search.

Trail to Dock

Beautiful Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The depth was about 10 feet with visibility from zero to five feet. After discussing the variables with my shore crew, I decided to use a circle search reel of my own design. There were some sunken logs and debris entangled with fishing line and hooks. This complicated the search. After about 45 minutes, I got a signal on my safety line to surface from my dive master. After some more discussions with Jake, she recommended I shift my search area about 40 feet upriver. It’s a good thing since that is where I found the ring!

 

Flag to Keep Boats Away

Entry/Exit Area

Underwater View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncovering 1

Uncovering 2

Uncovered!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jake SMILE!

James River Ring

Some of the trash found & removed.

 

 

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Lost Wedding Ring Found Dumfries, Virginia

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
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May 16th, 2020.

Nikki and her husband David were enjoying their lovely backyard with the family. While David was playing with one of the children, his ring flew off and bounced off the patio and into the wet grass. After they searched unsuccessfully, they called me. I searched about 45 minutes before finding the ring embedded in the mud under the wet grass. So happy to have met patriots like Nikki & David. A portion of their reward has gone to Fisher House.

Ring in the Grass

Recovered!

Nikki Smile!

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Lost Wedding Band Found Under Porch, Falls Church Virginia

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)
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April 16th, 2020. During the Wuhan virus pandemic.

Andrew emailed me asking for help to find a ring, not for himself, but for his friend Hazel. In January, Hazel was sitting on the front porch when her ring slipped from her hand and hit the wood deck. They were not sure if the ring rolled off into some bushes or slipped in between the boards. Andrew knew in his heart that the ring was there and it could be found. He had looked through the openings of the deck and around the bushes with a powerful light, but no luck.

When I arrived, I met Andrew and Mike.

Front of the House

Hoping the ring rolled or bounced off the low deck, I searched the bushes thoroughly with my AT Max. I found the usual hidden trash, but no ring. I then concentrated my search under the deck.

 

 

 

 

There were only a few inches of space to work. I detached my shaft and reached under the deck with my sniper coil. I borrowed a leaf rake from Mike as the one I brought was too large to fit under the deck. I heard targets and raked them out, then used my pinpointer to scan the debris.

Tight Access Under the Porch

It was then I had the pleasure of meeting Hazel. She remembered precisely how the ring sounded when it rolled on the wooden deck. From her description, I redoubled my efforts to search farther under the deck.

 

 

 

 

 

Found!

I stretched my arm and extended the coil to the limit when I heard a promising target. Mentally marking the spot, I used the leaf rake and pulled out more debris. I waved the pinpointer over the dirt and leaves and dug down to find the ring!

 

Andrew’s determination to help his friend resulted in a happy ending!

 

 

 

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