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Family Ring Lost in South Yarmouth Yard, Found and Returned

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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June 4, 2023

Chris’s love is gardening and he spends most every day engaged with some aspect of his hobby. While finishing up the spring clean-up and some planting prior to mulching the garden beds his father’s wedding band slipped from his finger. More than likely it came off when his gardening gloves were removed to answer a phone call.

Over the next two days Chris spent hours looking for his ring. Some of the time he used a metal detector loaned to him. All his efforts were to no avail. At this point Heather, his daughter, contacted me for help. Of course I would help. I packed a few land detecting tools into my car and I was on my way. I parked in front of Chris’s home which was adorned with luscious green grass and many plants in the process of being set along walking paths and others into the many garden beds. I was glad I would not have to dig to retrieve the ring after finding its location. Locating the ring proved to be no easy task. The first two days of searching turned up one of three old pewter Christmas tree ornaments that went missing many years ago, a wheat cent and a few other odds and ends, but no ring.

With another day of searching in mind, I was getting ready when I received a phone call. A wedding band had been lost on a sandy ocean beach. There is always an urgency to recover a lost item from a public area, open to all. Not that Chris’s ring was not important, but his was on his own private property where it was very unlikely anyone else would find his ring apposed to a lost ring on a public beach. I made the decision to go to the beach where I was successful in finding and returning the beach band. I would go back to Chris’s another day.

The “another day” came and so did the bad beach weather, overcast sky, and light rain; nothing that would daunt my spirit to find Chris’s ring. I pulled up to the search area as Chris was on his way out to dinner. No problem, I knew where to search. The front yard was searched first, the leaf piles next, the cut off hydrangea followed. All proved they were not aiding in concealing the elusive ring. The brick and stone edging was last on my list before I would call an end to the day’s search.

Chris’s son and his wife stopped by to say hello before leaving to meet up with his family at a nearby restaurant. Another fifteen minutes passed with no signal from the ring. On my path from the far side of a tool shed I headed to a patio where Chris did transplanting of flowers. I went close by a brick paved area and at the very corner and I heard the sound I had been listening for. A close look at the ground and there was just a few glimmers of gold. I had found the ring. It was now time to capture the ring’s hiding place in my camera. My searching was over and it was time for the return.

Chris, I knew, was at the nearby restaurant and I had no problem gaining entrance and finding the family dining party. I normally would not interrupt a family gathering, but I knew everyone would enjoy being a party to the return of the ring. And so it was, a quick return one picture and several hand shakes and it was done. With the ring returned, my goal for the day was complete. I left knowing that the subject of dinner’s conversation would be of the ring and family, not the fabulous clam chowder. Unfortunately Heather was in Europe and was not present at the ring’s return. Had it not been for her effort, the ring may have stayed “lost” for many years.

I thank everyone for their part in making this happy ending to a lost family heirloom and more great memories of my hobby.

 

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150th Ring Return on Cape Cod – Found on Chatham Lighthouse Beach

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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June 2, 2023

Emmie was enjoying her second day vacationing on beautiful Cape Cod. The sun was bright, the wind was light, and the temperature just right for a perfect day on the beach. Wanting to keep her wedding band clean and safe while she applied sunscreen protection she removed the ring and placed it in her pant’s pocket. She removed the pants and placed them into the safety of a beach wagon while she sun bathed. When it came time to put the pants back on…the ring was not in the secure pocket or wagon.

A call to J&E Enterprise to rent a detector was placed. Eleanor of J&E advised Emmie it would be better to have an experienced detectorist do the search and gave Emmie my phone number. Within the hour I was on the beach and in a search mode. I detected the area parallel to the water and then perpendicular with not a signal from the ring. I then searched in a diagonal pattern. Again, no signal. Another diagonal perpendicular to the first was about 50% complete when I heard an iffy signal. A signal, the result caused by a beach chair in close proximity to another signal. I reduced my detector’s sensitivity and interpreted its visual display as a target of interest and decided to take a scoop. From under a piece of seaweed a brilliant glimmer could be seen as a ring of diamonds slipped into the scoop.

That was the end to my searching and the beginning of the ring return. I kept the ring in the scoop as I love to see the emotions of the owner as they remove it and place it back on the finger where it belongs. Emmie had gone to the car and was on her way back. That gave her “friends” and husband time to conjure up a plan for the return. I would be handing out cards to those around, all except one for Emmie. I had a special Thank You card for her. This return was a special moment for both of us. For Emmie as she was to be reunited with her wedding band of two years and for me because it was my 150th return since joining TheRingFinders in 2011. Emmie’s card had a Thank You note on the reverse side and a Carpe Diem (Seize the Day) token made by another metal detectorist, Jim Wirth. A more perfect return I could not have hoped for on my 150th return.

Many photos were taken, thanks were given and received. Of course a few stories of past returns kept everyone’s concepts of metal detecting intriguing. Everyone could now leave the beach in a joyful spirit. The beach goers headed off to a lobster feast and I to a peaceful ride home. I took the time to reminisce over the past 12 years of putting smiles on the face of so many and how fortunate I am to have done so. What a perfect way to live in vacation land and enjoy retirement. Thanks to all those who have trusted in me. Yes, it really has been my pleasure to help when one needed my expertise the most. Again; Thank You all.

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From Mombo Beach, Curacao to Denmark, an unexpected return!

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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November 15, 2022
My vacation in Curacao ended with an unexpected ring return. While detecting at Mombo Beach I found an initial ring, my second ring found on the first day in Vacation Land. No one around had lost or knew of anyone losing a ring. Five days later Leighton, my RingFinders traveling companion, was asked to help find a ring that was just lost. Two minutes later he had found and returned the ring. As it usually happens a happy commotion of joy was spread along the beach when a return is made. One of the onlookers, Jordan, was among the onlookers and when he had a chance, he asked Leighton if he had also found an initial ring, he had a picture of. Leighton said no but he took a look at the picture and would ask the other detectorist who was some distance down the beach.

Leighton’s description from the photo he viewed sounded like I had the ring I had found. A walk back to talk with Jordan took a few minutes. When together we were told the story of the ring’s loss and history which verified the ring’s ownership.

Jordan’s girlfriend, Anne, had been swimming when the ring slipped from her finger. The ring was her great-grandfather’s ring with two dates engraved on the inside of the ring and initials for DH on the face of the ring. It was her ring. But she would have to wait until January to wear it again. Anne had returned to The Netherlands and Jordan would not follow until his return in January.

Now back on Cape Cod, I have great memories of a wonderful vacation and an unusual and unexpected return.

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Diamond Earring and Wrap, Lost, Found and Returned – Bourne, MA

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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October 22, 2021
Unfortunately it is that time of year again, one requiring the relocation of fallen leaves. Christine’s task for the beautiful day was to move the fallen leaves from the lawn and into the woods, Over the summer one tree branch grew over the path to the composting pile. Christine’s diamond earring snagged on the new branch and was dislodged from her ear. All her and her super sleuth son’s searching did not located the earring.

Help from the internet search brought up Leighton’s and my names in her local area. Leighton was in Connecticut so I headed out on a solo search with my small 4 inch coil and hand held pin-pointer. I used Christine’s matching earring to notch select only a response that the earring’s presence under the detector’s coil would produce. My first target was a piece of solder, the second a piece of tinfoil and the third was the two piece earring still together.

Pictures taken and stories exchanged completed the return as the earring was replaced in its normal resting place. On my way home I could not get my mind off the branch. I have to believe Christine will cut it back so does not overhang the path which I am sure will be used several more times this fall.\

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College Ring Lost 2 years ago, was Found and Returned – Dennis, MA

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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October 15, 2021
This return was one that I had not been called to help find. It was what detectorists call a “Natural Find”. I found the Bentley College ring in the shallow waters of a Cape Cod beach.

The ring had what I and others thought to be two dates 85 and 99, and owner’s entire name inscribed on it. Searching the internet I located a Facebook page listing several possible relatives and friends name and one address for Rhonda. These were starting points which none of the messages I sent to listed Facebook names prompted a reply. In desperation I went to the address that had no sign of life. However a neighbor, Jeff, was home and said he would put a picture of the ring I found and owner’s name in the area newsletter.

At home I E-mail the information to Jeff and with in two hours I had Rhonda’s E-mail address. In another hour or so an E-mail from Rhonda with her phone number was in my In Box. I called Rhonda and we arranged for the return to take place the next day. I was also told the story of how the ring was lost and the meaning of the two dates. The first year, 85, is not a year but the letters BS which stands for Bachelor of Science. Unfortunately Rhonda’s work trumped the ring’s return as she had to “go off Cape” before we could meet. Fortunately, Fran her husband, would stand-in and the return was made.

Some Natural Finds are impossible to return. Some returns are easier to complete and some have a learning lesson to be had. In this return I learned several tips and tricks in locating a person on social media. In this return a personal contact, Jeff, was the main factor in reuniting Rhonda with her ring.

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Jetties Beach Nantucket, Massachusetts – Ring Lost, Found, returned by TheRingFinders

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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Holly and her husband were on a quick get-away anniversary vacation to Nantucket for a bit of fun and sun. All started well then slight rain dampened the day but not the spirit for some beach fun. John was in the water in a flash with Holly following a more slowly. That would not be as much fun as was having which gave him the idea of a quick attack, on his wife and launching her into the air with a water landing, his idea of FUN! Yes he thought, but not so much as he felt for the ring on his left hand that had been there for 8 year, it was gone.

After a long search, a local person with a metal detector was asked to search for the ring, Many targets, but not ring were found. Gone forever John and Holly returned home. Holly just could not give up on a very sentimental item. After a bit of Googling TheRingFinders, my name came up. She thought it would not hurt to reach out without telling John. During the call I had to assure her the ring was still where it was lost and if anyone could find it I was a good choice. I also said to double the chances I should have another Ring Finder, Leighton Harrington, go on the search with me. Holly agreed. That set the wheels in motion. Timing of tides and ferry schedules and weather forecasts narrowed the date down to the25th. It turned out that was John’s birthday.

After a 5am meeting with Leighton for the 6am ferry ride, a walk to the ferry, the ride to the island another walk to the beach, a cup of coffee and snack on the way, we were on the beach. We put our gear together and headed for the water, marking the sand with lines to show the most likely area the missing ring would be in. As I put my feet into the water OOPS I forgot to take off my shorts. I took care of that shortcoming and back in the water Leighton had his first signal, an earring he wanted to show me. I took three steps toward Leighton and had a signal of my own. Bingo! The birthday boy’s ring was in my scoop, Happy Birthday John.

We has planned for up to 6 hours to search for the ring. We now had almost all that time to just enjoy the rest of the day, our main reason was in the pouch. Our return ferry ticket were for the 4pm sailing.
We made good use of the time detecting three beaches we had never been to before.

Back home arrangements for the ring’s return via the USPS was set. Another great day enjoying a wonderful hobby and making others smile was coming to a close. A peaceful night’s sleep without worries of a missing ring will be had by all, except John who will not know of the find until the surprise reuniting is completed by Holly. I only wish I could be there, I know it will be emotional and a day to remember.

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Falmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Lost, found & returned earring from a sandy beach

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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This Covid19 pandemic has caused more than physical pain. The pain that one feels as an item is ripped from an ear as a mask is removed is unbearable. I have been called to find two hearing aids and Madelan’s 3 piece diamond stud earring is the second diamond stud I have answer the request to help. I have been successful in each search. The problem of these items is the amount of metal that the detector must recognize a very small amount to say the least. In the case of the hearing aids only the battery is recognized. There is even less metal in most stud earrings.

Now that you know what a detectorist is up against on with the story.

Madelan is a frequent visitor to the beach and on one day she was involved in a ring search which I was later call in on. She was present when I found the ring and said she would never forget the event. Good thing she did not forget how to contact me. She now needed my help in finding one of her custom made 3 piece diamond stud earrings. The parts of the earring are: the back was a butterfly, the circle was an invisible jacket for the solitaire stud. Of course when called to help I was on my way. Again I called on Leighton another Ring Finder to help as I knew it would be difficult to find the 3 small pieces.

Frank, Madelan’s son had made and “X” in the sand and bet his mother a pizza that is where her earring is. The initial search did not reveal the earring. Tweaking my detector for maximum sensitivity at a specific frequency ensured the best response when the coil was directly over any one of the parts. And Yes, Frank was owed a pizza for dinner. With the finely tweaked detector the part could not hide anymore. The three pieces were found, cleaned and returned to Madelan.

Everyone on the beach enjoyed watching and later talking to Leighton and myself. Photos taken, stories exchanged and many Thank You passed before Frank and his mother were off to their favorite pizza house for an enjoyable dinner. Leighton and myself returned home for a good nights sleep as we had scheduled a 6 hour hunt for a lost wedding band the next day. How much more enjoyment can one person endure?

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Beachcomber, Cahoon Hollow, Wellfleet, Massachusetts – Armenian gold cross lost, found and returned

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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The day before Kyle’s graduation he was playing volleyball and sporting his graduation gift of a white gold necklace and an Armenian cross. A quick jump, a spiked ball and on the way down to the sand the net caught the cross which then was in a free-fall into the sand. Kyle found the necklace and he and several others were not so fortunate in finding the cross. He left the beach in the dark and did not sleep well as his wish was to wear the cross on the virtual graduation. That was not to happen.

Just before the ceremony Kyle’s found a link to TheRingFinders.com and called Luke. Luke was in heavy traffic leaving the Cape for the day and would not be able to search until the next day. As TheRingFinders often do, he called me to take on the search. I did.

I would wait until the pay to park was lifted and there were less people on the beach. My plan partially worked. I did not have to pay to park, but I did wait on the volleyball game reach a point were the players would take a 10 minute break. They knew of the loss and some had some were part of the previous day’s search. I thanked the players and started my search. It only took about 6 minutes before I had the cross and left to meet Kyle for the return. As I left everyone said how amazed they were and to pass congratulations on to Kyle.

A drive that should take 10 minutes took almost an hour due to the Cape Visitors trying to find a meal or to leave the Cape. Just bad timing. We made the meeting, passed the co-dos, took photos, told a few stories, and parted or ways with smiles on everyone’s face. Kyle’s smile was the biggest of all.

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Harwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Wedding Band lost, found and returned

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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Matt took one dive too many. On the second dive his grandfather’s wedding band which is now worn as Matt’s wedding band slipped from his finger into the depths of Nantucket Sound. It was about 3pm and I was getting ready for Leighton’s arrival for an afternoon of detecting fun. It was then when Matt called and relayed the information of his lost ring. What luck, Leighton was on his way, not need to call him. Two searchers are definitely better to have searching than one.

We met Matt on the beach, got the run down on how and were his ring was lost. Leighton asked Matt to go to the spot where he thought he lost the ring. I was following when I heard a signal that was from a pull tab. Continuing on, my second signal proved to be the object of search. I call all to come to the beach where the ring was verified as the missing ring.

Matt removed the ring from my scoop, smiled and was very thankful as you can see from the picture below. All this in less than 2 hours from the time the ring slipped from Matt’s finger. This return was made only 75 feet from a ring return the previous week. Just loving this hobby.

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Craigville, Hyannis, Massachusetts – Lost necklace, cross and ring found and returned

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)
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Three times was the number of detecting hunts it took to retrieve Oleg’s three pieces of jewelry. During the first try I thought my skill was lacking because I had a ring in my pouch but could not locate either of the other two pieces of jewelry. It was time to call it quits for the evening and give Oleg the ring and apologize that I had not found the other to pieces. I was feeling bad, but not as bad when Oleg told me the ring I found was not his. And to make things worse, it was his 12th anniversary.

I requested that he not replace the items for at least two weeks. I wanted more time to locate the jewelry. The second try was not much better except I found an Apple watch series 5 – see the related story. Then it happened, I got stung by a jelly fish. OUCH!!!!!!!!! But still no ring.

Two days later Leighton Harington (also a Ring Finder) and I were meeting for a get-together hunt. As so, this was the perfect chance to end the madness of looking for Oleg’s lost articles. About 30 minutes into the hunt I found Oleg’s ring and a minute later the cross. Leighton came to the area and because the detector he was using was more sensitive to small link chains he had a better chance at locating the chain and he did. The bad part of the hunt was yet to come. And it did with a painful outcome for both Leighton and myself. We both were stung by jelly fish.

So much for the found items. It is time to return them, but how? A friend could pick them up, I could hold onto the item until Oleg could return to the Cape, or the dreaded USPS. I convinced Oleg to trust the USPS service. And the pieces were posted with tracking number and expected delivery day as Friday. The package was delivered a day early, but to the neighbors mail box. The mix up was rectified and Oleg face was smiling once again and his heart filled with happiness.

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