Lost Gold Ring .. Santa Monica, CA. .. Found under Sunbather's Blanket

I was given a phone number of a lady named Daní by a metal detectorist in Santa Monica. The story was, this lady had dropped her ring in the sand and before she realized her loss, a family had set up there beach towels and umbrellas in the exact spot. There were words and the family was unwilling to move. The police became involved and the family said they would move when I arrived with the metal detector.
The beaches were all packed and parking was not easy. Actually the police did give me a temporary parking permit which was a bonus. Daní told me how she had set her custom made ring on the edge of her towel. She moved over about 30 ft. to get a better view of the water.
After a short time she realized what she had done. This is one of two matching rings that were custom made for Daní and her sister. They were made from their mother’s jewelry and her mother had past away just 9 months ago. Very sentimental and irreplaceable for sure.
Well, I’m not sure what happened, but the people that had set up over where the ring was lost, changed there mind about moving. In fact they said they would find the ring and keep it. The language was getting very foul and some of the other beach goers had words with the police.
Solution.. I tried to explain to the people how emotions get out of control sometimes when people lose heirlooms. They were very upset and not willing to move. I told the two police officers, that I was willing move down the beach and wait for the people to leave. I didn’t have any reason I couldn’t wait till dark, if I had to. The officers agreed that they would also leave.
I moved to the other side of the lifeguard tower while Daní and her friend got me a cup of coffee. It was less than an hour before the irate people left the beach. Daní ran over to claim the spot. I took two passes with my detector and there the ring was under about 4″ of sand. Exactly where the family had been laying.. I often say each search is unique. This was definitely one that would be hard to duplicate.. It takes more than a metal detector to have a successful search. I love this service.