Received a call at about 9:30 AM on Saturday from a friend of a person who had lost his new wedding band on Michigan Ave in Chicago. He had been walking on Michigan Friday night and he had been flicking the ring with his thumb. Since he had just gotten married, he was still getting use to the ring. Married not even 1 day!!! I found it in about 10 minutes in the shrubs along Michigan Ave. Marriage Saved!
Richard Browne holds a tray of some of his findings including a Packers shampoo top from the late 1800s, coins, nails and knives using an underwater metal detector. Over the years Browne says he has pulled up thousands of objects including coins, class rings and wedding and engagement rings from various off and on Cape beaches.
Cape Cod Times/Merrily Cassidy
also by Jason Kolnos
capecast@capecodonline.com
January 16, 2013
DENNISPORT — A lone figure, up to his chest in the cold ocean, waves a strange magic wand, seeking treasure. Why does he dare challenge King Neptune for the fruits of the deep?
« The quest, » said Richard Browne. « It keeps me off the streets and out of the bars. »
Browne, of South Yarmouth, is a member of Ring Finders, a group of metal detector specialists spread throughout the world who offer their services to folks who lose precious stuff.
« They give me a call and I go out anywhere on the Cape and find it for them and return it to them for nothing, » Browne said. « Two years ago, I returned 22 rings and this past year, 10. »
He is currently trying to find the owner of a 1970 CornellUniversity ring found off SeaStreetBeach in Dennisport on Jan. 10. Browne, who began detecting in 1982, estimates he has returned 100 class rings during his career.
« I don’t accept rewards; they’re taxable, » he said. « If you want to give me a gift, I’ll think about that. A thank-you note is wonderful. »
Browne said his biggest thanks have come after he found missing wedding bands or engagement rings. He believes he has saved at least one marriage that was strained to the breaking point after the loss of a ring.
Browne said the most valuable object he has returned is a $20,000 diamond ring he located at New Seabury.
When Browne isn’t helping others, he is helping himself to the bounty under the sea, in locations on- and off-Cape. Sometimes he pulls up soda cans and spark plugs; sometimes he finds unusual coins and jewelry.
« Trying to find a little fortune here and there, » he calls it.
A sticking point for those who want to join in the treasure hunt may be the cost of equipment. Browne estimated that the detector, special scooper, waders and other odds and ends total $2,000.
Prospective hunters should always check pertinent local, state and federal regulations regarding metal detecting in a specific area.
The reward of plumbing the depths goes beyond booty, Browne said.
« It’s just relaxing, » he said. « I don’t like going to the gym to work out. And you get out there and it gets cold and your heart starts pumping and you dig and try not to get water down your gloves and stay dry. It’s peaceful. »
Article Link:
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130116/NEWS/301160347&cid=sitesearch
Youtube Link:
I typically look forward to getting calls from The Ring Finders directory for lost rings, lost keys, lost cell phones, you name it. However, on this day I was a little hesitant to answer the phone. You see, it was not just a typical WI winter day … it was -10 degrees below zero outside! Brandon had lost his ring in the parking lot of Erin’s Snug Irish Pub and Restaurant in Madison, WI. On the call, he explained that he was wiping the snow off his windshield wipers when he lost his ring. He did not have any gloves on (what was he thinking!) and when he went to flick the snow off his hand … he ring flew off. He knew right where it was, but after digging for awhile gave up.
Gold is extremely heavy, and when dropped into a snow bank, will drop pretty quickly to the bottom. Even though Brandon saw the entry point, he could not find the lost ring in the 4 foot snow bank. He searched on Google hoping to rent a metal detector the next day. He entered a bunch of different phrases, « rent metal detector », « metal detector rental » and « how to find my lost ring ». Fortunately for him, he found The Ring Finders Page and my blog. http://theringfinders.com/blog/Dan.Roekle/. He said he couldn’t believe such a service even existed, and there was a member right in Madison. He couldn’t believe it. He also couldn’t believe that I was willing to head out that same day … the same day that it was -10 degrees below zero!
I brought my son along on the hunt, and after bundling up, we headed out. We hunted in 5 min increments, because it was that cold. I am a pretty tough guy when it comes to cold weather, but with temps -10 below zero, you don’t want to mess around. We kept our van running to warm up. The problem with hunting in a parking lot in the winter, is that all the junk from the parking lot is picked up by the snow plows and dropped right on the curb. This is of course right where Brandon lost his ring.
My son and I are usually not quick to give up, we don’t like to leave a lost ring that we know is within reach. However, did I mention it was cold. We agreed to do one more 5 min search. Good thing we did, because we got a strong signal on the metal detector … and pulled out Brandon’s ring. We didn’t even look at it closely as we both ran to the van to warm up. Our first stop was McDonald’s for some hot chocolate, then to Brandon’s house to return the ring. He gave us a very generous reward for our hard work and an extra bonus seeing it was so cold. He could not have been more appreciative for our hard work and for finding his lost wedding ring.
Remember, don’t rent a metal detector, rent a Ring Finder!
14k wedding band
New couple to Canada from Australia lost his 9k white gold wedding band. He lost the ring while taking stuff out of the car at the motel 8 where they were staying.He dropped it in the snow.They serached for a couple of hours.With no luck they found ringfinders and called me out.I went ot right away about 9 pm. It was very cold out -9 and windy. I sreached for about a hour couldn’t find it.I thought it might be under one of the other cars.I went back the next day and recovered it and returned it to the wife they were very happy.Another happy couple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycSk-0Xpg9I
Watch Rick in action finding a class ring on Cape Cod, MA.
Follow the CapeCast YouTube link:
On the afternoon of 12/9/2012 I recieved a phone call from a gentleman by the name of ( Mr. Joe D ). who explained that his father, ( Mr. Tom D. ) lost a 14K gold ring while working in his yard a week earlier.. After speakin with ( Mr. Joe D.) , I then called his father , ( Mr. Tom D. ) to speak to him and he explained the story of losing the ring as well.. I then agreed to meet them about a hour later and when I got there, I had ( Mr. Tom D. ) walk me through what he was doing when he lost his ring.. He explained that he had searched for it with no luck and even had the neighbor help.. He told me that it could be in one of the many bags of rakings or around the bushes which is where he was when he lost it.. Rather than go through all the bags and dump out all the leaves etc which would be alot more work to clean them up again, I got out my Long Range Metal Detector / Electroscope and proceded to scope the area around the Bushes where he was when he lost the ring.. Instantly I was able lock onto a target by the bushes where he was working using my Long Range Metal Detector and in under ten minutes I was able to recover his lost ring for him.. I am so glad I was able to help him.. I hope they have a Merry Christmas and wish them a very Happy Holidays.. In the pictures you with see the ring and me holding my long range metal detector standing beside Mr. Tom D.
Update-Case Closed Ring Found
I was recently contacted by Ms. Walker from College Station, Texas regarding a lost 2011 Texas A&M class ring. Ms. Walker was not exactly sure of where she lost her ring, but knew it was missing after an exhaustive search of her home and car.
Ms. Walker felt there could be a slight possibility that it may have fallen of her hand somewhere in her front yard, but was clearly unsure.
I was able to assist Ms. Walker in contacting a fellow Detectorist Bill Sloan in College Station. Mr. Sloan was able to assist Ms. Walker in a metal detection search of both her front and back yards.
The ring remains unrecovered at this time and has been reported to the College Station Police Department.
The ring is described as a ladies 10K Texas A&M class ring with inscription Kelly E.B. Walker. If this ring should cross your path it’s looking to go home.
The following is an e-mail sent by Ms. Walker
Thank you Mr. Volek,
I really appreciate all your help and your connecting me to Mr. Sloan. He was incredibly kind and patient with me throughout our dealings.
He wouldnt even let me pay him for gas. I know he was from the area but I still found it surprising. He made clear that he was simply doing it to help, as you did.
You’ve both made a painful process much easier and I really appreciate it.
My next step is to have a friend of mine take apart the dash on my car. I heard a metal object sliding around when I made a particularly sharp turn yesterday and my heart stopped. I have no idea if it’s my ring or not, but a girl can hope.
Take care, Mr. Volek. I’ll keep you updated if I find it.
Thanks and Gig ’em,
Kelly Walker
Houston and Surrounding Areas
John Volek / Metal Detecting Specialist
Underwater Metal Detecting Specialist
Home Location
Houston, Texas
Contact
281-330-7758
Search Locations
State of Texas and beyond
Search Types
I can search virtually any location regardless of the conditions, geography or technical difficulty. Most of the calls for service I receive are for lost personal possessions (jewelry, rings, and bracelets). I have experience in Insurance Forensic Recovery, Insurance Claims, Underwater Recovery and Estate Property Searches to list a few.
In short, if you lost it, I can assist you in finding it.
I maintain a Scuba Diver Certifications through (SSI) Scuba Schools International, placing your lost property with-in reach even when overboard.
I train regularly and use the best equipment available insuring the greatest possibility of finding your lost possessions.
Assistance to any Law Enforcement Agency upon request.
Cost For My Service
For land and shallow water searches I work on a reward basis…That means you pay me what you can afford, and what it’s worth to you, to have your lost item found.
Travel and other incidental fees will be agreed upon prior to rendering any Metal Detecting Services.
If the search requires me to dive for your lost ring or property there will be a set fee discussed prior to suiting up.
John Volek’s Bio
I am a certified Texas Law Enforcement Officer of twenty-five years. If you lost something important, I have extensive experience and training in helping people find what they have lost.
“in scientia opportunitas”… In Knowledge, there is Opportunity
The Ring Finders Metal Detecting Service
We can search virtually any location, some of the most common places are parks, lakes, beaches and even your own front yard…If you lost your “Ring” or other precious item…We can find it!
We train regularly and use the best Metal Detecting Equipment available insuring the greatest possibility of finding your lost possessions.
www.theringfinders.com/john.volek
Don’t wait… Call now!
John Volek
281-330-7758
Lost Wedding Ring Stanley Park Calgary
CTV Calgary Published Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 11:58AM MDT Last Updated Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 7:37PM MDT
Losing a wedding ring is a sickening feeling for anyone that’s misplaced the piece of sentimental jewelry.
A local metal detector specialist, known as ‘The Ringfinder’, is doing his part to end the emotional pain.
Kevin Niefer has been metal detecting for the last 25 years.
In 2011, Niefer joined the Ring Finders Network, and is the group’s representative here in Calgary.
Niefer says he’s been quite successful helping people find their lost rings.
He’s currently helping Alicia Tropak locate her lost wedding ring. She misplaced her ring on September 23, 2012, somewhere near Stanley Park.
Tropak is expecting her first child at the end of the month, and says her fingers swell sometimes. She took her ring off, put it in her pocket, and lost it somewhere along her walk.
Niefer is hopeful he can find the ring using his metal detector which has a history of locating all kinds of hidden treasures.
“And that could be jewelry or old relics like pins or chauffeurs badges, or coins,” says Niefer. “You never know what you’re going to dig up, and when you dig it up, it’s thrilling.”
“Or it might be a bottle cap.”
Niefer and Tropak were unable to find the ring on this day, but will return to expand the search.
For more information about the Ring Finders, website