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This is a ring find of a different sort. Let me explain.

I’ve been a metal-detecting enthusiast since 1976. You could say I have developed a keen ‘eye’ for lost jewelry items, sometimes spotting missing rings in advance of my metal detector’s coil. When this happens it creates a conundrum. Does it count as a legitimate find since my eyes saw the target first and not my detector? There are metal-detecting purists out there who might cry fowl at the thought. But hear me out.

Harnessing electronic wizardry with the intent to peer into the realm of the unseen and to ferret out hidden treasures from their hiding places is what makes metal detecting such a delightful hobby. Whether a search is on land, in snow, in lakes or in pounding ocean surfs, the first glimmer of gold causes one’s heart to skip a beat. But there is another thrill that takes this hobby to a whole different level, a higher level if you please—e.g., returning lost items to their owners! At its core, this is what makes The Ring Finders such a unique service.

A case in point is my latest ‘ring’ find.

Last night my metal-detecting eyes spied a fully loaded key ring splayed out on the road in the middle of a busy intersection in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. I thought to myself, “Someone is surely going to panic when they discover all those keys missing! I’d sure hate to be in their shoes.” Then my Ring Finder instincts kicked in. I managed to get my vehicle off to the side of the road and then when it was safe, I darted out into the intersection, grabbed the key ring and scrambled back to my car with my treasure in hand… and my body intact.

Upon closer examination, the only piece identification I could see was a small bar-coded rewards tag from the automotive parts company, O’Reilly’s. So I went online, found a local O’Reilly’s store and rang its office. ‘Joe,’ answered. When I explained my strange circumstances he asked for the tag number, promising he would telephone the owner. Unfortunately the phone listing was no longer in service. But there was one remaining hope; Joe texted me the owner’s name and email address connected to the tag. I took a photo of the key ring and emailed it to one, Chris Paulino and waited for a response. I didn’t have to wait long.

My cell phone rang about five minutes later. It was Chris. And yes, he was the surprised but overjoyed owner! We arranged to meet the next morning at construction site where he worked. There the key ring with all its keys and O’Reilly Rewards tag was safely returned. Mission accomplished!

You know, whether the lost keys were detected by a machine or by keen eyes, the end result was the return of a precious item to its rightful owner. In my book of smiles, the recovery and return of this ring of keys is at least deserving of an honorable mention. And kudos to a very cooperative Joe at O’Reilly’s; his help made all the difference.

Thanks Joe.

Frisbee golf is a popular sporting activity here in Wisconsin. On Monday, July 16th, Waukesha resident, Paul Rottmann, and a friend were engaged in the game at the Wales Community Park when a cricket suddenly landed on Paul’s leg. He instinctively swatted at the intruder sending his tungsten wedding ring flying. After a lengthy search, even with the help of a metal detector, the ring remained at large. I received a phone call from Paul asking if I might bring my 45-plus years metal detecting experience to assist.

I arranged to meet Paul on location the next evening and quickly set up a grid search. It included a heavily weeded ravine. After two hours, a promising signal beckoned investigation and there in the thick foliage, Paul’s ring came to light. I called Paul over and handed him my headphones and XP Deus probe. Guiding his hand in the general area where I knew his ring lay, he soon heard the signal and began to comb through the grass with his fingers. It didn’t take long for him to lift the ring up out of its hiding place!

Thanks, Paul, for the opportunity to search for and to find your ring! May its story continue for many happy years.

TESTIMONIAL: Paul is truly a remarkable find. He shows a great passion in helping you recover your lost treasure and I would not hesitate to call him again should the need arise. Paul Rottmann – Waukesha, WI

Rickey was spending the Forth of July holiday with family and friends and began to throw a ball while in knee deep water.  It was at this time the bracelet, that belonged to his deceased father,  flew from his wrist into the ocean.

Rickey’s brother-in-law found out about our metal detecting services and Rickey contacted me 11 days later.  On the 12th day, Rickey gave me the location he was at during the loss and I began my search.  To my surprise, it was the 1st target in the area.  It was deep in the sand and almost out of my detecting depth range.  Rickey was shocked, relieved and shaking when I sent him the above picture of the bracelet on my detector.   Rickey said in a text message: « I feel like part of my dad is back!! »

Tags:  Lost Bracelet   Lost necklace   lost ring   metal detector rental  lost on beach