Metal Detecting Service Myrtle Beach SC Tag | The Ring Finders

14K Yellow Gold Wedding Band Lost in Resort Parking Garage, Found and Returned Myrtle Beach SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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This search started on Sunday Sept. 14, 2025, just before 4 pm with a text from Cody saying, “Hi Jim, I found your number on a metal detecting page. We just stayed at Sands Resort this weekend and my wife put her ring in our backpack cooler for safe keeping. When we went to put our beach wagon back in the car, we dumped out the sand. The backpack cooler never left the wagon and her ring was gone. We can only imagine we dumped it out in the parking deck. I was wondering if this would be something you could help with. We are 4 hours away. I called the number attached to the text message and got a few more details from Cody. One of the things he told me was the ring was a yellow gold wedding band that was part of a set, but this was just the wedding band that was lost. He said they were parked on the 5th level and 2 parking spaces to the left, directly across from the elevator. He also mentioned that they had left to go back home about 8 am that day. I’m thinking that our tourist season is winding down and there should be fewer guests at the resort.  I also thought there was a pretty good chance of finding his wife, Desiree’s wedding band. I told him I’d go a little later and would let him know when I was on my way.

About 7:30 pm I sent him a text saying, “On my way.” Since this was going to be strictly a visual search, I grabbed a flashlight and a small fan rake. The rake was in case I had to reach under a car if that’s where the ring was. I got to the resort about 8 pm and needed a parking card to get into the parking lot. I had to go in and explain what was going on to the front desk clerk and she gave me a card to park. As I’m driving through the maze of the parking garage, I’m noticing the first 3 levels of parking were completely full. Not what I was hoping for. When I got to level 5, it was almost empty of cars. I parked 1 spot to the right of the elevator and walked over to the elevator to make sure I was on the 5th level. There was a car parked in the 3rd spot, left of the elevator, but they left after I started looking around with the flashlight. I checked the 1st and 2nd spot and saw nothing. So, as usual when I can’t find what I’m looking for in the area it’s supposed to be in, I expand my search out. I looked out to the 6th spot on the left with no luck, so I started back to the right. As I’m getting ready to move my car, I glanced over on the 2nd spot to the right of the elevator and noticed a small object. As I walked over to it, Bingo, there was her ring just lying on the ground. I took a picture of me holding her ring and one of just the ring and sent it to him. In the text I said, “Cody, you need to go buy you a lottery ticket, now.” He immediately responded, “Brother you are a gift!!!” I called him telling him where I found it. He was positive it should have been on the left of the elevator. So, we’re thinking it either got kicked, flung out of the cooler or possibly rolled over to where it was. How it got to where it was, we’ll never know, but I was glad it did. I asked him to send me his name and address so I could get it in the mail tomorrow, Monday. He and Desiree were very excited to be getting it back.

They got the ring back on Thursday and I got the picture of Desiree and her big smile on Saturday.

Cody – thank you for calling me to help find Desiree’s treasure.

Jim

 

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24K Yellow Gold Wedding Band and 24K Yellow Gold Anniversary Ring Lost in the Surf, Found and Returned North Myrtle Beach SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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This adventure started on 8/18/25 at 11:31 am, and what an adventure it turned out to be. I received a text message from Heather saying, “Hi, looking for help. Lost my wedding ring and anniversary ring today.” I replied for her to call me and sent her my number. When she called, I asked her what time she lost it and where she was on the beach. She said she lost it about 45 minutes ago and she was sitting at the water’s edge. A quick check of the tide tables for North Myrtle Beach, and she lost it about an hour after low tide. I told her I was on my way, knowing that I missed my chance with the tide. I had little chance of finding her rings at that time, but it gave me a chance to see what I was up against. When I met Heather on the beach she showed me a picture of the rings. She stated the wedding band was yellow gold and about 3mm in width. The anniversary ring was thinner and had 5 diamonds on it, both rings were 24 Karat yellow gold. She pointed out where she had been sitting and mentioned she had moved a little south for a while and then back again. She also mentioned she had been knocked over by a wave. I tried doing an east west grid perpendicular to the surf but wasn’t making any progress. After maybe 45 minutes of getting pounded by the waves, getting my metal scoop slammed into my shin causing a cut, and getting knocked down twice. I decided now was not the right time! I told Heather I’d be back for the evening low tide which was just before 11 pm. On the way home I called my buddy Burwin to see if he was interested in a nighttime hunt. He jumped at the chance. Having someone to help on night hunts, helps with covering the area twice as quick. It’s also good to have someone watching your back, literally. Burwin and I hit the beach later that evening and the conditions were worse than earlier. We had no luck and called it a night after about 2 hours of searching. So, I already decided I’d be out the next morning an hour or so before low tide.

The next morning, I was getting ready to leave when I noticed I had a voice mail and text message from Katie H. Her text message read, “Hi Jim, My name is Katie H. and I’m a reporter with WBTW news 13. I just left you a voice mail trying to get in contact with you. We are hoping to do a story on you and your company and the recent ring you just found for a visiting couple in North Myrtle. I would love to shadow or follow you for a day and to interview you regarding your process and why you love to do what you do. If you’re able to speak today please text or call me back and even if that isn’t possible but you are available sometime this week, let me know that as well and we can set something up! Thank you! Kindest Regards, Katie H.” I called Katie back and she explained what she wanted to do. I told her, “it just so happens I’m on my way to a ring search and she was more than welcome to come along.” We agreed to meet at the location, and I was on my way. I got there before she did and started my east/west grid search. The sea and weather conditions were better, and I thought I’d have a much better chance of finding Heather’s 2 rings. When Katie showed up, I met her at the top of the slope, and she did my interview. When she finished, I told her how I do my searches and started an east/west grid from the high tide line to about knee to waist deep. On my second line and as Katie was recording, I hit a solid 14 on the VDI (visual display indicator). This is what I was looking for on a gold wedding band, but it’s also where pull tabs ring up as. I dug a scoop, shook the wet sand out of it and saw Heather’s gold wedding band. I pulled it out of the scoop and showed it to Katie. We walked up the beach so I could call Heather. When I called it went to voice mail, and I told Heather “I’ve got something for you.” Katie and I walked back down the beach to where I found the 1st ring, and in just a few more steps I hit Heather’s Anniversary ring. Katie and I walked back up the beach so I could call Heather again. This time Heather answered and said, “I’m right behind you.” I turned around and handed Heather her 2 rings and got the biggest bear hug. I told Heather who Katie was, and Heather agreed to being interviewed. This entire search, recovery and return couldn’t have gone any better. After Katie’s interview with Heather, I turned around to Katie and said something like, “This is why I do this.” Katie got the message! I’ll post the news story when I get it.

Katie – Thank you so much for the opportunity to show what it is I do and why.

Heather – Thank you for trusting me to help find your lost treasures. It was great to get them back to you where they belong.

Jim

 

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Man’s White Gold Wedding Band Lost in the Surf, Found and Returned North Myrtle Beach SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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On 8/17/25 at about 1:30 pm I got a text message from Faith saying, “Hi Jim! My cousin just lost his wedding band in the ocean. How does this process work?” I replied with, “Call me so I can get the details.”  Her response was, “OK thanks. I’ll have him reach out.” Then about 5:30 pm, I got a text from Michael saying, “Hello, hope all is well! A group of family members told me about your page, and they might have already messaged you about my wedding band. It was 1-1:30 pm on 8/16 (yesterday) when I lost my band in the edge of the water. I was at public beach access on 15th Ave S to the right of the storm/sewer pipe. I wasn’t past the storm/sewer pipe in the water and my wedding band came off my finger. I know it’s a long shot but if you ever find a ring that looks like this let me know. Thanks for the help! (He included a picture of his ring). » I immediately text him back saying, “You were right around high tide when you lost it yesterday. I could come out about 8 tonight to look for it. I’d like you to meet me to show me the right area. Call me and I sent my number.” When he called, I confirmed basically everything he told me, and we set it up to meet at 8 pm.  About 6:30 pm I got antsy and looked at the tide tables again. I figured the tide should be low enough that his ring should be out from under the water and in the wet sand. I text him and told him I’d be there at 7 and he responded he’d see me there.

When I got there, I met Mike and his mother-in-law, Terry, on the beach. Mike pointed out the area and Terry helped with a couple observations she had.  I started north of where Mike said he was. I do that so I’m not skipping around the beach from area to area. I started an east/west grid and worked across the beach. Finally, I got an iffy signal, nothing solid but a signal. I started taking scoops of sand out of the hole until I finally got a good steady signal. A couple of more scoops and I had the target out of the hole. When I dumped the sand out of the scoop and spread the sand out with my foot, I saw Michael’s ring sitting in the sand. I took the ring down and washed the sand off in the surf and made my way to where Michael and Terry were standing. I held the ring up and smiled. Michael was so relieved and happy.

Michael – Thanks for giving me the chance to help find your lost treasure. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Jim

 

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Woman’s White Gold Wedding Band Set Lost in the Surf, Found and Returned Garden City SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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On 8/16/25, just after 2:30 pm, I got a call from Welton saying his wife had lost her wedding band set in the surf while playing volleyball with their daughter. I asked him about what time, and he responded about 45 minutes ago. Looking at the tide tables, high tide was at 2:05 pm. I told him I’d be there at 4 pm, knowing I’d be in the surf working an outgoing tide.

I arrived just before 4 pm and met Welton in the parking lot of the condo they were staying in. As we walked out on the beach, I saw his wife Casey sitting in a beach chair staring into the surf. When I saw that, I knew I had to find her rings. I got a few more details from Casey and started a north/south gridline running parallel to the surf. I established the north and south border lines and was working the outgoing tide. After maybe 20 minutes and a little above my ankles deep, I hit it. It wasn’t a solid signal but enough to get my attention and make me dig. I had seen a picture of her ring and I made sure I was very careful with my scoop trying to get her ring out of the sand. Because of that, it took me a few extra scoops of sand to get the ring out. When I had it in the scoop and saw it, I reached down and pulled it out of the scoop. I looked at Casey and gave her a big smile, as if to let her know I had it. I also gave Welton and head nod to let him know. Casey didn’t move until I walked back towards her and held out the ring pinched between my fingers. When she saw her ring she was overwhelmed with emotion. Big hugs from Casey and Welton made it perfect.

Welton and Casey – Thank you for trusting me to help find your lost treasure. Enjoy the rest of your vacation and have a very safe trip home.

Jim

   

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Wedding/Engagement Ring Lost in the Surf, Found and Returned Myrtle Beach SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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On 7/31/25 and just before 2 pm, I received a text saying, “Hi Jim. My name is Jennifer B and I lost my wedding/engagement ring about an hour ago in front of the Sand Castle Ocean Front Resort South Beach. I was about thigh deep in the ocean and got wiped out by a wave and lost the ring. Sending a picture. Thank you!” I checked the tide tables and figure she lost it about 45 minutes before high tide. By now the tide would have turned. By the time I’d get there it’d be a couple hours past high tide and easily researchable. I called the number attached to the text and spoke with Jennifer. I got a few more details and told her I’d be there in about 30-35 minutes. She agreed and I was on my way.

When I arrived, I easily found a place to park and walked on the beach. I called Jennifer telling her I was on the beach, and she directed me to where she was. When we met, she explained what had happened and looking at the conditions I completely understood how she lost it. Mother Nature wasn’t in a good mood; the sea breeze had picked up enough to blow the waves straight into the beach. There was also a tough at the bottom of the slope which meant the waves were crashing right where I thought her ring would be. I started a grid search both parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline and wasn’t having any luck. Twice, I tried to venture into the tough and both times waves knocked me flat. There were people including Jennifer, trying to help me get up and grab my detector and scoop. I wasn’t having any fun at this point. There were still a few hours before low tide, so I decided to call it for now and come back later. I apologized to Jennifer for not finding it but didn’t say I was coming back at that point. I needed to check the home front and grab some dinner for the wife and me. Just before low tide, I text Jennifer saying I was going back to try again and hit the road. I arrived back right at low tide and the conditions were much better. I started a grid search at the north end of the search area and about mid tide. I was able to make my way out to waist deep. My 3rd line, I hit a solid 11 on the VDI (visual display indicator), exactly what I expected for a lady’s Platinum ring. One scoop and I had it out of the hole, gently shook the sand out and saw her ring. I took a quick picture, sent it to Jennifer and said “Bingo.” I also asked where she was, and I’d bring it to her. I called her and found out her and the 4 ladies she was vacationing with were at a local restaurant, so I was on my way. I met Jennifer and her emotional response was priceless.

Jennifer – Thank you for trusting me to help find your lost treasure and get it back where it belongs.

Jim

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Man’s Yellow Gold Wedding Band Lost in Oyster Bay, Found and Returned Murrell’s Inlet SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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This is Part 2 of 2 which started when I was called and found another Yellow Gold Wedding band for Charlie and Renee. It just so happened that when I was there, I found out that Charlie’s brother-in-law, Cory had also lost his yellow gold wedding band. Cory had lost his ring 2 days prior on July 4th. The area Cory pointed out was about 30-40 yards wide with an east boundary line that started at the upper beach by the dunes. The south line was straight out from an excavator on an empty lot behind the dunes. The north boundary line was straight out from a Palm tree in the corner of an adjoining lot and the west boundary was out to waist deep water. I had lost the low tide for the day but was able to get out to about my waist which was not as deep as Cory’s waist deep. I was able to check the entire beach inside the suspected area, finding a lot of targets but no man’s wedding band. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much more I could do at that point, so I called it a day. In my mind, I had already decided that I’d be back the next day at low tide, but didn’t say anything at the time. Sadly, Cory and his wife Olivia were leaving the next morning, so I wouldn’t be able to have a surprise return should I find it. On the way home, I text Charlie and told him my plan and ask him to let the gate guard know the next morning. He agreed, so everything was in place, all I needed to do was find Cory’s ring.

I showed up the next morning and everything was going according to plan. Since I had cleared the entire area of the beach, I could focus on searching the water. I started an east/west grid search letting my scoop drag in the sand, about 5 feet up the beach as a reference line. I started at the excavator working north. The water was calm, other than when boats would speed by leaving a wake that got me. With each line, I was able to get out to chest deep, which was a little farther out than Cory’s waist. I was about 5 feet in front of my excavator landmark when I got a loud and solid signal. My screen showing the VDI (visual display indicator) was submerged at arm’s length so I couldn’t see what the numbers on the machine were telling me. I guided my scoop deep into the sand and behind the detector coil and hoped I could get this target in one try. I pulled the scoop out and checked the hole to see if I got it, I DID! I shook the sand and mud out of the scoop under water. I lifted the scoop up and amongst a\scoop full of shells; I saw Cory’s gold wedding band peeking about halfway out from under a shell. Boom!! I made my way out of the water and called Charlie. I said, “Found it!” He replied, “No way, I’ll meet you at your car!” When we met, he called his sister, Olivia and told her I had found it, I think her response was the same as Charlie’s, “No way!” Charlie and Olivia worked out the details on getting the ring back to Cory. I asked Olivia to please take a picture of them and send it to me once they get the ring. I also asked her if Cory was excited, she said “He’s already texting his friends.” Soon as I get the picture, I can post this story.

Today, Thursday July 10th, I got a great picture of Cory with his ring. This is what it’s all about – one Big Happy Smile!

Cory and Olivia – I’m so happy I could help find Cory’s ring. Wish you two only the best!

Jim

 

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Diamond and Zirconium Mother’s Ring Lost in the Sand, Found and Returned Georgetown, SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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Just before 7 p.m. on July 4th I got a text saying, “Hi, we lost a ring on the beach at Debordieu (a gated community north of Georgetown, SC). Do you still do metal detecting services?” I immediately called the number attached to the text and talked with Rick. I got a few more details and told Rick it’d take me a little over an hour but was on my way.

When I arrived, Rick had called the gate guard and let him know I was coming, so I had no problem getting through. I met Rick along the way, parked and he led me out to the spot on the beach. They had left the tent up to mark the area. I was told that Rick’s wife Candy had put the ring in her top and when she stood up to get out of the beach chair, the ring fell out. I looked at Rick and his son-in-law Josh, and said “What do you think, maybe a minute?” I turned on the machine, took about 3 steps and hit a solid 6 on the VDI (visual display indicator). Bingo! I took a small scoop of sand and gently shook it out of the scoop. Looked in the scoop and there was Candy’s beautiful ring. We drove back to Rick’s house, and I got to meet Candy who already had her ring back on. Very happy lady!!!

Josh – Thank you for finding me on Google.

Rick and Candy – Thank you for allowing me to help find your ring. Enjoy your vacation!

Jim

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Heirloom Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Lost in the Sand, Found and Returned Myrtle Beach SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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Coming off an unsuccessful ocean ring search, I got the following text from Jason. The text read, “I lost a ring on the beach yesterday around 5:30 pm. It’s a gold ring with two birthstones. We were at Ocean Lakes Resort. We went onto the beach at the Lovestone Dr entrance and were sitting directly in front of the first set of blue chair rentals to the right when you enter the beach. My name is Jason.” He also included his phone number which I called. I got a few more details and told him I’d be there in about 20 minutes. First off, the facility does not allow businesses on the premises. Secondly, they don’t give out visitor passes without the owner’s, not the renters, permission. So, I ended up telling the clerk I wasn’t a business and then I had to park across the street at a Walgreens and have Jason come pick me up. After all that Jason and I finally made our way to the beach.

When we walked out the beach, it was packed with tourist. Jason told me he lost the ring when his fiance, Molly handed him the ring to hold. He put the ring in his lap and forgot about it until he stood up and the ring went flying and disappeared in the dry sand. They had asked a young gentleman with a metal detector to look, without success. Unfortunately, with all the families, I had a very limited area I could search. I did get a couple of people to move but not many. I did what I could and talked to Jason and we decided it’d be better for me to come back in a couple of hours.

I showed back up 2 hours later, and Jason and I went through the same process of parking and getting in the facility. When we walked out on the beach this time, there was nobody in the way. Jason verified the area, and I started a grid search. As I got to the end of where Jason thought the ring should be, I got the signal I was looking for. I dug a small scoop of sand, shook it out of the scoop and saw Molly’s engagement ring in the bottom. I held it up for Jason to see, and I could see the relief come across his face. We decided we’d surprise Molly, so Jason put the ring in his wallet. On the way back to the house, Jason explained that the ring was his grandmother’s ring. When Jason and Molly got engaged, she gave the ring to them as a gift. Jason said he was up most of the night before trying to figure out how to tell his grandmother the ring was lost.

When we got back to the house Jason handed his wallet to Molly and asked her to take out all his cash for me. She took out some and Jason said “No, all of it.” As she pulled out the last of the bills, her eyes welled up and the tears started coming. She jumped off the sofa and gave me a huge hug. I looked at Jason and said, “This is what it’s all about!”

Jason and Molly – Thank you for trusting me to help find your lost treasure. I wish you two all the best in life,

Jim

 

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Man’s White and Yellow Gold Wedding Band Lost in the Ocean, Recovered and Returned North Myrtle Beach SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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Shortly after 11 a.m., I received a text from my son-in-law, Donnie who’s a North Myrtle Beach Police Officer asking, “Can you come to 23rd Ave South, ring?” I replied “sure.” He then added, “It’s in the water, kind of shallow but the tide is coming in. 2 hours before high tide.” He also sent me a name (Clete) and a phone number. I called Clete to get a few more details and told him I’d be there in about 10 minutes.

When I arrived at the beach, I met Clete as I was coming off the boardwalk. He walked me out to the area where he had marked the spot with a kid’s shovel buried in the sand. He said it was 50 steps out to the area. I looked at what 50 steps would approximately be, and I was prepared to get wet, but 50 steps would put me under water. Then he let me know it was 50 heel to toe steps, ok a little better.  I had him mark off the steps and he ended up about waist deep in the water. I turned my machine on and started my walk out to him. The water was cold!!! I caught a few waves that put me shoulder deep, but things were good. I did a couple of grid lines from shore to the spot with no luck. I then started at his spot and worked a grid around that spot. Suddenly, I got a good signal ringing up between 10-12. For the type ring he described, I was in the ballpark. I had to keep the coil on the target and butt the scoop up against the coil. Then move the coil out of the way to try and dig the target. After the third scoop, I had the target in the scoop. I let the waves wash the sand out of the scoop and Bingo; Clete’s ring was staring up at me from the bottom of the scoop. I removed the ring and clutched it in a closed fist as I walked back to shore. I looked up and saw Clete and Ashley, his wife, making their way towards me. Clete asked, “Did you find it?” I held out my fist and handed his lost treasure back to him. He was so relieved and grateful.

Donnie – thanks for the referral!

Clete – thank you for trusting me to help find and return your precious treasure. You and Ashley enjoy the rest of your family vacation!!

Jim

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Man’s White Gold Wedding Band Lost in the Sand, Found and Returned Myrtle Beach, SC

  • from North Myrtle Beach (South Carolina, United States)
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Shortly after 9:30 a.m., I received a call from an Alabama phone number. Sam was on the other end and asked if I could help him find his wedding band. He said he was brushing the sand off of his hands and felt his ring come off. He said he saw it land in the dry sand and disappear. He also said that he tried looking for it but couldn’t find it. I was getting a wheel bearing replaced at the time and told him as soon as it’s done, I’d be on my way. I also suggested that he quit digging because he’d either bury it more or possibly move it. I called him back within 30 minutes and told him I was on my way and to send me the address, which he did.

When I arrived at the hotel and parked, Sam met me as I walked off the elevator. He walked me out to the beach and showed me the maybe 5×5 ft area. These are the type of searches we hope for. He told me the ring was a white gold wedding band. So, I knew I was looking for a low teen number on the Equinox 800 VDI (visual display indicator). I turned the machine on, took one swing and hit a solid shallow signal showing a 14 on the VDI, Boom!!!! Because I was moving the target with the scoop, trying to take shallow scoops, it took me 3 scoops to get the ring out of the sand. But I got it! Handed the ring back to Sam, who quickly put it back on his finger where it belonged.

Sam – Thank you for calling me and allowing me to help find your lost treasure. Enjoy the rest of your vacation and have a safe trip back home.

Jim

 

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