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How to Find a Lost Ring in the Yard with a Metal Detector Ashville, Alabama…

Contact:

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist for North Alabama and surrounding areas…call or text ASAP, anytime 24/7…610-504-6135

I received a phone call from Shayna on Wednesday evening (August 18, 2021) stating that she had lost her engagement ring on Monday while walking in her yard in Ashville, Alabama.  Shayna and her fiancé tried looking for it with a metal detector, but were unable to find it.  I was off on Friday, so we arranged for a search that morning.

I arrived at their home in Ashville, AL on Friday, August 20, 2021.  Shayna showed me the area in her yard where she thought the ring had slid off her finger.  She told me that the ring was 10k rose gold with diamonds.  It was her fiancé’s grandmother’s ring.  I began a grid search with my Minelab Equinox 800.  After clearing the general area Shayna told me that the ring should be in, I expanded my grid search.  Soon after, Shayna told me that she had to be honest and that it was actually a ring toss.  She said that she had immediately regretted throwing the ring.  This happens a lot; people have disagreements and sometimes rings go flying.  We’re all human.

With this new information, I had Shayna show me exactly where she was walking and how she tossed the ring.  It was a sideways toss.  I also had her fiancé show me where he remembered her standing when it happened.  Her fiancé said that she was about 5-10 feet further than Shayna remembered, which was in an area I hadn’t searched yet.  I expanded my grid search in that direction and soon after I found Shayna’s ring!  The grass was on the taller side, so it easily hid that beautiful 10 karat rose gold engagement ring.  Both Shayna and her fiancé were relieved and glad to have it back!

I’m always happy to help and blessed to be a member of Chris Turner’s online directory of metal detecting specialists, The Ring Finders.

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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3 Rings Representing 40 Years of Marriage…Lost, but Now FOUND Nashville, Tennessee!

Contact:

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist for North Alabama and surrounding areas…call or text ASAP, anytime 24/7…610-504-6135

I received a phone call from a very distraught Lynn on Wednesday afternoon (August 4, 2021). Lynn told me that she had lost all 3 of her very special rings (2 white gold and 1 platinum) she received from her husband of 40 years, Peter, for their engagement and anniversaries.  I could hear how much these rings meant to her as she explained the details of the loss.  The day prior, Lynn was about to go to the store, so she went through her normal routine of putting on lotion and 3 rings on her left pinky.  Before Lynn left, she decided to water the plants and refill the olla’s outside of her home in Nashville, TN.  She noticed a few weeds and did a few other minor chores outside.  By the time she was done, an hour and a half had passed.  Finishing up the yard work, Lynn was reaching for a tomato she had picked and noticed that all 3 rings were gone!  She told me that she knew she had the rings on when she started and could show me exactly what she did and retrace every spot she was at.  Lynn and Peter had spent numerous hours looking and even tried searching with a metal detector.  I reassured Lynn and told her that if the rings were there, I would find them.

We arranged for a search on Friday morning (August 6, 2021).  After I arrived, Lynn re-enacted everything she had done on Tuesday in great detail.  I started a very thorough search, checking every square inch of the plants and yard where she was pulling out weeds.  I cleared the side of the house and front yard.  I began searching the front shrubs and planter on the front walkway.  I pulled out my Garrett “Carrot” pinpointer to search the plant.  When I parted the plant on the left side I couldn’t believe my eyes with what was staring back at me!  Wow…3 beautiful rings just lying there in the planter!!!

I was able to snap a few pictures.  Peter then stepped out to see how the search was going.  I told him that I had just found Lynn’s rings.  He could hardly believe it.  I quickly showed him the rings sitting in the planter.  I told him that we should surprise Lynn.  Peter went in the house and told her that I needed to ask her a question.  Lynn stepped outside and I asked her to re-confirm what she was doing in the front and if she watered that plant.  She showed me that she had filled up a wine bottle with water and flipped it down into a terracotta spike on the right side.  I asked if she worked on the left side where the rings were.  She caught that first glimpse and just lost it!  I’m not the best at surprise reveals, but this was one of the best reactions I’ve ever seen.  Tears of joy, happiness, and relief!  This is why we do what we do!  We determined that Lynn’s rings came off when she was reaching in to feel for the spike to replace the bottle.  They must’ve snagged on the vegetation, but she never felt them slip off.

This search only took about 20 minutes, but I stayed afterwards and chatted with Lynn for about 2 hours.  I really enjoyed this adventure, and it was an absolute pleasure meeting Lynn, Peter, and their dog, Jim!  I give all glory to God.  I have to say that it’s truly a blessing being a member of The Ring Finders.

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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Platinum Tiffany and Co. Ring Lost While Laying Mulch in Murfreesboro, TN…FOUND!

Contact:

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist for North Alabama and surrounding areas…call or text ASAP, anytime 24/7…610-504-6135

I received a text message on Tuesday afternoon (August 3, 2021) from a younger gentleman stating that his father, Michael, lost his ring while laying mulch near his house in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  I was able to take off from work early and was on my way.  My nephew, Sean, came along for this adventure.  He graduated from High School in June and had recently moved down to Alabama about a week prior.  Sean was excited to come along as he’d been looking forward to helping me with my next ring search.

After we arrived at Michael’s home in Murfreesboro, we were shown the area where the mulch was freshly placed earlier in the day.  I noticed a large trash bag and trashcan full of clippings.  I was told that the landscaper had done all that work.  Michael only laid the mulch, and he knew for sure that he had the platinum Tiffany & Co. ring on his finger before he started.  The ring was given to him by his grandmother many years ago and had a special Steam America ship design that is no longer made.

I turned on my Minelab Equinox 800 and got to work.  The area where the mulch was placed wasn’t very large.  I carefully searched all spots around the trees and shrubs.  About 15 minutes into the search and ¾ of the way through, I received a shallow and very promising 7-8 on the Nox.  Using my Garrett “Carrot” pinpointer, I searched through the mulch and located Michael’s missing platinum Tiffany & Co. ring!

Michael wasn’t home at the time we found his ring.  He arrived a few minutes later and was told the great news!  Michael was overcome with joy and relief as he was handed back his very special ring!  I’m always happy to help and blessed to be a member of The Ring Finders!

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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Women’s Diamond Engagement Ring Lost for 2 Months…FOUND Spruce Pine, Alabama!

Contact:

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist for North Alabama and surrounding areas…call or text ASAP, anytime 24/7…610-504-6135

I received a text message from Amee on Saturday night (March 27th, 2021).  Amee had lost her 14K white gold and platinum plated diamond engagement ring somewhere in her gravel driveway.  She tried using a metal detector, but Amee and her husband, Casey, were unfamiliar with how to use it properly.  They also tried sifting through the gravel with a garden tool and makeshift sifter, but that too was unsuccessful.  Amee and her family tried searching for many weeks, but still no engagement ring.  She went on Google and searched, “how to find a lost ring” and Chris Turner’s The Ring Finders website popped up.  This is a worldwide directory of independent metal detecting specialists ready to assist in the recovery of lost items for their local area.  Since nothing else had worked so far and they were basically out of options, Amee thought she’d give The Ring Finders a try.

I was able to meet Amee and Casey the following day (Sunday, March 28th, 2021) for the search.  They live in Spruce Pine, Alabama, which is between Haleyville and Russellville.  I didn’t mind the hour and a half drive from Huntsville, as it was a beautiful early Spring afternoon!  Amee told me that she had actually lost both her engagement ring and wedding band on February 1st.  She explained that she was in her car, pulling into her driveway and she had both rings in her hand.  She parked, got out and was walking around the car and accidentally dropped them in the gravel driveway.  She was able to find the wedding band, but the engagement ring was still missing after almost 2 months!

I thoroughly searched the area around where her car was normally parked.  I found the usual foil, pull-tabs, and bottle caps.  Amee then showed me the spot where she dumped the sifted piles.  I searched that as well, but still no ring.  I was confident that the ring was not in the area she initially identified.

I offered to search Amee’s car, because that seemed like the only place left.  Amee then told me that she needed to come clean…the engagement ring was not in her car, because she had made up the story of accidentally dropping the rings.  The rings were actually thrown from the front porch in a moment of stress and anger.  Please don’t judge.  We’re all human and we’ve all done things that we later wish we hadn’t.  Amee gave me permission to share this.  If she hadn’t been truthful with what actually occurred, her ring may have never been found.  This really makes me wonder how many other rings are still missing today, because a client didn’t feel comfortable with sharing the real story on how their ring was lost.

I reassured Amee to not feel bad.  Ring throws actually occur way more than people think, but some just don’t feel comfortable talking about it.  Amee and Casey then shared some very sad and unfortunate personal news that led up to the ring toss.  Out of respect for the family, I’ve decided to not share these details.

With this new information and based on my knowledge and experience with ring tosses, I felt very confident that Amee’s engagement ring would now be found!  When the rings were thrown, Amee said that she heard a ping.  This was her wedding band hitting the car and bouncing back.  I felt that the engagement ring went further than they thought and actually flew over the car instead of hitting it.  I started a new grid towards the direction of the toss in the front yard, just a few feet beyond the driveway and where I ended my other grid.

Within a matter of minutes (on my second gridline), my Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector rang up a solid 8.  Parting the grass, I uncovered Amee’s gorgeous 14K white gold with platinum plating diamond engagement ring!!!  Amee was in complete shock that her engagement ring had been found and couldn’t thank me enough!  Casey had asked Amee for her hand in marriage with this very ring in 2007 (about 14 years ago)!  The ring was now back on Amee’s finger where it belongs along with her wedding band!  I’m so glad that this ring search had a happy ending!  I give all glory to God, and I pray that He allows me to continue helping others for many years to come!

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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Ladies Diamond Anniversary Ring…Found in Flower Shop Madison, AL!

  • from Huntsville (Alabama, United States)
Contact:

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist…Call or Text ASAP, Anytime 24/7…610-504-6135!

I received a call from my mother-in-law, Virginia, on Wednesday, January 27th, 2021.  Virginia is a florist at a local flower shop in Madison, Alabama.  She explained that her co-worker, Donna, lost one of her rings a few days prior.  Donna’s been married almost 30 years, and this was her 14K yellow gold 10-year anniversary ring!  She was absolutely heartbroken that it was missing.  Donna normally wears it in the middle between two other rings, because it’s very loose fitting.  She was rushing Monday morning when she was putting them on and thinks she might’ve accidently put the loose-fitting anniversary ring as the outer ring instead of the middle one.  She didn’t notice it missing until she was headed home for the day and only felt 2 rings on her finger instead of 3.

Donna’s ring had the potential to be lost in a couple of places.  Before she went to the flower shop, she cleaned a house.  Then when she got to the flower shop, she was in the main shop, basement, and 4 other suites.  As mentioned prior, Donna lost the ring on Monday and I wasn’t aware of the loss until Wednesday.  I told them not to throw anything away, but unfortunately, some cardboard boxes that held silk flowers were already tossed out.  Further, the garbage truck had already came by and emptied out the dumpster.  We were hoping and praying that Donna’s ring was somewhere in the suite Virginia worked and where the silks are stored.  I offered to conduct a search after work on Wednesday, but due to scheduling conflicts, it would have to wait until Saturday.

I drove out to Heritage Florist and Gifts on Saturday morning, January 30th, 2021.  Donna met me at Virginia’s suite.  We walked a couple of feet in the main walkway of the suite.  I noticed that there were numerous shelves with flower baskets to search.  This was going to take a while, but I was planning to scan everything to rule out all possible areas her ring could be.  I also noticed how dark it was and knew I would need to grab my headlamp.  Donna was showing me what she was doing with the silk flowers.  I think I began telling her that loose fitting rings have the potential to stay on for long periods of time without falling off.  Just as I was mentioning that, Donna glanced down at the floor and off to the side by one of the shelves was her ring!!!  As with most recoveries, there was pure joy, excitement, and relief.  Donna gave me a big hug and thank you!  I’m always happy to help!

I still can’t believe that her ring was just laying there on the floor all week.  It also could’ve been in one of the flower silks and was knocked loose and fell sometime during the week.  We’ll probably never know for sure, but Donna has her beautiful anniversary ring back and that’s all that matters!

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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Men’s Palladium Wedding Band Lost for 6 Years at Public Dog Park…FOUND Madison, Alabama!

  • from Huntsville (Alabama, United States)
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Key takeaway of this story – NEVER LOSE HOPE!  If you’ve ever lost a ring, piece of jewelry, or other sentimental item, there’s still a chance of getting it back.  Recovering a lost item from a public area may seem hopeless (especially if it’s been many years), but a Good Samaritan may have found it and will try to return it, or it may just actually still be there…

I received an email from Ed on December 14th, 2019 (yes, this was over a year ago) for two lost men’s wedding bands.  Ed stated that he lost his first wedding band at a public Dog Park near the Research Park area many years ago.  He figured it was long gone due to the maintenance and foot traffic.  He got a replacement band and unfortunately, he lost that one as well.  He felt fairly certain that he lost the second ring in his backyard and he would like for me to come out and conduct a search.  I sent an email back that I’d be more than happy to help look for both rings and asked when a good time was.  I didn’t receive a response.  About a week later, I sent another email, but still no response.  Ed didn’t leave his phone number, so I assumed that he just changed his mind.  I put the details in my notes and forgot about it.

The end of 2019 and beginning of 2020, I was dealing with the unfortunate issue of cluster headaches.  They were getting worse, so I was trying to figure out the root cause.  Long story short, I had an MRI and discovered that I had a Meningioma/benign tumor in my head.  I had a craniotomy on May 26th, 2020 to remove it.  The surgery went well and the tumor was removed!  By the end of 2020, I was all healed up, headache free, and feeling better than ever!  I could now go out metal detecting as much as I wanted (work schedule and weather permitting lol)!

I was looking back at past inquiries I received as a Ring Finder.  Ed’s email about his 2 lost wedding bands stuck out to me.  I figured a search at the Dog Park would be fun, plus there was the possibility that a lost ring was still there.  A quick Google search and I was fairly certain Ed lost his ring at Creekwood Dog Park in Madison, Alabama.  I emailed Ed on January 13th, 2021 to confirm and get details on the specific area he was in.  A few days later he replied back and confirmed it was at Creekwood, and he even provided a Google Map image with a line he drew of the entire path he walked from the parking lot and back (photo on left side below).  He also said that he last remembered having the Palladium ring when he was sitting at the picnic table on the right side of the fenced in play area (green roof structure on photo on right side below).  Further, Ed told me that he found his replacement wedding in a sock drawer!  Only one ring left to find!

I went out to Creekwood the following day, January 18th, 2021 for the search.  Before I started, I prayed to God and asked Him for a safe and successful search.  I also asked Him to guide me and put me in the location where Ed’s ring was.  Armed with my Minelab Equinox 800 and 15 inch coil, I decided to start at the picnic table and conduct an east/west style grid walking towards the middle fence that separated the two large dog play areas.  I had a lot of ground to cover, but I remained optimistic.

I finished my second grid line and noticed that there were some dog hurdles further down the fence line, so I stayed and searched some more along the fence area.  About 30 minutes into my search and 5 feet from the fence and second gate separating the two play areas, I get a loud and solid 17 on my Equinox.  About an inch down, I uncover a man’s wedding ring (red “X” on photo on right side below)!  Wiping away the dirt, I can see a unique basketweave style design on the outside of the ring.  I tried wiping the dirt off from the inside to check for a marking of what type of metal the ring was.  However, there’s a grove on the inside that I wouldn’t be able to clean off until I got home.  But, I was pretty positive that this was Ed’s ring!

I got the ring home and cleaned it off.  I then saw a PD 950 (Palladium) stamp on the inside of the ring…this was indeed Ed’s lost wedding band!  Wow, against all odds!!!  I thanked the Lord for this miraculous recovery!

Details that I learned when I returned the ring to Ed a few days later:  This ring was lost in 2015, so it’s been sitting in a public park for 6 years!!!  Ed didn’t actually have the ring on his finger.  It was looped through some paracord and tied around his neck.  Ed bought a cheap metal detector and tried searching multiple times and spent numerous hours looking.  He even took a large magnet on wheels that is used to pick up nails in hopes that the ring had some magnetic properties to it, but after all the attempts, still no ring.  He then put up lost ring posters at the park, but never heard anything.  Ed assumed that someone must’ve have found it and that was the end of this ring’s story.  So, when I sent him a photo of the ring, he was shocked to say the least!  He told me that he never thought he would see this ring again and he was very disappointed when he lost it.  I’m happy to say that this ring’s story now gets to continue!  Athena, Ed’s dog that was with him the day he lost his ring at the park is sitting in the front seat of his truck smiling along with Ed in the photo below!

It’s really a blessing that I get to use my hobby of metal detecting to help others!  It’s honestly one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done and get to do!  Huge shoutout to Chris Turner and The Ring Finders Directory!  Without it, none of this would be possible.

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist…Call or Text ASAP, Anytime 24/7…610-504-6135!

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Lost Gold Ring…FOUND by Good Samaritan and RETURNED to Rightful Owner!

  • from Huntsville (Alabama, United States)
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A lot of us wonder if there are still good people left in this world.  I’m here to tell you that, yes there are!  I met one this morning…

I received a text message from a gentleman on January 3rd, 2021 for a lost ring.  He told me that on December 30th, 2020 he lost his 14K gold ring in the grass by the slides at Brahan Spring Park in Huntsville, Alabama.  He lives in Texas and was just visiting Huntsville for the holidays.  He asked what were the chances that his ring was still there.  I told him that it was still possible since grass can easily hide rings.  But since it was a public area, I needed to get out there ASAP and search.  I grabbed my gear and headed to the park.

Upon arrival at Brahan Spring Park, I sent a photo to confirm I was in the right location.  I immediately noticed that the grass was actually AstroTurf.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t much room for a ring to hide in this AstroTurf, because it was very worn down.  It had already been 4 days since the loss, but I remained positive and started my search.  There were areas around the slides where a ring could hide in some leaves.  I started looking there visually and with my Garrett Pro-Pointer AT.  No ring, so I decided to scan the AstroTurf with My Equinox 800 metal detector just in case the ring did happen to get pushed down or hidden in the seams.  Still no ring.

Across from the slides was more playground equipment with woodchips on the ground.  I decided to expand my grid over there in case his ring landed further than expected.  After a thorough search, still no ring.  I asked the gentleman if he had been anywhere else.  He said no, the grassy area was the only spot and he noticed his ring was missing when he left it.  We came to the conclusion that his ring must’ve been visually seen and picked up by another person.  He thanked me for my efforts.

When I got home from the search on January 3rd, I posted an ad in the Lost and Found section on Craigslist in hopes that it would be seen by the person that picked up the ring.  I also monitor the Lost and Found section on Craigslist for lost items that I may be able to help find.

A few days later, a Craigslist ad for a found gold ring was posted!  The ad stated that the gold ring was found on the AstroTurf near the slides.  They hoped to return the ring to its rightful owner.  I knew that this had to be the ring!  I contacted the poster, Luis, on January 9th and confirmed through a photo that this was indeed the gentleman’s lost 14K gold ring!  I’m so happy that he’ll be getting his ring back!  The gentleman had told me that he thought he would never see his ring again.  I immediately thanked the Lord for answering my prayers!

Luis lives in Hawaii and also happened to be visiting Huntsville for the holidays.  Wow, the journey this ring has taken is incredible!  The ring was lost and found in Huntsville, Alabama on December 30th, 2020.  The person that lost it lives in Texas.  The person that found it lives in Hawaii.  The ring is currently in Hawaii, but will soon be on its way back to the rightful owner in Texas.  Sorry if I confused anyone lol.

Good people still and will always exist.  So never give up hope!  I’ll try to add a photo of the owner with the ring when it gets back to him in Texas.  But for now, here’s a photo of me with a big thumbs up for The Ring Finders Directory!

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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Lost Family Heirloom Stud Earring…FOUND in Front Yard with Metal Detector Sheffield, Alabama!

  • from Huntsville (Alabama, United States)
Contact:

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist…Call or Text ASAP Anytime 24/7…610-504-6135!

I received an email on Christmas afternoon (Friday, December 25, 2020) from Taylor.  He explained that his wife, Mary, noticed that one of her stud earrings was missing on Christmas Eve.  This was a very sentimental set of family heirloom earrings—Mary’s grandfather bought them for her grandmother, they were passed on to her mother, and now on to Mary.  Around 50 years in the family!

Mary had received a pair of AirPods on Christmas Eve, so she was using those and playing with their daughter.  During this, the earring backing must’ve gotten caught on something and came off.  Mary was very upset that the earring was missing and later told me that she had trouble enjoying Christmas knowing that the earring was lost.

They ended up finding the earring backing in their daughter’s room.  They tore apart the house looking for the stud earring and jacket that the earring was setting in.  Coming up empty handed, Mary remembered that she had been picking up a few sticks in the front yard and had taken them to the curb.  It was now dark outside on Christmas Eve, so Mary grabbed a flashlight and retraced her steps out in the yard.  Walking the same path, she found the earring jacket about 20 feet from the curb!  They thought that the stud earring should be close by, because naturally the stud would fall off with the jacket.  They decided to search more the next day on Christmas when it was light outside.  Taylor borrowed a metal detector and was gently using a leaf blower in hopes of finding the earring.  Taylor was having some trouble figuring out how to set-up the detector, so he Googled the proper settings.  In doing so, The Ring Finders website popped up!  As we’ve heard many times before, they had no idea that a metal detecting service even existed, but thought that it was there best bet to find the earring.

My husband, Lindell, and I went out the next day, Saturday afternoon (December 26, 2020) in search of the earring.  Lindell was using a 5x8” coil on the Garrett AT Pro and I was using an 11” coil on the Minelab Equinox 800.  We also had our Garret Pin Pointers set to maximum sensitivity.  We put Mary’s second earring in a Ziploc bag and checked the signals on our detectors.  Depending on the orientation of the earring, the signals were choppy, but we were able to get a reading on both detectors.  We set-up a grid and got to work.  Lindell started by the curb and I started by the most likely spot by where the earring jacket was found.

We went slow and methodical, checking every signal, so that we did not miss the earring.  Stud earrings are one of the hardest items to find due to the small amount of metal.  After about 30 minutes and checking many surface signals, I check another with my pin pointer that had registered around a choppy 4-6 on the Equinox.  Brushing a few leaves away, I catch a glimpse of Mary’s diamond earring staring back at me!!!  What a beautiful sight!  The earring had landed with the post in the ground, but didn’t appear to be stepped on.  It was about 8-10 feet from where the jacket was found.

I went and got Taylor, Mary, and Mary’s father, Kermit, from the house.  I gave them a big smile and told them that we got it!  Such joy and relief!  They were so happy and thankful that the earring was found!  It’s really such a blessing being able to help find these lost items for people!  We chit chatted for a few minutes sharing stories about past recoveries and where lost items actually turn up.  It was a great day and now this earring will remain in the family and continue its story!  Mary plans to buy a more secure backing to prevent any future mishaps.  I’ve included a photo of what the earring looks like with the jacket.

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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Lost Set of Keys…FOUND in Time for Thanksgiving Day Family Gathering Starkville, Mississippi!

  • from Huntsville (Alabama, United States)
Contact:

Christina McCree – Lost Item Recovery Specialist…Lost your ring?…Call ASAP Anytime 24/7  610-504-6135

I received a call from a distraught Kayleigh on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 25, 2020) for a lost set of keys.  Kayleigh explained that she was in the stressful process of moving and lost her only set of car and house keys on Tuesday afternoon.  Kayleigh was supposed to leave on Wednesday morning to travel to Tennessee for a Thanksgiving Day family gathering.  Instead, she spent all day Wednesday searching for her keys.  She wasn’t sure if she put the keys somewhere in the house or dropped them in the leaves outside, but she was unable to find them.

Running out of options, Kayleigh went online to rent a metal detector and discovered The Ring Finders Metal Detecting Service.  She decided to try a Ring Finder from the directory first.  Starkville, Mississippi is almost a 3.5-hour drive (7-hour round trip) from where I’m located at in Huntsville, Alabama, but there were no other Ring Finders in her area.  Hearing her voice on the phone, I could tell I was her only hope in order for her to see her family on Thanksgiving.  I graciously agreed to drive out early on Thanksgiving morning for a search.

I left my house at 4am and arrived at Kayleigh’s house around 7:30.  She had a pot of coffee waiting on me and we enjoyed a quick cup before I got to work.  Kayleigh said she could’ve lost the keys in either the front of the house or in the backyard while cleaning up around the firepit.  She wasn’t sure which path she took to walk out there, but she felt the backyard was the most likely spot she would’ve dropped the keys.  The backyard also had a large amount of leaves that could easily hide a set of keys.  I thought this was the best place to start searching.  Due to the rebar in the concrete, I used my handheld Garrett pinpointer to clear around the leaves on the patio.  I then started scanning my Minelab Equinox 800 along the most direct path to the firepit.  The first signal I checked, I brushed a few leaves aside with my pinpointer and boom, there were Kayleigh’s keys!!!  5 minutes after starting the search and the first signal I checked, I had Kayleigh’s keys in hand!  I went back in the house to tell her the good news!

Kayleigh was so thankful and relived that she had her keys back!  She also couldn’t believe at how quickly I found them, because she spent a whole day searching!  Nonetheless, she had her keys back!  I had been praying the night before and during the drive to Mississippi for God to put me in the right spot.  I asked Him for a quick search in order for us both to be able to spend the rest of Thanksgiving with our families.  God surely delivered!  All glory to Him!

Kayleigh thanked me a few more times.  We said Happy Thanksgiving and I was back on the road home.  Kayleigh was leaving shortly after to see her family in Tennessee for the Holiday.  This was truly a Thanksgiving miracle!

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

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University of Alabama College Ring Lost for Almost 20 YEARS…Recovered from Pond in Somerville, AL!

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Bama fans, you’ll be very proud of this ring recovery!

I received an email from Joel on October 6th, 2019 asking for my help with finding his ring.  Joel explained that several years prior he was tossing a decoy duck into a pond on his family’s property, when his ring slipped off his finger and landed in the water.  This wasn’t just any ring; this was a University of Alabama college ring that Joel had purchased in 1993 to commemorate him earning his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) Degree!  Based on current conditions at the time, Joel wasn’t sure if he should pursue his master’s degree, but decided to push through anyway and persevere.  You can only imagine how much sentimental value this ring held to not only Joel, but the rest of his family as well.  They were devastated by the loss!  Additionally, Joel told me that ArtCarved had made his class ring and it had a stadium style design, which they no longer make.  Based on all these factors, I knew I had to find his ring!

The pond was on their property in Somerville Alabama, therefore private, so I didn’t have to worry about anyone else trying to find the ring.  Joel and his wife, Melody, knew the general area of where it landed in the pond, but they just couldn’t get to it due to the water.  Joel had initially purchased a metal detector, wrapped it in a garbage bag, and tried to find the ring, but to no avail.  He searched on Google every few years or so for a metal detecting service, until he eventually discovered The Ring Finders directory.

Attempt #1.  We arranged for me to come out the following Sunday, October 13th, 2019 to conduct a search.  The water was about 3-5 feet deep.  However, the two main factors I had going against me were the mud/sludge on the bottom and the temperature.  The sludge was about a foot deep, and the weather had just turned cooler about a week prior.  Armed with my AT Pro and long handled sand scoop, I conducted a wading type grid search for as long as I could in the cold water.  I had a wetsuit on, but I could only manage to search for about 1.5 hours before I had to call it.  It was difficult to effectively pull a scoop of that deep mud, as it acted as almost a suction.  I was able to dig a few signals, which were the usual pulls tabs, foil, and other trash targets.  I told Joel that I would be back out in the summertime when the water was warm.  I apologized to him, because he would have to wait an additional 9-10 months for the next search attempt.

Attempt #2.  We scheduled the next search for Sunday, August 2nd, 2020.  Unfortunately, Alabama was having an unseasonably rainy summer.  The pond was deeper than it was in October.  My husband, Lindell, and I searched for about 2 hours, but had to call it due to the depth of the water.

Attempt #3.  The third time’s the charm!  This search was scheduled for Sunday, August 16th, 2020.  Lindell and I had planned to obtain our Open Water SCUBA dive certifications this year, but that got pushed back until next year due to a surgery I needed.  We had completed the basic dive certification on our honeymoon in 2010.  So, we decided to buy a hookah dive system made by HookaMax.  This is a surface supplied air compressor that always you to dive with a regulator and dive hose to a max depth of about 20-30 feet.  We also constructed a PVC grid that would sink to the bottom, so that we could keep a tight gridline.  Huge shoutout to my good Ring Finder buddies, Brian Rudolph from Washington D.C., and Jeff Morgan from Seattle!!!  Brian helped us with the purchase of the hookah system and Jeff helped with the construction of our PVC grid (grid system was passed on by Ring Finder, John Volek from Houston).

Armed with new capabilities to overcome the depth, temperature, and sludge; Lindell and I went out to Somerville!  We decided it was best that only I conduct a search, so that Lindell could monitor the situation topside.  I had my Equinox 800 with the 15” coil to cover maximum depth and area.  I conducted another wade type grid search, but was able to dive down with the hookah system to check targets with my pin pointer.  It was near zero visibility, but I could easily feel for the target with my gloved hand and pin pointer.  After about 2-3 hours of searching and only finding trash targets, I asked Joel to tell me again the general area of loss.  I went back over that area even though I had already covered it.  But as we know, if you miss it by an inch then you miss it by a mile!  After a few gridlines and checking some targets, I check another.  I have the item in hand under the water and started feeling the shape of a class ring.  With my non-gloved hand, I could feel the smoothness of the band.  I quickly shook off the muck and saw that glimmer of a crimson/red stone!  It was Joel’s 10k yellow gold UA ring!!!  What a beautiful sight!  We had found it after almost 20 years of it sitting at the bottom of this pond!  Such a great feeling!  It was getting later in the day, so I was relieved that we were able to pull it this time!  The ring wasn’t too deep for the detector to pick it up!

I surface with a big old smile and yell with excitement, “we got it”!!!  I walk it over to Joel and open-up my fist to reveal what he’s been waiting so long to see.  This was one incredible looking ring!!!  There was absolutely no tarnish or corrosion on it.  It looked the same as the day it went in the pond!  Both Joel and his mother-in-law were so grateful and in shock!  It’s hard to put their reaction into words.  The ring was now back on Joel’s finger where it belongs!  As always, I thanked the Lord for a safe and successful recovery!  Huge thanks to Lindell for assisting me with these searches!

I’m coming up on my 2-year anniversary with The Ring Finders.  I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, hear their stories, and help them find what may have been lost forever!  What a blessing it has been!  I give all glory to God and pray that I’m able to continue His work and help many more!

If you or someone you know has lost a ring, jewelry, or other metal item, please contact a member of The Ring Finders.

 

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