Q: What’s the best thing you ever found ?
A: Depends on how you define “best”.
Most valuable is probably a platinum and diamond wedding ring. Favorite finds include several custom designed rings, unique medallions, religious items and old coins. Most unusual so far is a hummingbird made of stained glass. It was not made as a piece of jewelry so I have no idea how it got into the water. I think it may have been a boat decoration. I recently found a British Infantry button next to a cannon in 6 feet of water. It is from 1795 and was turned over to the Turks & Caicos National Museum. (see photo under SAMPLES)
Q: What jewelry do you find most often?
A: Without a doubt it’s men’s wedding rings. My wife and I have theorized that :
They see a beautiful woman stroll by, and off comes the ring
They have just gotten divorced, and tossed it
The reality is, we think, men are not used to wearing jewelry so when they go in the water, the ring slips off and they never realize it until they are having dinner with their spouse, hold hands, and she says …..
Q: What do you do with all the stuff you find?
A: The junk is all removed from the water & properly discarded. The good things are cleaned and polished until they look brand new. All good quality jewelry is kept in the hopes someone will find my website and claim something. I do not sell or pawn anything that appears valuable or is otherwise identifiable. Generic jewelry may be sold to help offset the costs of maintaining the website.
Q: Have you ever found an owner?
A: Only if they are wearing something metal.
Seriously, though .. I have the best success when an owner approaches me on the beach and recently lost something - they can usually get me close to the spot they lost it. (Unfortunately, most people think they lost "it" when they discover the loss.) I do occasionally find something in front of a resort and notify their lost & found department. Some resorts are great and take the trouble to notify the guest who contacts me and can make a positive ID of the lost item. Often, the resort just asks that I “Leave it with us.”, which I will not do. I think people who lose something in the water discover it well after the fact and figure it is hopelessly lost. And even if it should be found, they figure it would never be turned it. So why bother reporting it lost ? That’s why I started the website. The thrill is in the hunt - the jewelry has no monetary value to me. I think it will be much more fun to hold the items until the owners can find my website ... a much more interesting story, and a great way to meet people!
So please pass the URL along to anyone you care to . And thanks for looking ! |
