Gerry in Idaho

Merry Christmas.

Those who know me well, realize I enjoy many aspects of swinging a metal detector while chasing gold. Here's another way some of you folks can add a little weight to your collection of heavy metal. Forum boss - if you need to move this thread, I understand. Merry Christmas followers and friendly competitors. Boss said it’s time to check out and get on board. Lesson as we age. Take a picture of your luggage before you check it all in. It's amazing how so many bags look the same. It’s the holiday season, what better way to wrap up the recent Caribbean work trip my Secretary booked us (my wife, Manti, and I). She’s pretty dang good at her job and when she schedules these conferences, it’s mandatory Manti and I show up. Even though we have more priority things to do, making the boss happy is a must. Cancun in Dec is usually pretty nice weather as it’s typically not the rain season and the humidity isn’t at peak. Yes I’ve detected there in the off season (better resort rates) but the humidity is tough to handle when coming from Southern Idaho (we don’t have any). After spending an hour at the bar enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres for the meet & greet with a new hand of Servers/Bar Tenders and explaining the importance of clean beaches, proper disposal of trash and why Manti/I would be helping protect the visiting guests and Sea-life, I was assured most of the work agenda has been checked off. Interestingly only 1 remaining bartender there who remembered me. Seems MX has the same issue as the USA, most folks are not interested in working. Now time for the hunt- 1st day grid plan in place and a quick chat with the lifeguard assured me nobody had recently detected this area, or at least what I could gather from him. He did point direction he seen other detectorists down the beach though. I jumped in walked out to waistline and powered Manti up for a hunt. Not much time and a few normal targets into the trip and I was hearing/seeing “chatter” as I have never in my life pulled someone’s dentures from the depths below. I stood out in the water laughing so loud it caught the attention of the gawkers who’s always watching every minute and target retrieve. One of them actually ask what it was and so I proudly showed the bystanders. Half of the retired folks immediately grab their mouth, which made me laugh even more so. Sorry, but I guess you just had to be there…. because I was laughing so much… it actually threw me off my game for another 20 minutes. The one good thing of this find, I was expecting the actual metal would be white gold or platinum. I’ve since been informed many modern dentures are not precious metal, but made with Cobalt. I need to get this one tested before I just assume. OK, now over the chatter, bite me, tooth fairy, all I want for Christmas jokes by half a dozen bystanders and I’m back to chasing low tones and finger gold. I get a few more targets through the day and finish with a total of 7 rings, a fake gold with diamonds bracelet the chompers, a nice dainty and dirty sterling ring with green stone (it tumbled up sharp), a pair of sunglasses and a few coins. Total gold count was 3 rings with the best of them having a solitaire diamond on white gold. The other is a small 14K band with a little religious cross and then a really thin worn out band that’s been in the ocean forever. Usually my trips start out strong and then slowly dwindle as I clean up the targets below. Day 2 started with a full breakfast at 7AM and 2 tall boy bloody mary drinks to celebrate the gold on the 1st day. I’m in the water today trying the backup set of headphones. They have the best volume of all headphones I have tried and actually got them with a trade. Well they lasted 1 dunk below surface and as soon as the headphone earcups filled up, I had no sound quality what so ever? Time to head back to the room and get the other headphones. I guess I should have “properly” tested my back up headphones. Now I realize it’s only day #2 and I only have my 1 pair of WP phones. I say to myself “just be careful Gerry” and be sure there’s a loop tied off at the end (stress relief) going into the detector. Back in the water with my proper gear and on the hunt again. Still chasing low tones (the majority of gold), I was able to find 4 rings before lunch, but none of them gold. After a quick lunch of fried fish, fruit and fries, I was back in with Manti gridding the last part of my section. That afternoon I only scooped 2 more rings with one of them being a small 18K yellow gold with diamond chips, it weighs only 2.1 grams. The other is a really cool religious ring with a cross. Sadly it’s is not white gold, platinum or even sterling for that matter. Towards the end of the day I was running out of low tones and started after a few of the high tones (less chance of gold) when I hit a really cool sterling bracelet. After getting home and running the bracelet through the tumbler, it really started to shine up and looks stunning. There’s 2 pieces of opal inlaid in the bracelet as well. The maker is a well-known Silversmith company, JS and these type sell for $350 to $600. So even though not gold, it was a nice score. The take for Day #2 was a total of 6 rings with only 1 of them gold, a tungsten wedding band, other cheaper modern bands and also was the usual stuff including 2 pair of sunglasses. Day 3 – Cooler temps are predicted to come in today with some undesired winds. I start the hunt an hour earlier than yesterday, just in case of the winds. As soon as walk in and only 2 feet depth of water I get strong repeat low tone Signal. I must have walked past this one the previous hunts as it’s shallow water and could have been during low time, which would have made it even more shallow. Swinging Manti over the target I’m able to glance down and see the #38. Normally I like upper 30’s and all 40’s on the readout of a Manticore. From many ring digs and testing if it’s actually a gold ring, it will be of decent weight. I easily scoop the ring and when I pull it up, I’m quite shocked at what I see. It’s a monster gold ring and so big I immediately thought it to be fake. With so many people around, I quickly drop the ring into my pouch and proceed without an hesitation or change of facial expression or body language. It’s interesting how some people are so keen to know when I find something different. Back at it and nothing else exciting until it’s lunch time. During lunch I hand the ring to my wife to read the inside of band. If I don’t have my glasses, it’s impossible for me to read such fine detail, and especially when out in the water. She confirms the makers mark and appropriate inscriptions inside. I’m totally flabbergasted at such a score. This ring to me is the nicest I’ve recovered (without being hired) in the wild. Folks, I’ve recovered a few dandies in my time and probably a dozen of more weight gold or platinum, but usually class rings or big wedding bands. I’m just amazed and quite happy. After some discussion with the wife and telling her to take it to the room after lunch, I mentioned, it will easily be the best find of the trip and so now all pressure is off. She’s optimistic though and tells me, “you really never know”, which is quite true at these higher end resorts. Some of the things I see the tourists wearing while in the water is just jaw dropping. Side note. My Field Staff, their wives and I were in Bahamas on a trip. One night we were hanging in the casino and my eyes kept catching this guy wearing a monster gold chain. He seen me checking it out, so I told him I had never seen one so big. Right there on the spot he took it off and let me hold it. It was 9 ounces of 18K gold. He made a comment about, I bet you have never held that much gold in your hand at one time. I didn’t have the heart to tell him otherwise and just shook my head. The next day I’m out swinging my CTX and there he was with some model lady in the beautiful tropical waters and not only was he wearing the chain, she was decked in gold as well. Why??? On that same trip through, one of my Staff did find this 14K Jesus. Interestingly Celo Green was wearing the exact stunning piece when I seen him on the TV show “The Voice”. Back to the present - I only dredge one more gold for the day and a bracelet. Interestingly it’s a decent size 9.3 gram white gold wedding band and stamped 19K. Research shows it to be from Portugal. This is my first ever 19K gold. Has anyone else every found a 19K? Total treasures for day #3, 4 rings (2 of them gold), a pearl necklace (probably fake), a pair of sunglasses, a few coins and another ankle bracelet. That night, we had an enjoyable steak filet dinner and wine. One thing about the steaks in MX, being I’m from Idaho (meat & potatoes state), my standards are much higher. MX steak (even the filet) is just ok in my standards. I like my beef and or venison... When I got back home, one of my Facebook followers mentioned a find I was not proud of. Seems the silver colored bracelet is a “CD”. I had no clue but Christian Dior is a French luxury designer and this bracelet sell for $500 to $700. Anyone interested, I’ll certainly let it go for much less. That makes 2 high end luxury finds in the same area at this resort and in the same day. to be continued. Merry Christmas.

Most certainly you're a wise man. That's kind of like the Cancun Metal Detecting vacation I just returned from. Totally did it for the wife, she's the boss.

Those Spring snowdrifts are a real plan changer. Been there, done that... The Iron Identification on the VLF’S was a game changer for many sights. 30 gram nugget is a highlight prize for many. Yes, a list is most essential, especially as we get more seasoned and long in the tooth. Thanks for sharing.

As for paying cash. Heck, I've had guys send $5000 cash in the mail,certified. Then have me send their detector to the hunting buddies house. 🤣 He must know his limits with his wife well. Was it a good investment buying yourself the detecting gear?

Matt, I've used PI's with Success on certain beaches and in some nice water hunts. One of my Field Staff/I actually tested the Garrett AXT many years ago in Cancun and found some gold. We were slowed down by the amount of iron trash. In your situation off the beaten path, I think you have great chances of making some nice finds. Thanks for sharing and would love to hear about your results from the next Southern hunt.

You sure have a point there. The GB-2 with 6" coil, I don't think we'll ever see a detector any more sensitive to small gold. Interestingly, Fisher introduced this model in 1995 and here it is almost 30 years later and no better model from them. Warning, for some time with the poured epoxy coils, there was quite a few bad ones that were extremely touch sensitive. Now the coils are hollow and a little lighter. It's not my hot seller now so I'm not as familiar with the newer ones built in Texas.

You might have a bad coil as you should be able to tap the coil next to rocks/brush and the ground without much issues. You probably know this and I'm not trying to insult anyone here. If the particular site is causing a lot of falsing, turn the GAIN down.

I was chatting with one of the guys who sells many mining claims in NV around where I like to detect. He asked me why I didn't want to sell claims and make money. It was an honest question and I had to pause before I answered. I told him that I prefer to sell the detector than provides a better chance of success at finding gold. I said, "I sell a dream" and some folks "enjoy the hunt". He replied, "Gerry, I sell the same dream, just a different piece of equipment." Actually, he is correct. Heck, many of us purchase something more for the dream and hunt...it's just the way some of us think. So the moral of the story. Do your research in the guy selling the claims, research the actual claims and then do your research on the dealer selling the detector. At least with me, you get to go home with a tool in your hands and keep it. Even if you forget to file the paperwork (warranty) you still get to keep the detector forever.

Well that's fantastic to hear buddy. You/I know your skill level and history of detectors goes back many years. You have a lot of catching up to do and helping/sharing here on Detector Prospector. The new generation of folks are asking questions and many times, I'm traveling or just plain busy. Finding good help that actually knows detectors from being in the field with them is very tough. I look forward to hearing of some of your adventures. Merry Christmas.

I have not given up yet. This resort I have been to before, when I asked to see the Lost/Found Logbook, they said, No book. I recently reached out to cooperate and they immediately replied that someone from the exact resort would be emailing me. This was yesterday, so we'll see what happens.

I never even thought of the Insurance write off. Yes, my wife and I purchase travel insurance each time we go but I'll have to ask her if any jewelry or metal detectors are covered. I also take two units and hate leaving one in the room all day/every day. Simon, If you do have beaches nearby that get tourists, you really do need to take advantage of the situation and area. I'm sure your beaches do not have the amount of MD'ers swinging them each week. When I arrived, I chatted with the lifeguard and gave him a pair of glasses. He said 2 guys together were there about 3 weeks ago and then an old guy was there last week. I realized someone had been at the resort recently as lack of overall targets. I average an extra 2 to 4 ounces of gold each year from water detecting. The sights are much better to look at, the water temps are relaxing and just like gold hunting, you really never know for certain when that next scoop will bring up.

This time of year is fantastic, as long as the heavy rains or heavy snows have not saturated the soils. Congratulations on the 🦂 nugget. Yes I've seen 100+ a night when detecting at night out there in the summer when days are extremely to hot (late July- early September ).

I don't recommend folks to purchase a gold mining claim if all you're going to do is use a metal detector. I myself don't own any mining claims but find my share of gold. Detecting on proven gold nugget bearing ground is crucial and I do hunt quite a bit of ground that is claimed. If you want to do the same, you need to use your best salesmanship skills when talking with the claim owner. My opinion only, take the money you were planning on purchasing a claim and join some well known Prospecting Clubs. You'll have plenty remaining and use that to help in granting permissions on known gold nugget bearing claims. As for finding nuggets at Rye Patch proper. That was my playground since mid 90s and I have swung a coil from one end to the other numerous times. I know it well and where the majority of good gold came from. I honestly feel I can find a nugget there any day I desire, it's my home away from home. Now there are miles of open ground in Northern Nevada as well. Doing your homework and research before you lay foot on the ground is crucial. Good luck to you.

Chuck, It was great to read your post and sorry for not replying sooner but I returned from vacation this weekend and getting customers taken care of. 2 points of interest. Yes this DP site, metal detecting and gold certainly shows how much we enjoy sharing our experiences and making memories, even a few screwups on occasion. Also, I now have a small stash of cash in my truck just in case. Still deciding on the credit card though? Merry Christmas my friend.

Merry Christmas Allen. Is this the same Al I used to see each year at the Competition hunts back in the early 90s and was also with Steve Burris?

Very interesting read and poem. Probably true story as well. Kind of like the American story of Robin hood. Thanks for sharing.

I don't recall if you mentioned needing Iron Identification, but all the VLF class detectors you did mention, have that feature. If you're set on a PI, I feel the best priced model is the Axiom and as mentioned, it has more capabilities and Iron Identification, the GPX-6000 or GPZ-7000 don't. Now that we know the price increase coming up on the 6/7 models, more folks will lean towards the better priced Axiom. Bonus, the Axiom coils are a better price point as well. 24K, It's my favorite VLF Gold Only Detector and quite capable. But you mentioned Equinox. I personally will grab an Equinox or Manticore over the 24K. They can do things the 24K can't. Some great advice from top nugget hunters, so you get plenty to digest. Keep us posted on your decision.

It really is a nice size and design, my favorite for rough terrain. You took the time to share your thoughts and experiences and it paid off. Well done my friend and glad you are as happy as most of my own customers who have had great success with it as well.

That's some serious house hunting. Interestingly you recovered 2 earring backs as a bonus. Wonder if the vacuum would have been strong enough to get the nugget considering it didn't suck up the earring backs? I was hired about 5 yrs ago or longer, to find a diamond stud earring on shag carpet in a bedroom. Started with GM-1000 and small coil. To many nails in under flooring, to many tacks in carpet padding. Tried turning down the Gain and that helped but no luck. After deciding a pinpointer is best, I methodically worked the most promising area with no results and gave up, no charge. As I was leaving, the lady who lost it showed up and was excited to see the results...but I didn't find it? She was quite depressed. I felt bad...but then had another idea 💡. Let me test the other matching earring to get an idea of the signal strength and distance the pinpointer would hear it. Here's where I learned something. My favorite pinpointer, the Garrett 🥕 would not respond? I asked to run and get a new tool to use. She was joyous as she thought I was done. Oh no, it's a challenge now. Returning back I tested the new White's TRX and was happy to hear it respond. After about 20 minutes, I happily handed her the small precious piece. She gave me an extra $50 for my extra efforts, so total reward was $300 and I learned detector knowledge. Great on you for not giving up so soon. As you know, finding a nugget is special and so when you lose it in an area you know well, your mind kicks into overdrive. Well done 👏

No serial # at all which is very interesting for a high end designer. Maybe they feel they can sell more of them as the person who lost it could just purchase another? I really have no clue as scooping designer bling rings is not something I do on a regular basis.

Would love a happy ending and return to who lost it but my experience with resorts in Mexico and not wanting to keep a Lost & Found Log is frustrating. I did go above and emailed cooperate when I returned, but no reply yet. Personally I feel the dentures are more appropriate to the rightful owner, but if I do get them back, it could be too late. Either way, I like your comment "the real treasure is the meaning of that piece to the wearer". Sure I may not get it back to the original owner, but it beats sitting on the bottom of the ocean for nobody to ever see again. Eventually it will shine and shine a smile on someone's face/finger/neck as they proudly wear it.

One of my Facebook followers feels this ring was probably on a gold chain. If that's the case, the chain had to have broke. Either way, it's not sitting at the bottom of the ocean anymore. Thanks for the kind words.

In the 15 years heading South, I've spent way more trips and dollars than many folks trying to learn MX and Bahamas. My efforts have slowly been tuned and fine tuned even more to the point I now have expectations and usually achieve my goals. This trip, the gold count was off (extreme rough seas) but the quality was better. I had to use those dentures I found to keep biting myself....😆 Here's my 1st a BVLGARI ring recovery. BVLGARI is an Italian world renown high end jewelry designer. It weights 13.5 grams, almost a half ounce of 18K yellow gold. Look closely at markings/stamps, perfect. I'm speechless each time I look at it. I've seen this exact ring on different sites from $3100 to $3800 and just amazed why folks wear this kind of stuff to the beach? Sure I have rings with higher value, but that's because of the stones, usually diamonds. If I can't find owner, I'll probably sell just to help offset cost of the trip, it's too fancy for my taste. I know some of you Expert Beach and Water hunters have found top class jewelry before, how do you think I should go about if I sell it to get best price?

Nice to see you getting rewarded for your efforts. Those 10K rings can easily tarnish and fool many of us. Well done.