First Gold!

[Bash]

A few weeks ago, inspired by some threads in the jewelry forum, I started shifting my focus from cherry picking coins, to digging possible jewelry signals using the Equinox 800.  I actually started finding some, as shown in the first picture below.  I was becoming a little frustrated, as (with the exception of one tiny silver ring), all I was finding was “crap” jewelry. 

 

That changed this morning.  It’s been getting wicked hot here in Montana, so I’ve been out in the parks early.  I was in one of the main city parks this morning (A park I’ve pulled a ton of coins out of, including a couple of Mercs and a war nickel), searching a different section away from the stage area where they have concerts, etc., when I got a solid 18/19 signal, consistent in all directions. I’ve dug many, many signals in this range, and most turn out to be some sort of can tab, but those signals have always been kind of "janky" and change or disappear with the direction of the swing.  This one did not. I pinpointed. I dug.  The target was right at the bottom of the plug. A glint of gold!  I popped it out with my finger to reveal my first gold find!  4.74 grams of 10k plain gold band, with a current melt value of almost $125.00!

 

Yes, I did a gold dance!

 

This one find helped codify what signals I could/should/might be looking for.  I know it’s not the end all be all, but the signal was SO strong and clear compared to all the aluminum tabs I’ve dug, the contrast was revelatory.  I feel I’ve made a huge leap in understanding.

 

The ring has an inscription and a date from 20 years ago, so I think I will put a craigslist ad in lost and found.

 

Still a noob.

 

~Bash

[kac]

Any initials to try to track down? Be very vague with your description when posting.

[Bash]

1 minute ago, kac said:

Any initials to try to track down? Be very vague with your description when posting.

I definitely will.  No initials,  just a dedication and a date.

[Compass]

What a great story of your first gold find- congrats! That's a  pretty nice weight for your first one too. 

[okara gold]

Congratulations! The first one is always the hardest!

[GB_Amateur]

1 hour ago, Bash said:

I definitely will.  No initials,  just a dedication and a date.

You mean you're going to put those two in the ad?  Another approach is to say there is an inscription and date on the inner surface and require the 'loser weeper' to say what it is.  (Maybe that is what your plan was....)

 

[Bash]

9 minutes ago, GB_Amateur said:

You mean you're going to put those two in the ad?  Another approach is to say there is an inscription and date on the inner surface and require the 'loser weeper' to say what it is.  (Maybe that is what your plan was....)

 

I was just going to say I found a plain gold band with an inscription and a date.  Give me the the inscription, date, and where you lost it, and it's yours. 😇

It was down about five inches, probably been there awhile, so I doubt I'll get any real responses, but if I can return it to the original owner, I will.

[mn90403]

Congratulations.

Now that you have heard that sound (the sound of a solid ring) it comes back to you.  You'll be fooled by some bad sounds and get some rings that way too but a 'bong' sound with full body is a lovely sound at the beach and park.  It makes you look at your number and you hope it is uncommon for a coin.

More will follow but nothing like the first nice one.  My first gold ring was a thin band.  You will get 5-10 times as many junk rings as gold.

Mitchel

[2Valen]

Great find and I am still looking for my first ring as it is on my bucket list to find one.

Good idea not to say what it is on the ring so that the true owner can identify it properly.

Good hunting and good luck on your next hunt.

[Hardtimehermit]

Great find, happy for you and hope you keep finding that sound we are all listening for.