A metal detector enthusiast reunited a woman with her lost engagement and wedding rings valued at \$15,000 after she dropped both while swimming at a Florida beach. Casey Johnson lost the rings when they slipped off her finger at Vilano Beach in St. Augustine. Hoping for a miracle, she shared photos of the rings on Facebook, asking if anyone could help find them.
Joseph Cook, 39, from St. Augustine, came across the post and decided to try his luck, despite knowing the chances were slim. He began searching early the next morning around 4 a.m. Using his metal detector, Joseph quickly picked up a strong signal within 15 minutes. Digging carefully, he discovered the wedding ring.
Remarkably, just six inches away, Joseph’s detector signaled again. This time, he found the engagement ring. Excited by his discovery, Joseph contacted the couple and arranged to return the precious items. The couple was stunned and offered to pay him, but Joseph refused any payment for his help.
Joseph, who is both a detectorist and content creator, said he felt lucky to find two rings so close together. He explained that sometimes he has a feeling or vision before a find and believed something was helping him, whether it be karma or a guardian angel. He had told his family the night before that he thought he would find the rings.
Before meeting Casey to return the rings, Joseph didn’t reveal he had found both. He sent her a message hinting at a surprise and met the couple at the beach pier. They were shocked when he showed them both rings. Joseph said the rings were likely worth at least \$15,000 and described them as very nice. However, he emphasized that he does this work for fun and does not accept payment.
