Praise as detectorist 'rings' in new year with wedding band find

Thursday 12 January 2023

A local metal detectorist has been 'ringing' in the new year by searching for valuables lost over the festive period... and has already reunited an appreciative islander with her wedding band.

Steve Andrews, a firefighter with the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, started detecting five years ago with the Jersey metal detecting society.

For most of that time, he has been scouring Jersey's beaches for historical curiosities.

However, 18 months ago he decided to put his detecting skills to even better use. Instead of unearthing old Victorian bullets or bits of old artillery shells, Steve has decided to track down people's lost valuables.

He said: "I'm usually busiest in the summer when people leave their things on the beach when they go swimming. I tend to find sentimental things. When you've done one and you realise how much things mean to people, it's a complete no-brainer." 

So far, he's found rings, watches earrings and bracelets.

One notable find for Steven was finding a ring belonging to an islander that was made from two diamonds - one of which came from her late husband's wedding ring.

Steven said: "I do tend to find quite a few things related to to people who have passed on."

Just four days into 2023, he has already had his first recovery of the year.

Having been given permission to search by the Jersey Development Company, Steve tracked down a woman's gold and diamond ring, lost during one of the events at the Speigeltent events over the Christmas period. 

Pictured: Found at last!

Praising him on Facebook, the grateful islander said: "Thank you so much Steven, you have no idea how much I appreciate what you did. Thank you so much.

"Back on my finger where it belongs." 

Other commenters praised him as a "hero", while the owner of Hooray Henris at Havre des Pas, Jayne Gruchy, has already set him his next mission... tracking down a lost diamond earring.

Islanders who want Steven's help in finding a lost item can get in touch with him via his Facebook page.