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A Diver’s Find: Uncovering a Lost Treasure from 1965

A Barbados instructor's metal detector discovery reunites a man with his long-lost graduation ring.

By Hank SandersSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

This article tells the heartwarming story of how Alex Davis, a dive instructor in Barbados, uncovered a graduation ring lost nearly five decades ago and the journey that followed.

Alex Davis, a dive instructor based in Barbados, has turned an ordinary diving day into an extraordinary tale by solving a nearly 50-year-old mystery. Diving off the serene southern coast, Davis frequently scours the ocean floor with his metal detector, often uncovering mundane items like bottle caps and nails.On a particularly sunny October morning, while exploring the underwater world, he received an unmistakable signal: a hint of gold beneath the sands. As he removed stones, Davis’s excitement peaked when the shiny band of a ring emerged from the rubble. It was a gold graduation ring, engraved with "McMaster University" and marked with the year 1965. Bright maroon stone, likely a garnet, stood at its center, resonating with the university's colors.Recalling the moment with enthusiasm, Davis compared it to the iconic scene from "The Lord of the Rings," when Gollum clutches the One Ring. He was in possession of a long-lost treasure, and it stirred a wave of thrill in him. Upon returning home, he noticed initials, "FMP," inscribed on the inside of the ring, leading him to believe he had an owner to seek out.Eager to reunite the ring with its rightful owner, Davis reached out to McMaster University's alumni association. This noble act of using technology and personal initiative is more than just a story; it exemplifies the connection we share with items imbued with memories and the lengths one can go to restore joy to others. Stories like Davis’s remind us of the impact of individual actions in preserving personal histories, a treasure greater than the gold itself.

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