I found an engagement/wedding ring on the sidewalk in NYC. How should I track down the owner?

Question

There is a code of some sort on the band...

Answer 1

You can post it in a newspaper, but require some sort of proof (perhaps a picture with someone wearing it) before turning it over.

Your best bet to figure out what the symbols mean and see if they can be used to track the owners is to take it to a reputable jewelry store - a big chain should be best. Even if theyre not the ones who made the engravings, they'd have a better idea of who did, and might also be able to tell you more about the ring.

Answer 2

Run an ad in the paper stating that you have found the ring.  DON'T say what the inscription is, just state that there is one.

When a caller responds, ask them what the inscription is.  The true owner will know what it says (or means).

When they come to claim the ring, tell them that you would like to have the money for the ad reimbursed.  In all likelihood, they will be so happy, they will give you more than the cost of the ad.

Edit:  By the way, you can state what general area you found it in, that will limit the calls that you get to the people most likely to have lost it.

One other way is to check with several jewelry stores and see if it's their product.  If not, they may still know who's it is by special jeweler's marks on the ring that the layperson would not notice.  Once you have found the correct seller of the ring, they may know who bought it by the uniqueness of it or by it being the only one of it's kind to sell lately.

Answer 3

Don't have an answer...but that's an awesome thing your trying to do.

I'm sure the owner will be very happy!!

10 points to you, if I could award them to you ;)

Answer 4

If I were you, I'd bring it to a jeweler and ask if they know what the code is or what it means! You are a great person for trying to find the owner, congratulations & Good Luck finding him/her!

Answer 5

I believe your question has already been successfully answered. However, I am just here to say how wonderful you are. A lot of people would keep the ring, give it to someone they love, or sell it. What you are doing is an act of honesty and integrity. I will keep you in my prayers and pray for the owner of the ring. Good luck!