by John Clifford
The first essential instrument necessary for anyone interested in searching for "treasure" is a metal or gold detector. Essentially an electronic instrument that sends frequencies of varying strengths in order to pick up elements resembling precious metals, a metal or gold detector may be obtained in stores specializing in these instruments, or even online. Depending upon the degree to which you are interested in searching, you will have the option of selecting instruments of varying strengths and technologies, whose prices will vary accordingly. In addition, if you wish to specialize in searching for one type of metal, you may wish to obtain a detector specifically designed for that purpose. There are literally hundreds of options available to consumers, so before selecting, be sure to research all options within your price range that pertain to your needs, and always ask questions.
... in pelt of gold enduring when all else
has let go all ornament ...
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)
Aside from a unique and interesting hobby, why might an individual wish to begin searching for precious metals? Although motivations may differ, one common reason is simply profit. Although an unconventional way of earning extra cash, or even a living, retrieving and reselling metals can be a lucrative activity. Everyone has seen commercials or advertisements encouraging them to sell their old gold jewelry for cash, and by using a gold detector, the ability to sell scrap gold can become more than just a one-time means of making some extra money.
Many jewelers and manufacturers of jewelry are interested in paying top dollar for precious metals. For example, an individual may bring in a tarnished gold ring, which is no longer of value to that person just sitting in their ring box at home. The jeweler on the other hand, possesses the tools necessary to melt that ring down and to create something brand new out of it, in order to sell it at a profit. Some good locations to make use of a gold detector include beaches, parks, and other public places. In these locales, you may be surprised at the unclaimed and discarded treasures that you find. In turn, you'll have to ability to sell scrap gold to further your new found hobby. Happy hunting!
The humblest observer who goes to the mines sees and says that gold-digging is of the character of a lottery; the gold thus obtained is not the same thing with the wages of honest toil. But, practically, he forgets what he has seen, for he has seen only the fact, not the principle, and goes into trade there, that is, buys a ticket in what commonly proves another lottery, where the fact is not so obvious.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)