Ethics question about found jewlery

[HeatherLynn]

ok roughly 10 years ago we found a HUGE mens gold class ring. It has a social to help identify. We posted it as lost. We gave our info to the store where it was found in the parking lot. No one ever claimed it. Its been sitting in a drawer for 10 years now. I don't know if I can ethically just sell it as junk gold at this point OR I guess just advertise it some more and shove it back in the drawer. Whatcha think? I feel a tad torn. We did try to find the owner but didn't want to get rid of just in case but it seems a tad silly to keep holding onto something that means nothing to any of us.

 

[Dreaming of Chickens]

Well, have you tried again to find the owners or just at the time that you found the ring? We didn't have stuff like Craigslist back then. If you haven't tried to find the owner in the last year or two, I'd give it one more try. After a few weeks if no one claims it, I think it would be fine to sell it.

 

[Glenmar]

Sell it or melt it down for something for yourself.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I'd say at this point, it is yours.

 

[StupidBird]

If it has a social security number, can you request help from the police?

 

[Dar]

Quote:

 

[Marcymom3]

It sounds like you went to some trouble trying to find the owner 10 years ago. If you are feeling like you should make one more try, contact the guidance department of the school it came from and see if anyone reported one lost. The chances are slim to none that someone has been looking for it for 10 years. It's one of those things that you lose and search for then give up on. And really, how many people do you know who wear their high school ring after they graduate?

In your place, I'd sell it for the gold and use the money for whatever is needed. Or you could hang onto it for another 10 years. When you think of the way gold prices have been going up (and it will never go down) it might make you some serious money someday.

 

[itsy]

What do you mean that it has a social to help identify? I've been in the jewelry business for many years and am a gemologist. I've also purchased gold for years and many class rings. I've never seen a serial number or a social number of any kind on the inside of class rings. There are a few big time ring companies that have been in business a long time. Each one has their own makers mark that gets stamped into each ring, but other than that, it's usually engraved with the person's initials, or name.

 

[itsy]

When you think of the way gold prices have been going up (and it will never go down) it might make you some serious money someday.

Never come down? Thats' another debate entirely!!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Being a class ring I would assume that would cut the possible owners down to 1 class at one school.