Ethics question about found jewlery

[ChicknThief]

Pffft it's been 10 years! Whoever lost it surely isn't looking anymore. You did your duty, now go sell it or melt it down! And don't forget to post pics of what you get/make with it

 

[catwalk]

If you're asking opinions, the decision must be weighing on you. If you contact the school, you may be able to find the owner. Rings sometimes have pictures of things that meant something to the student, like a football or a trumpet. That would help narrow it down. You may not find the owner, but you will have had a little detective adventure. If you do find him, you may find a friend or some good stories at the end of your search.

 

[fuzziebutt]

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[jtbrown]

Not helping much, but if you are concerned now, could you be happy with jewelry from that gold? If you are paying bills with that money, well that is an entirely different thing, not like you will have it around to look at.

But, follow your gut, if you need to try one more time to find the owner do it or this will bother you unnecessarily. I kind of agree with other poster that if you are worried about it, then search some more so you are okay With it.

If you wanted to see what we all think, you got several different answers. Good luck, do what makes you feel okay!

Edited to add -- don't advertise as a gold classring found, if you advertise leave that part out! You probably already knew that, sorry.

 

[TheIvoryKitty]

I would just sell it - you've made the effort. That type of thing doesn't weigh on my conscience at all though, so I guess we might not be the same kind of people. Law-wise you are completely good. All you have to do is take reasonable steps to find the owner of the goods for a reasonable length of time, which you obviously did.

Congratulations on your new ring!

PS: Gold may keep increasing in value, but remember that you can't eat gold so if everything goes to heck it wont be worth anything.

 

[Marcymom3]

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Never come down? Thats' another debate entirely!!

Too true!!

 

[HeatherLynn]

We are selling it. My husband is scratching the social security number though. I don't want to pass out someones number to someone who doesn't have the conscience and has the skills to abuse the info. I think thats part of why we just sat on it. I would hate to give out someones social. I might not be able to track them with it but if you are wanting to use it illegally you might know a bit more taking advantage of these things.

I guess i feel bad because I know this person would have felt bad also. Its been a long long time though and I know its sorta silly. Not likely the person is going to knock on our door at this point ya know.

 

[itsy]

What social security number? I'm so confused as to where you're reading that. Are you sure it's not a makers mark? I've purchased gold over the counter for years and I've never seen a social security number or any type of serial number inside a class ring. Very odd.

One tip of advice when selling it - Go to multiple reputable jewelers in person. Calling over the phone rarely helps. Know what the current price of gold is. Also know that most class rings are 10k, which is actually a little over 41% pure gold - the rest alloy. If you're lucky enough that the ring is 14k, it's a little over 58% gold. If they give you an offer, always ask for a better one. If they offer you $100, say "I was really expecting it to be closer to $200. Do the dance, it helps.

If you already know all of this - please carry on. lol.

 

[Fierlin1182]

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Although I'd probably try one last time, just so that I could say "I did my best".

 

[cmb19]

Are you sure it's a class ring and not a military ring of some sort? That might explain the numbers.