When I lived in Illinois in the 1980's I was in an area of lots of small lakes and I found lots of gold rings and neckalces on the beaches. Unfortunately most of it was stolen in a burglary a few years later. Probably my best find was a civil war breast plate/belt buckle on Cindy's grandmothers farm. They are valued at $125. My oldest daughter was the only 10 year old in her school to have a real gold ring. About the only time I use my machine now is when I go on vacation and will be near a beach. In fact I just packed my machine up in a new suitcase bought for our upcoming cruise.