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Engagement Ring Found After 17 Years Missing

PLYMOUTH (CBS) - A Bridgewater woman got an early anniversary present after her engagement ring was found more than 17 years after she lost it at her sister's home in Plymouth.

A family trip to the beach 17 years ago turned into an unfortunate accident when Valerie Lynch removed her wedding band and engagement ring to apply sunscreen to her children, but couldn't find the rings afterward.

"I was totally shaken up. I called my husband, he was very upset," Lynch said of the incident. "I was devastated."

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Art Cohen Reports

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Fortunately, the band was found a few years later, but the engagement ring was presumed to be lost forever.

That is, until last Sunday, when Lynch's sister, Vicki Belanger, employed the help of metal detecting enthusiast Kent Blethen.

Blethen scoured the yard and turned up the engagement ring after just 40 minutes of searching. After 17 years, it had become buried under more than an inch of soil.

Friday evening, Belanger made the big reveal and surprised her sister with the ring.

After 17 years and with no hope left, Lynch couldn't believe the discovery.

"I was in complete shock - absolute shock. I just keep looking at it now, and I just can't even believe its on my finger," Lynch said. "It's more beautiful than I ever remember."

Lynch added that her 21st anniversary is next week and she couldn't dream of a better present.

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