Metal detectors are a fun way to search for gold and other precious metals. However, you won’t find much if you search any old place. Certain types of areas are popular places for metal detecting for a reason, and we’ll use this post to briefly explore some. Remember, the differences between metal detectors are largely irrelevant; it’s how you search that makes the biggest difference.

A favorite among metal dectectorists is the beach, not only a beautiful place to search, it’s bountiful as well. The beach itself can be divided into two distinct search areas: the sand and the shallow water. Each area can have different yields, depending on the beach. Typically, the sand contains more coins and the like, but little precious metal. As people run, roll, and play on the beach, stuff falls out of their pockets – which makes up the majority of what you will find.

The shallow water is a different story. Lubricating suntan lotion, finger-shrinking cold water, and crashing waves combine to knock loose all types of jewelry. As such, gold, silver and other precious metal style jewelry are more likely to be found in the water.

The other major locations for metal detecting are fields. However, not all fields are created equal. To figure out where you are likely to find the most precious metals or artifacts, you need to bone up on local history. Former campsites, settlements, trading routes, and other areas are more likely to have treasures long forgotten. Many of the biggest finds in metal detecting occurred in areas with history.

The two greatest attributes of metal detectors are patience and thoroughness. If you keep at it, who knows what you can find!

With precious metals being as valuable as they are, there are really only two ways to get it for free: inherit it or find it. It would seem both conditions are out of your hands, unless of course you have a metal detector.

Up front, a metal detector can be a big investment. So, people want to make sure they getting the best detector for their money. However, there aren’t really any set guidelines that say one detector is better than another. They work in different ways to accomplish different jobs. A more appropriate question to ask before buying a metal detector might be, “Is this detector right for me?”

Remember, a metal detector is a metal detector – that is, a gold coin found by an expensive model can be found by a cheaper model. They are made to detect metal. The differences between models are in specific features.

One important aspect to consider is comfort. Test the weight of the detector to see how you like it. Can you walk for several hours while holding it? Some models attach at the hip to make holding them easier. Is this a feature you want?

Another important point to consider is where you will do your detecting. Metal detectors that are meant to scour the shore or shallow water offer different features than ones designed especially for fields. For example, a beach model can be waterproof, but a field model might offer better ground balancing controls. Both models may work at any location, but if you are going to look in one location exclusively, you may want a model especially designed to detect in those areas.

With precious metal prices as high as they are, a metal detector can turn into an exciting investment, as well as a fun hobby. Best of luck, and think of Manhattan Gold & Silver if you come across any precious metal scraps!

April 22, 2012 is Earth Day. In fact it is the 43rd Earth Day, a day that was created to inspire and expand awareness of the Earth and all of its assets.  It was founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, and is now celebrated in over 175 countries around the world.

The idea for the first Earth Day came about after Senator Nelson’s visit to California where he saw first-hand the devastation to the environment caused by an oil spill in 1969.

Since that time, Earth Day has become synonymous with recycling.  Recycling everything from paper, to plastic, to glass, and even precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium can help the environment.

The benefits of recycling are endless. They include saving trees, energy, and water among others. But the benefit you don’t hear that much about is the money it can put in your pocket.
 
Bring your broken or rarely used gold, silver or platinum jewelry to Manhattan Gold and Silver and we will pay you cash for your scraps.  With the price of precious metals at all time highs, you can turn your unwanted treasures into real cash, all while doing your part for the environment by recycling metals that have already been mined!