Elias Wärlinge, known as the Ring Detective, is passionate about finding lost rings and valuables, often using a metal detector. His recent successes include recovering a wedding ring on Öland and a family heirloom in Jönköping, bringing joy to their owners. His unique hobby not only makes people happy but also contributes to environmental cleanup.
The Ring Detective: Elias Wärlinge's Passion for Finding Lost Treasures
The Ring Detective: Elias Wärlinge's Passion for Finding Lost Treasures
Elias Wärlinge, 27, is known as the Ring Detective, specializing in finding lost rings and valuables. He loves treasure hunting and making people happy.
– It's my passion, I love searching for things, he says.
Elias, from Norrköping, often finds lost items on the seabed using a metal detector. He works for gas money and a voluntary reward.
– It's my passion, I love searching for things. And making people happy at the same time is a fantastic combination, says Elias.
Working with a Metal Detector
People in need turn to him when wedding rings or family heirlooms go missing. He often contacts people who post lost item notices on social media.
His main tool is a metal detector, and he also has basic diving equipment, though he doesn't deep dive.
– I bought my first metal detector at age 13. After graduation, I went to New Zealand to dig for gold. For the past four or five years, I've called myself the Ring Detective, he says.
Recently, Elias found an engagement ring lost for 23 years in Lake Vättern and a gold cross, a family heirloom, in Jönköping. The owners were thrilled, he says.
Found a Wedding Ring on Öland
Last week, he found a wedding ring a newlywed man lost while swimming with his wife on Öland. Elias saw their notice on Facebook, went there, and found the ring on the seabed in less than ten minutes.
– I was incredibly happy and relieved, says Hans Elbel Björklund, 56, who got his ring back.
– Many people on the beach watched Elias search. Everyone was very happy when he found the ring. It was a real sunshine story, says his wife Susanne.
Elias says local media often highlight his finds, leading to new assignments.
– Many people contacted me after I found the ring on Öland the other day. Now I'm heading to southern Sweden to search for six lost rings, he says.
Carousel Operator
He spends a lot of time on his hobby. Otherwise, he works seasonally at Kolmården Zoo, operating the carousel and working at a café in Norrköping.
– I don't have a company or business. If I get gas money and maybe a small reward, I'm satisfied, says Elias.
He also contributes to the environment while searching for lost rings.
– I find incredible amounts of trash when I walk around with the metal detector. I take care of it. I keep it clean and dispose of it, he says.