Clammer’s catch has familiar ring to it

BRANFORD, Conn. – An 82-year-old man who went clamming in the Long Island Sound says he made the ultimate catch: the wedding ring he lost two years ago.

Stewart Petrie says he found an encrusted ring mixed in with his clams Tuesday while he was clamming at the same spot where his ring slipped off his finger in July 2003.

After his wife, Mary, scrubbed it with jewelry cleaner, they were able to read the inscription: “MPS to SJP 9-10-67.” Her husband’s eyes began to tear, she said.

“It was an absolutely stupendous feeling,” Stewart Petrie said.

The Petries say they eventually plan to have jeweler restore the ring. But in the meantime, it isn’t leaving his finger.

“I treasure that ring,” he said.