In following Mike Barkleys advice I found some perfect rod decorations at a local Flea Market.
Last year I was at a local flea market looking for stuff to put in the end of rod handles. I was talking to a lady that sells costume jewelry. She had a round filigree broach ( thats what I called it) with a Tiger Eye set in it. I bought it for a buck. She said she had the other one at home doing some repair on the setting ( there were 2 of these on a larger broach).
In Oct. of last year I built a rod for our local Ducks Unlimited Chapter Annual Banquet. I donate one every year for them to @#$%& off. I trimmed the filigree setting a little to get a nice fit into the dark Burl butt cap of the handle. The rod was stunning with a Brown and Gold theme with the DU decals. A lady bought the rod for her father whom had recently retired and starting to fish more more than usual. ( I am trying to make this as brief as possible) Today I was back at the same flea market talking to the same lady that sold me the broach last year and she remembered me. She said she still had the other one but it wasn't for sale. She had it tested by a Gold Buyer and found out the setting was solid Gold with a genuine Tiger Eye setting.
I am in the process of locating the lucky lady that bought it so I can tell her this story.
Moral of story,,,,,be careful of what you put in the butt of a rod then give it away.
Also ,, don't pay any attention to Mike Barkley !!!

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

hahahahahha. I use a lot of costume stuff for butt caps, but never had that misfortune!

Barkley has always been full of 'Golden Advice' to rod builders.

New meaning in the statement "high dollar rod"
Mikeb

Home Town,Gretna VA

Toe rings from say WalMart make nice winding checks

Bill - willierods.com

I put something in the butt of just about every rod I build from a coin to a Golf ball marker. If you want to see a HUGE variety of beautiful inserts, just do a Google Search for Golf ball markers!! Here is a source for NFL team logo markers [www.golfcow.com]

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

OH NO Mike !! You got to do like the big dummy here and use some pure Gold with an expensive stone !

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY