She says she dropped off some items at a nearby Purple Heart charity trailer. But it was not until after she left a stack of giveaways that she realized there was something there she definitely wanted to keep.
Like many homeowners do from time to time, Patty was cleaning out some items to get rid of. She took them to the nearest Purple Heart charity trailer in the Memorial area.
"We listed everything that we had donated. The stereo is on here," she said.
A couple of days later, as she walked by the place the stereo once stood, panic set in.
"For some reason, I just looked up at it and it dawned on me, oh my gosh my ring was in that CD player that we donated," Patty said.
She says that's where she had hidden the gold and diamond ring she had made.
"The ring is made of thick gold, it's a geometric shape and it's sort of like a triangle on top. It has a large teardrop diamond right here and a lot of little diamonds all around the top of it," Patty said.
Ten years ago, it was appraised at $8,000.
"The ring is a family ring that was going to be passed down to my son," she said.
Patty says after searching the house she went back to the trailer, certain the ring was in the stereo.
"There was nothing inside. My ring was gone," she said.
The supervisor for Purple Heart trailers says "we will search for the ring and do what we can to try and help."
"Maybe it fell out and when they take the things out, it will be in the truck somewhere," Patty said.
Patty also contacted the Houston Police Department but unfortunately they say there isn't a lot they can to help her and our KTRK legal analyst agrees.
"If it's not in the stereo, it's lost or in her house," KTRK legal analyst Joel Androphy said.
Androphy says the owner may have to look for luck more than any legal battle.
"If Purple Heart finds it then they need to return it. They need to look for it as a good Samaritan and credible agency would do," he said.
It's a hard lesson learned Patty wants to share.
"Look in every nook and cranny before you donate something," she said.
But she hasn't given up on getting the ring back.
"I believe in a God of miracles and maybe it will happen," Patty said.
(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »local, christine dobbyn
This reversible heart-shaped pendant gives you two looks in one. Made from sterling silver plated with 18-karat yellow gold, it features petite rounds of vibrant green emerald on one side, and polished silver dots along with a genuine diamond accent on the other. The pendant is featured below a tapered single bale and comes with an 18-inch cable chain. Small and sweet, this pendant makes a charming gift. Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May.
925 Sterling Silver 14K White Gold Plated Created Heart Shape Emerald Pendant crafted in 14k White Gold Plated Silver Dimensions: Width: 7.00 mm Length: 16.00 mm1 Stone 10.00 Carats 12mm Heart Shape Color: Green Clarity: Clean, 9 Stones 0.25 Carats round white topaz Color: Colorless Clarity: Clean Free 18 inches chain included Finejewelers Style Number: 27373.
May babies are fortunate enough to count the lively green emerald as their birthstone, but anyone can enjoy this brilliant gem. This shiny small heart pendant is crafted in gold-dipped sterling silver and holds twelve small round emeralds along its curve. The opposite curve features polished silver texturing and a genuine diamond accent. Showcased on a slender 18-inch box chain, this pretty pendant makes a sweet gift.
14k White Gold Heart Shape Created Emerald and Genuine Diamond Pendant crafted in 14 kt White Gold Dimensions: 14 mm long x 8mm wide1 Stone 2.00 Carats Heart Shape 8mm. Color: Green Clarity: Clean, 1 Stone 0.02 Carats Round Diamonds Color: I Clarity: SI Free 18 inches chain included FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY, GIFT BAG AND GIFT CARD! Finejewelers Style Number: 24346.
925 Sterling Silver 14K White Gold Plated Created Heart Shaped Emerald Pendant crafted in 14k White Gold Plated Silver Dimensions: Width: 0.25 Inches Length: 0.75 Inches1 Stone 1.90 Carats 8 mm Heart Shaped simulated emerald Color: Green Clarity: Clean, 1 Stone 0.05 Carats White Quartz Color: Colorless Clarity: Clean Free 18 inches chain included Finejewelers Style Number: 26730.
Treat her to a sentimental style. This sterling silver heart-shaped pendant displays the word "Mom" in elegant script and features a blue topaz gemstone heart and a single diamond accent. It's a graceful look she's sure to love. A sterling silver chain is included.
The Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Winged Halo Heart Pendant is both eye-catching and expressive. An open-winged heart shape is made from 925 sterling silver and accented with a 14k yellow gold halo set just over the top of the heart. The wings are left smooth silver with feathery edges, while the outline of the heart is set with 16 round IJ-color diamonds with I2-I3 clarity and a total of .05 carats. Measuring .56 inches high, the winged heart pendant suspends delicately from an 18-inch, 925 sterling silver rope chain and fastens with a spring-ring clasp. Pair this darling angel-heart pendant necklace with a scoop-neck blouse for the office or a flowing gown for a more formal occasion.
Black and white diamonds intertwine in this gorgeous twist pendant. Slim bars of 10 karat white gold are prong set with radiant black and glittering white diamonds and curve and weave together in a contemporary branch-like pattern. There are 38 diamonds altogether in this lovely piece, for a total diamond weight of 1/3 carat. The pendant is showcased on a delicate 18-inch rope chain.
Lovely 14K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, available in ring sizes 4 to 10 whole and half.
They say diamonds are the way to a girl's heart, and the Gold-Plated Garnet and Diamond Heart Earrings take that to heart. The 18k gold-plated wires are accented by glittering diamonds that drop down to a pretty heart-shaped deep red garnet at the bottom, packing some serious bling in a small package. With so much sparkle, these earrings would look best paired with a simple black dress. Slip them on and get ready to be adored.
This dazzling piece is crafted of sterling silver and features an infinity pendant set with 0.25 carats of diamonds. The pendant hangs from double strands of link chain. Necklace adjusts from 16" - 18".
This stunning heart pendant of 0.10 cttw treated black and white Round Shaped Diamonds set in a sterling silver design will be a great gift for her on any occasion.
Get a little bit of heart of soul! This Gold-Plated Amethyst and Diamond Accent Heart Pendant packs a lot of bling into a small package. A faceted heart-shaped amethyst topped by three small diamond accents hangs from an 18-inch cable chain in an 18k gold-plated 925 sterling silver setting. Show off this sweet heart necklace by pairing with a light-colored cardigan and your favorite skirt for a fun brunch with girlfriends or a coffee date.
Wear heart-like peace signs with these .08ct diamond hoop earrings in sterling silver. Not only are they very affordable, they are absolutely adorable. Order now!
This heart-shaped diamond ring is pure romance. Crafted in 10 karat white gold, it features a diamond-accented heart, centered on a decorative filigree band. Milgrain texturing adds to the romantic look. There are eleven round diamonds altogether in this pretty ring (J color, I3 clarity), for a total diamond weight of .04 carat.
Sterling Silver Angel Feather Wing BLACK and WHITE Diamond Pendant Necklace - 0.25 carat
Diamond heart pendants are simple way to say I love you. This diamond three stone heart pendant, for your past present and future.
Lab Created Sapphire and Genuine Diamond Heart Pendant crafted in 14 kt White Gold Dimensions: Width: 8.00 mm Length: 16.00 mm1 Stone 2.00 Carats Heart Shape 8mm. Color: Blue Clarity: Clean, 1 Stone 0.02 Carats Round Diamonds Color: I Clarity: SI Free 18 inches chain included FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY, GIFT BAG AND GIFT CARD! Finejewelers Style Number: 25405.
Here is an adorable sparkling silver and pink crystal double heart charm pendant necklace. Pendant measures approximately 3/4" in length. It comes on a beautiful silver 18" snake chain. This classy piece is perfect for gift giving or for yourself. Your necklace will come to you in a foil gift box. Box may be a different color than the one shown.