Fairfax seeks to return stolen jewelry to owners

Among the items in the inventory of the Fairfax County police department is a gold ring, with a date inscribed on it: July 19, 1866.

The police do not know whose ring it is, but they would like to.

They said it is part of a jewelry collection that came into their hands in connection with a criminal investigation in which items vanished several years ago from the homes of people visited by a private care provider.

More than 100 pieces of jewelry were seized during the investigation, and the department tried to restore them to their owners. But many of those who lost items were elderly, police said, and some have since died.

“There’s no doubt that many of these items may be invaluable for sentimental reasons, in addition to the monetary value,” said police 2nd Lieutenant Jeff Gossett, who is supervisor of the police property and evidence section.

In addition to the ring, police said the items include 31 pairs of earrings, 18 brooches, 7 watches, 18 necklaces, 11 bracelets, 16 rings and numerous pendants and single earrings.

Ultimately, if the owners can not be found, the items will be sent to the unclaimed property division of the state treasury.

Police said people who believe the items might be theirs, or who have information about the owners should call detectives at the Mason police district station at 703-256-8035.

-- Martin Weil