Last month, a Kansas City woman plunked down $3.99 for a previously loved leather jewelry pouch at a Savers thrift store north of the city. She didn't think much about the modest purchase until two weeks later when she pulled it out of her closet to use on a work trip.
Carlie Goss opened a zipped compartment inside and was surprised to see a vintage gold wedding band dating back to 1932.
Goss quickly turned to social media in an effort to return the keepsake to its rightful owners.
On her Facebook page, Goss posted six photos of the pouch and ring along with this caption: "Please share. I went to Savers thrift store on Barry Rd two weeks ago and bought this vintage jewelry pouch. I just recently went on a work trip and pulled it out to use it. I found a gold wedding band inside."
The inside of the ring is inscribed with the name "Heinz" and a date with mixed Arabic and Roman numerals: 8.IX.1932 (August 9, 1932).
"I'm sure whomever donated this didn't realize it was in there," she continued. "I would love to get this ring back to the family it belongs to. I don't know how else to do that except with the power of social media. It sure would break my heart to lose something this special that belonged to my family. Thank you!!"
Goss's compelling story drew the attention of her local Fox affiliate, which further amplified her message.
“It’s kind of romantic when you find something like this,” Carlie Goss told Kansas City-based Fox4. “It’s special because I think it brings you back to a time when flashy things and name brands and items didn’t really matter… It was just a symbol of love."
"I really hope I can find the family," she added. "If I can’t, I will treasure it.”
The staff of Savers was surprised to learn about the valuable item hiding in the $3.99 pouch. Store manager Holly Calderon told Fox4 that situations like this don't come down the aisle too often.
“I’d just love to see the ring find its original owner,” said Calderon. “That would be amazing.”
The manager added that Savers was going to work through some social channels to assist in the effort to find the family it belongs to.
Credits: Images via Facebook / Carlie Goss; Goss screen capture via fox4kc.com.