PEOPLE are being asked to keep an eye out for a number of items of jewellery of sentimental value stolen during a burglary.

Surrey Police is appealing for information following the theft from a family home in Holloway Hill, Godalming, between December 22 and January 2.

The intruder forced open a side window and gained entry before taking a selection of jewellery including an antique rose gold Victorian ring with a purple Amethyst stone (pictured).

Dealers in the antique and jewellery business have been asked to keep an eye out for the unique piece has a carved Rose of Sharon design. The other stolen items included:–

• A hand-painted jewellery box with a gold, floral design and five drawers lined with Chinese lettering

• Some dress rings including a green ring and a black ring with two stones missing

• A pair of earrings described as Moroccan silver and red pear-drop dangly earrings; a pair of Greek earrings with silver and blue stone in a spiral design

• A quantity of necklaces including one described as a round Incan sun necklace and a sparkly green necklace with black string and matching earrings.

Detective Sergeantt Charley Bryant said: “The victims of this burglary are understandably very upset about coming home from a Christmas trip to find out that their home had been broken into.

“The ring was a special anniversary gift and is of huge sentimental value to the family.

“Although there are similar amethyst rings with the Rose of Sharon engraving they all differ in appearance quite a lot and this particular unique piece is irreplaceable.

“The beloved ring may not be of a high value but it is priceless to the owner and her husband – any information may help us return it to them and bring those accountable to justice.”

Contact 101 or Crime- stoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.

The ring, which dates from 1860-1870, features a rectangular-faceted light purple stone with an etched Rose of Sharon flower.

The flower is detailed with a dainty ‘rough cut’ diamond and the purple pinkish stone is most likely a natural rose de France amethyst.

The stone is prong set and has an open back while the gold band is detailed with ornate geometric designs.

Etched flower rings were popular in the mid-Victorian era and were often used as tokens of love and even engagement rings.

Det Sgt Bryant added: “We need the public’s help to trace its whereabouts.

“As a unique and one of a kind I would urge anyone in the antique or jewellery business to keep an eye out for it and to let us know if they believe they have seen it being offered for sale.”