Search for irreplaceable heirloom goes online

The stolen rings were pawned to a jewellery store at Westfield's Glenfield mall and have since been sold to a cash buyer. Photo / Facebook

A woman whose irreplaceable heirloom jewellery was stolen has turned to social media in a bid to get it back.

Aucklander Karen Thode has posted photos of sapphire and diamond rings that belonged to her late grandmother all over Facebook.

"They're the only things I had of her," Ms Thode said.

"It has been fantastic the support we have been getting, but unfortunately we have had no one come forward."

The stolen rings were pawned to a jewellery store at Westfield's Glenfield mall and have since been sold to a cash buyer.

Ms Thode said police had confirmed the rings were sold but that the jeweller had done nothing wrong.

"[The pawn shop owner] has unfortunately sold them to an unknown buyer for cash, which is why they can't be traced."

Secondhand dealers are governed by strict rules, according to the police website.

They must keep records of sellers, including their full name, address, phone number, date of birth and verification of authorised ID.

Dealers did not have to keep a record of anyone they then sold to.

Police said they had charged someone with stealing the rings and they were due to appear in court next week.

NZME. np cr pd