Forlorn bride-to-be desperate to track her rings

The stolen rings set.

An Auckland woman whose engagement ring was taken from a public toilet is appealing for help to find it.

Verena Phillip was due to marry last year, but the company making her dress went into liquidation, meaning the PhD candidate lost her deposit and dress, and was forced to postpone the wedding.

Now due to marry in January, Ms Phillip was at Cornwall Park with her fiance last Sunday evening for a photo shoot under the cherry blossoms when the 20-something student grazed her knee.

She rushed to the bathroom to wash the wound, taking off her newly polished rings - a twisted eternity band and a matching engagement ring with a solitaire diamond - to avoid snagging her clothing. But she forgot to put them on again. About 10 minutes later, Ms Phillip realised her hand was bare. With her heart racing and her hands shaking she went back, but both were gone.

"We had to cancel the photos. I just couldn't do anything. I asked everyone I saw if they had seen anything, but no one had," Ms Phillip said.

After reporting the missing rings to police, the bride-to-be said she has kept an eye on pawn shops and Trade Me in case they come up for sale.

"It's really sad."

She said the "unique looking" rings set was made of two bands twisted together and was easily recognisable. "It meant so much to me ... Their sentimental value is something that can't be replaced."

Seeing her hand without the rings on was like looking at someone else's hand, she said.

Despite the theft, Ms Phillip said she believed there was good in everyone and would not ask any questions if the rings were returned.

If anyone has information they can email pleasehelpfindmyrings@gmail.com.