Northeast News
February 7, 2012

A .82 carat diamond dropped in a Salvation Army red kettle in Shawnee, Kan., over the holidays has a new owner today.

The diamond, mounted in a ring donated by Meierotto’s Jewelers, sold for $6,325 to an unknown buyer on eBay with a shipping address in Indiana. The ring garnered 86 bids during the week-long auction, which ended at 10:15 this morning. The money from the auction will be used by The Salvation Army to help people in need in the community.

Dropped in a red kettle in December, the diamond was an unusual European cut that is no longer used, leading experts to believe it is at least 100 years old. Meierotto’s Jewelers donated the ring, which is 18 karat white gold set with side diamonds totaling .50 carat. Combined, the ring is 1.32 carats total diamond weight.

“What a wonderful ending to the story of this mystery diamond,” said Maj. Charles Smith, divisional commander of The Salvation Army in Kansas City. “We hope it brings a lifetime of happiness to the person who purchased it.”