Local Jeweler Has $500K Worth Of Jewelry Stolen In Pasadena

ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — Marne Ryan is a world-renowned jeweler and has won international awards for her work. But 20 years of her creations, worth $500,000, was stolen in a blink of an eye.

Ryan has been showcasing her jewelry at arts and crafts fairs at the Pasadena Convention Center since the 80's.

But on Sunday night when she was alone breaking down her booth, she discovered that her box of handmade unique jewelry was gone.

It contained an entire collection she had worked on for 20 years - rings, necklaces and even a wedding ring for someone.

"Just the thought of someone putting them in a furnace and melting them down. That's the part that makes me very sad," Ryan said. "I think I am still in shock over it."

Ryan said she doesn't have any ill will toward the person who stole her jewelry. She just wants it back.

This is her livelihood. She says she has had an enormous amount of support from friends and fellow artists since the theft happened.

"I'm not going to give up my belief on humanity is decent, and I know that I'm loved. I really do know that," she said.

A Gofundme account has been set up if you would like to help her out.