Thrift store shopper in B.C. returns Q-tip box after finding jewelry worth $1,800 inside

Loretta Simmswalked out of a thrift store last week with a smallbox of Q-tipsin her hand. She'd spent 50 cents and was headinghome with plans to clean her windows with the cotton swabs.

Turns out she was actually walking away with a jewelrycollection worth about $1,800, hidden in a container the size of her palm.

"They say you can't find good finds at a thrift shop and I say, 'Hey, I sure did,'" Simmssaid.

Simmshad popped into theCowichanHospital Auxiliary Thrift Store in Duncan, B.C., tonose around for a good deal last Wednesday, and picked up the Q-tips on a whim.

When she slippedthe box open at home in Shawnigan Lake, she nearly dropped it.

Tucked insidewereeight rings set with diamonds, emeralds and rubies including a diamond engagement ring and an authentic string of pearls.

Without a second thought, Simms slid the boxshut and travelled 20 kilometres back to the shop to return the collection. The staff werefloored.

"I just took it for granted that they were Q-tips and put them out on the shelf,"said shop directorArlene Cristofoli, who'd priced the box at less than a dollar.

"She paid 50 cents for eight rings and a string of pearls."

As it turns out, a man living abroad donated the jewelry from his late sister's collection. All the items areback up for sale at the thrift store, with proceeds benefitingthe Cowichan District Hospital.

Volunteers at the storesaid Simms was "wonderful" and "astounding"to bring the rings and necklace back.Simmssaid she wanted to be sure the higher selling price would help patients.

"I just felt it wasn't for me," Simms said. "Meant for me to find and bring back, but not for me."

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