Diamond Found in Shoe Sole Reunited with Owner After Florida Trip

A Chester County man's chance discovery of a lost family heirloom leads to a heartwarming reunion.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A Chester County, Pennsylvania woman named Cindy Ware recently realized that the diamond from her late husband's family ring had gone missing. Unbeknownst to her, the diamond had become lodged in the sole of her neighbor Coleman's water shoe during a trip to Florida. After Coleman discovered the diamond and posted about it on Facebook, Cindy's friend recognized it as belonging to Cindy, leading to a Valentine's Day reunion between the two neighbors.

Why it matters

This feel-good story highlights the power of community and social media to help reunite lost valuables with their rightful owners. It also underscores the sentimental value of family heirlooms and the joy of being able to restore them to their original owners.

The details

Cindy Ware had lost the diamond from her late husband's family ring a couple months ago. Meanwhile, her neighbor Coleman had traveled to Florida and worn his water shoes, unaware that Cindy's diamond had become lodged in the sole. When Coleman noticed the diamond in his shoe, he initially thought it was just a piece of costume jewelry. However, a jeweler in Fort Lauderdale confirmed that it was a genuine diamond from the 1950s or 1960s. Coleman then posted a photo of the diamond in his shoe on Facebook, which led Cindy's friend to recognize it as belonging to Cindy. On Valentine's Day, Cindy and Coleman were able to reunite the diamond with its rightful owner.

  • Cindy Ware realized the diamond was missing a couple months ago.
  • Coleman traveled to Florida and wore the water shoes with the diamond in the sole.
  • Coleman posted the photo of the diamond in his shoe on Facebook.
  • Cindy's friend recognized the diamond and contacted Cindy on Valentine's Day.
  • Cindy and Coleman were able to reunite the diamond on Valentine's Day.

The players

Cindy Ware

A Chester County, Pennsylvania woman who lost a diamond from a family heirloom ring passed down from her late husband.

Coleman

Cindy Ware's neighbor who unknowingly found the lost diamond in the sole of his water shoe after a trip to Florida.

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What they’re saying

“I still don't believe it. It's in my purse now, but I still don't believe it.”

— Cindy Ware (nbcphiladelphia.com)

“He said 'yes, it's a diamond from the 50s or 60s. An older cut, nice coloring.' And said 'this is a good piece of jewelry.'”

— Coleman (nbcphiladelphia.com)

“A diamond in a swimming pool to be found at all is impossible.”

— Cindy Ware (nbcphiladelphia.com)

“Too many things to have happened just right for me to even know where it was or how it was saved on that shoe.”

— Cindy Ware (nbcphiladelphia.com)

“To be able to add even a little bit more happiness there. Well, that's really swell.”

— Coleman (nbcphiladelphia.com)

What’s next

Cindy Ware plans to have the diamond professionally cleaned and inspected to ensure its authenticity and condition before having it reset in a new piece of jewelry.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story of a lost family heirloom being unexpectedly reunited with its owner through the power of community and social media serves as a reminder of the value of cherishing our most meaningful possessions and the joy that can come from helping others.