Huge Diamond Ring Lost At Water Tower Returned To Owner

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police say a large diamond ring lost almost two weeks ago is now back with its owner: A Chicago woman who was shopping with her niece at Water Tower Place.

WBBM's Steve Miller reports, police say she was sitting on a bench and the 11-and-a-half carat diamond ring dropped out of her pocket.

Police say the people who picked it up thought it was a fake.

Until they saw a police alert and a news story about the lost ring.

"I think surprise - that would be what I would call it," said Police Detective Thomas Karpinski, who added the ring was returned to the owner Wednesday.

The owner had been offering a $10,000 reward for the ring.

Chicago Gemologist Victor Martinez says the 11-and-a-half carat diamond ring could be worth as much as a million dollars.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller Reports