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NJ Woman Gets Diamond Ring Back After Losing It At Newark Airport

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey woman has learned that there are still honest people in this world.

Navnett Guleria, of Pennington, was devastated after she lost her four carat diamond ring -- a gift from her husband to mark their 25th wedding anniversary -- at Newark Liberty International Airport on Valentine's Day.

She removed her jewelry before heading to the checkpoint and hooked the ring to her bracelet and watch, which she then put in her purse, Guleria said.

When she got on the airplane and opened her purse to put the ring back on, it was gone.

She told 1010 WINS her husband "went to talk to the stewardess and she said they cannot do anything because the plane had already boarded and they had locked the cabin."

Fortunately, a passenger at the airport spotted the ring on the floor and turned it over to Transportation Security Administration Officer Meredith Grillos, who gave the ring to the lost and found office.

"When I saw it, I knew right away it was absolutely real," Grillos said. "It was beautiful. I know my diamonds and I'm sure the woman was very distraught."

When Guleria and her husband returned to the U.S., they called the lost and found office and learned the good news.

"I'm a very honest person. We always get publicized for what we do wrong, but I knew that was someone's special gift," Grillos said. "It went right to where it belonged, right up to our headquarters and I am actually glad she got her ring back."

Guleria said she thought she was required to take off everything during security checks, but she won't be taking off her ring again.

"I didn't know I was not supposed to take out the ring. Now I don't, I just traveled again, this time I didn't take out the ring," Guleria said. "I'm just so thankful to everyone at TSA and especially the officer who turned in my ring."

"The thing is people are not that honest anywhere in this world...If I had found it, I would absolutely give it back," Guelria added.

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