I had posted this info about the ring on the sisters forum, but hadn't posted it here yet. I have been exchanging emails with the seller of the ring. This is what he told me about how he came to get this ring:
"I have decided to give you two versions on how I came across this ring. I leave it to you to decide which version you feel is correct and I promise you one is the truth.
1. While on safari in the darkest reaches of Africa I came upon a gentleman by the name of Livingston. It seems this chap had been living with a tribe of natives that had once been visited by a ZTA missionary. Well I knew at once this was a ZTA sorority recruiter. Well anyway it seems that she had "converted" this tribe into ZTA sisters. Mr. Livingston being lost in the jungle for many years was given this very ring by the Chief and president of the tribe and told if he ever wished to be found he could sell it on e-bay and a sister would find him.
OR
2. I am an Industrial auctioneer. I was asked by J.O. Pollack Company to conduct an auction sale of their companies M & E (Machinery and Equipment). J.O. Pollack was the manufacture of this and many other sororities/fraternities jewelry items. After the auction sale the president of the company was so pleased with the job I did for him he gave me two boxes of pins, rings, lavs pendants, etc. everything his company made over the past 100 years. I kept these two boxes until I needed the room in my closet for other junk. I contacted all the frats and sororities and these who wanted their corresponding jewelry I donated it to them.. the stuff nobody wanted or didn't respond I am selling on e-bay.. and donating the proceeds."
Obviously the second one is the truth. He is not sure if the ring was returned to be cleaned, repaired, resized, etc. Thus, a sister received a new one. I am going to check and see if there are initials on the inside of it. He is donating the proceeds to Children with AIDS. I have made a suggestion about donating the proceeds to Susan G. Komen, but have not heard back about that suggestion.
Maybe he might just might do it!! Even if he doesn't, the money is going to a good cause.
He is going to include a couple of other pieces of ZTA jewelry in the auction for me.
A silver ring with blue stones and a pendant with a house. So, I kind of getting three things for one! I am not sure what the house is on the pendant. I have never seen it, and he isn't sure either.
Just thought I would share the update!
Zeta love,
Meredith \^^^/