retrieving stolen property

My grandmother died in 1994. Before she died, she promised me that I would receive her engagement ring. Then, the ring was stolen from her home, and therefore was not mentioned in her will. To my knowledge, no police report was filed. I have recently discovered that my sister had stolen the ring and now has it in her possession, and will not return it to me. I would like to know if the ring should be returned to my grandmother's estate, and what would happen to it from that point. I assume I have no legal recourse to take her to court, as the will does not specifically mention the ring. But since it is actually recovered stolen property, how should this be handled? My grandmother lived in Maryland, the sister is in Pennslyvania. I am in New Jersey. My grandmother's lawyers were the excutors of the estate.

AUG. 30, 2001

DEAR MMCGILL:

It's too bad about that greedy, dishonest relative.

Is there anyone else (in the family or outside of the family) who could sign an affidavit that it was your grandmother's wish for you to have that specific ring, and was anyone else aware that the ring was stolen (at the time it was taken)?

The executor's would be responsible for following up on this but I'm afraid they might say it's not worth the trouble. How much is the ring worth?

SINCERELY,

[email protected]

Yes, my mother knows the ring was intended for me and has acknowledged that it should be returned to me, but for reasons too complicated to go into here, she refuses to become involved in what she deems is a fight between my sister and myself. I think if I mentioned there might be legal action, she might be spurrred into action. All of my other siblings (five) know the ring, among other things, was stolen.

The ring has been appraised and insured (by the thieving sister!) for $10, 000. I have thought about offering to buy it and cancelling the check before she can cash it, but that would undoubtably cause more trouble.

If the excutor (the lawyers) follows up, are they entitled to a share of the worth of the ring?

I have requested a copy of the will so I may check it personally for mention of the ring. Would it be considered part of the general estate, if not specifically mentioned (assuming my mother signs an affidavit so it may be returned to the estate)?