A pair of diamond and emerald encrusted slippers worn by the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 1790s and stolen in January from a Museum in Canada has been recovered.
Two other stolen artifacts -- an 18th century gold toe ring set with precious stones worth 11,000 dollars and a jewel-encrusted anklet with an estimated value of 45,000 dollars -- have also been found, police said.
The regal shoes valued at 160,000 dollars by Bata Shoe Museum, were found in a plastic bag at a church near the Museum after a mysterious phone call told a staff member where to find them, they said.
The three priceless articles were stolen from the Museum on January 22.
The police also arrested a man on Friday after publishing some photos of people of interest in connection with the theft, media reports said.
A thirty-five-year old Montenegro man Filip Djukic was charged with possession of the property obtained by crime, CBC News reported.
Police studied the shoes for evidence before the bag was opened, Canadian Press Agency said. "Museum conservator Ada Hopkins has examined the shoes carefully and believes no damage has been done to them, though there is evidence the shoes have been worn," it said.
"It's quite a miracle," said Sonya Bata, wife of Czech shoe magnate Thomas Bata who founded the museum. The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto had announced a reward of 25,000 dollars for the safe return of the slippers.
The size 8 diamond and ruby covered footwear had been on display at the museum since June 2005. The museum is home to around 10,000 shoes dating back to the 1500s.
