Carol, who did not want her surname published, said among the items stolen were a bracelet that she had recently received in honour of her sister who died from ovarian cancer last October.
She also lost other items of sentimental value including her late husband’s wedding ring, engagement rings, bracelets and earrings.
Carol said the break-in occurred on December 22 when thieves smashed her lounge room window with a brick and ransacked the house.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWShe said dealing with the aftermath of the break-in had also been traumatic, having to track down photos from family members to prove ownership of the jewellery and provide a police report within seven days over the Christmas period.
MORE: Hills pensioner stuck in fire prone area without phone coverage
MORE: Perth’s top 20 breakdown suburbs
MORE: Hunt on for stowaway Quokka
“I was fine on Christmas Day but as soon as Boxing Day came and I had to start doing everything I’ve been in tears every day,” she said.
“Even now I get emotional because everything had so much sentimental value.
“I had to ring insurance companies straight away and had to prove that I owned everything.”
She encouraged people to get photos taken of themselves with their jewellery to prove that they owned them and make sure they were securely locked away.
“I never realised that I would have to go through all this and lots of people I have spoken to don’t realise they need photo proof for insurance,” she said.
Carol said it was the first time she had been burgled since moving into her house in 2001.
“I didn’t realise how much stress all the little things would put on me,” she said.
“My sister only died in October so it had been stressful leading up to Christmas anyway.”