"Despicable" burglars targeted an elderly woman's home while she was ill in hospital.
A large amount of jewellery, bought for the victim by her late husband, was taken by the raiders, who also badly damaged a window surround as they removed glass to get in.
They also stole a handbag, a purse and the will of the woman, who is in her 80s, after breaking into her Long Eaton home while she was being treated overnight.
Detective Constable Julie Proctor, who is investigating the burglary, said: "This is a particularly despicable burglary where jewellery of great sentimental value has been stolen.
"The victim lost her husband a few years ago and the burglar has taken everything he had given to her as gifts over the years."
The break-in took place in Osmaston Close in the early hours of Friday, November 20.
The victim had been taken ill at her home earlier that night and was in hospital.
The jewellery stolen included a sovereign on a gold chain, a large gold cross on a gold chain, a green Wedgwood brooch, a ruby ring and a bracelet featuring old silver threepenny coins.
Real pearls in a red box were also stolen as well as a black Wedgwood ring and an oval-shaped cameo brooch.
Daniel Walton, one of three councillors who represents Sawley on Erewash Borough Council, said: "This is an awful crime committed against a vulnerable and elderly woman while she was ill in hospital. It is imperative we do everything we can to help the police catch those responsible.
"I shall be speaking to shops in the Long Eaton area that buy items similar to those that have been stolen to see if they have been offered anything like them."
Councillor John Sewell, who also represents Sawley, said: "I would like to offer my sympathy to the victim, who must feel awful that this has happened to her. I would urge anyone with information to call the police as soon as possible."
Anyone with information is asked to call DC Proctor on 101 quoting crime reference number 50500-15.