A distinctive gold ring could lead to clues on the killer of a Melbourne grandmother slain in her inner-city apartment, police say.
Jeanette Moss, 69, was found dead in her Middle Park home about 10.45am (AEDT) on January 15.
Police have revealed she was assaulted with injuries to her upper body but still do not have a suspect or motive for her death.
Ms Moss is believed to have died during the previous afternoon as a number of calls went unanswered from that time, Homicide Detective senior sergeant Stephen McIntyre told reporters on Saturday.
In recent weeks police have also discovered that four pieces of her jewellery, including the gold ring, a necklace and watch, are missing.
Det Sen Sgt McIntyre said it is highly likely Ms Moss knew her killer.
He said family members are not suspects at this time.
"She's had an altercation with someone. There's no indication she fought back," he said.
Police could not discount it was an armed robbery gone wrong.
But there were other valuable items in the house which were not taken, Det Sen Sgt McIntyre said.
He pleaded for anyone with information about the missing jewellery to come forward.
"The signet ring is quite distinctive, with a gold band with a green or jade stone with the Ferguson family crest etched into it," he said.
Ms Moss was found by a neighbour who was going to take her to a doctor's appointment, but when she never showed up she used a key to open the door to her flat and found her body.
In the lead up to her death Ms Moss was shopping in the Bay Street, Port Melbourne area, in her 1997 green BMW.
The widow with four grandchildren, was terminally ill and doctors only expected her to live another 18 months.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
