Couple Buys $130 Engagement Ring Set, Saleswoman Calls It 'Pathetic'

When a couple decided to tie the knot, they weren't concerned about anything other than declaring their love and making a lifelong commitment. However, they had an unpleasant experience when a stranger mocked their choices.

Few things compare to the joy of finding one's soulmate, and creating an unbreakable bond with someone is priceless. While many people dream about having a flashy wedding with all the trimmings, this isn't the case for everyone.

Countless couples are only concerned with saying their vows and signing the papers. One such duo from Martin, Tennessee, was inseparable from their first date, but sadly, not everyone understood their unique love story.

Love at First Sight

Ariel and Quinn McRae met when they were 20 and spent days talking on the phone. After their first date, eating chicken wings and driving around chatting and singing together, they fell in love.

Ariel admitted she would have married Quinn after their first date because the feelings were intense and mutual, but they decided to wait a while. They were still young but also knew the kind of connection they had was rare.

The pair quickly became best friends and romantic partners, and their desire to get married grew daily. After two years of dating, they made a bold decision that allowed them to fulfill their biggest dream.

Saying I Do

Ariel and Quinn decided to elope. Regarding the decision, she shared: "I've never been this happy in my life, and I couldn't imagine spending it with anyone else ever."

In a shocking twist, one of the employees approached them and studied their chosen rings. Her words left the couple speechless.

Their special day was unique, and while it might not be the wedding other people imagined for themselves, it was perfect for them. However, before they said their vows in court, they faced a humiliating and disheartening encounter.

In a now-viral Facebook post, Ariel recalled a heartbreaking moment she and her husband-to-be faced in 2016. They had excitedly entered Pandora to buy wedding rings, but their joy quickly turned into sadness.

An Unexpected Remark

The couple looked at the store's many ring options before choosing a sterling silver, pearl, and cubic zirconia set. Ariel was giddy, and her partner was happy to have found something for the woman he loved.

In a shocking twist, one of the employees approached them and studied their chosen rings. Her words left the couple speechless. She said:

"Y'all can you believe that some men get these as engagement rings? How pathetic (sic)."

He Felt like a Failure

The remark stung, and Ariel watched as Quinn's face fell. He was upset and felt like he had failed. Thankfully, another worker helped them wrap up and pay for their items, which came to a total of $130.

Ariel shared a lesson with the employee and told her: "It isn't the ring that matters. It is the love that goes into buying one that matters." She also spoke about her experience to show others that love outweighs material possessions. Ariel expressed:

"Y'all I would have gotten married to this man if it had been a 25¢ gum ball machine ring. When did our nation fall so far ... Why do material possessions equate love (sic)??"

While the encounter devastated the duo, they didn't allow it to steal their excitement for their wedding day. They tied the knot a few days later, and the couple was proud because they followed their hearts, undisturbed by the opinion of others.

Commitment Meant the Most

Ariel and Quinn didn't have unrealistic expectations in their relationship and knew their financial position wouldn't allow for a glamorous wedding. Watching her husband scrape together all of his money to buy her a ring meant everything to Ariel.

She wasn't concerned about material things and only wanted to commit herself to the man of her dreams. They struggled to pay their bills and buy food, but they didn't have a shortage of love. She shared:

"My husband was so afraid of me not wanting him because he couldn't afford a piece of jewelry. He was afraid that the love I have for him would pale because he couldn't afford the wedding set I wanted."

Spreading an Important Message

Ariel's story gained attention online, and netizens were blown away by her views on love and marriage. She revealed that countless people reached out to thank her. She added:

"I've received so many messages from people telling me that I gave them the courage to finally propose or get married, even if they couldn't afford a ring."

Helping people has been an emotional and rewarding experience for the happy wife. She and her husband planned to adopt two kids in the future, and they were thrilled that their unpleasant experience led to something positive.

The Ring Is a Bonus

Ariel was adamant that nobody should accumulate debt because of a wedding. She said it was possible to tie the knot without rings and hoped others would focus on the only thing that mattered – love. She noted:

"I wanted people to understand that ... a ring is just a bonus. You're not marrying someone for a ring. You're marrying someone because you love them."

Shelley Brown, a fashion and beauty editor, revealed that, on average, in 2015, partners spent about $6,000 on engagement rings.

Diamonds were popular but highly pricey, so she suggested that hopeful spouses on a budget opt for other precious stones like sapphires or morganites.

Questions to Ponder:

• How would you react if your significant other proposed using a ring valued at $130?

Many people have mapped out the precise details of their wedding day, including the dress, the venue, and the ring. However, if you meet the right person and cannot afford all of the glitzy details, it might be wise to reconsider your wishes before missing out on a beautiful relationship.

• What do you think about the Pandora employee's comment?

Preference is personal, and employees serving customers should be aware of this. While their opinion can guide shoppers, they should never insult people or make them feel unworthy. Customer experience is of utmost importance, and employees must do everything to ensure their clients leave the store happy.

Ariel and Quinn had a beautiful journey, proving that the price of one's wedding ring doesn't determine the depth of the love between a couple. Please share your engagement memories and tell us the value of your rings.

Click here for another surprising story about an engagement ring. A woman found the precious item in her boyfriend's drawer but learned it wasn't for her.