PW Reader Ring: Tricia & Don!

Tricia’s ring!

The couple: Tricia Quirk and Don Schexnayder, from Havertown.

The ring: My ring is a solitaire round diamond on a split shank band with diamonds. Don and I went shopping together to pick out my engagement ring, which is very nontraditional—however, it was the best decision we’ve made.

It was a great experience: I liked hearing his thoughts on rings and styles, and he was relieved to not be on his own to pick out a ring. I completely changed my mind from what I originally wanted, but when I tried on my ring, I said, “This is Mrs. Schexnayder!”

When we were picking out the center stone, we saw stone with a small black dot in it, and Don said, “It’s like a dimple in your diamond!” My nickname for Don years ago was Donny Dimples, so I knew that was our stone. Rachel from Benari Jewelers in Newtown Square was fabulous and we couldn’t be happier with what she put together for us.

The proposal: After we chose the ring, I had no idea as to what Don had in store—and honestly, I thought he had forgotten about it! He sure had me fooled!

Almost a month and a half later, Don’s band, Keystoned, had a gig at the Grape Room in Manayunk. I was cold at the bar and asked Don if I could have his coat to keep warm. I later found out that the ring was in his coat pocket the whole time. The band got onstage to set up, and I was about to buy a drink when I heard, “Could my girlfriend, Trish, come up here?” I thought, Either they are asking you to play a random tambourine solo, or this is about to happen …

Sure enough, Don got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so emotional and so happy, I still can’t believe he surprised me. There was a huge crowd there and everyone went crazy with cheers and applause. The bland played their full set, and we all celebrated at the end of the night. It was such a great night and experience, and I am so happy so many of our friends and family were there to witness it!

The band: I would like two bands to frame my split shank ring, with diamonds to match the ones on my band, but just three-quarters or half of the way around. I want everything flush against the band, and then molded together to be a one-piece ring.

Read other PW Reader Ring stories here. 

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