Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Others begin the way Peggy and Fred’s did — quietly, naturally, and with the kind of friendship that becomes a lifetime.
They met at the University of Tennessee through a mutual friend and quickly became inseparable — studying together, grabbing meals, showing up at the same parties. By senior year, friendship turned into something more, and they’ve been together ever since.
Forty-three years later, their love has traveled across cities and seasons. For years, Peggy and Fred dreamed of moving to Knoxville. Their daughter and son-in-law had settled there and welcomed children of their own.
“The grandchildren really created an even greater magnet.”
The transition felt less like a major life change and more like coming home. But in the middle of packing, moving, and managing the estate of Fred’s late parents, Peggy experienced the loss of a treasured ring.
Peggy’s original engagement ring held a lifetime of memories — and a beautiful story. When Fred graduated from college, he was gifted money to travel to Hawaii, a lifelong dream. But he didn’t buy a plane ticket. Instead, he bought Peggy’s engagement ring.
“He always said Hawaii was wrapped around my finger — and it still feels that way.”
He chose the ring the way many do — by trusting the local jeweler who had always been part of his community. A round solitaire, classic and meaningful. Later, Peggy added a small guard with six diamonds that made it feel even more her own.
During the chaos of moving, Peggy tucked the ring safely in her purse — and it went missing somewhere along the way. Fred wanted to replace the ring right away, but Peggy needed a little time. Eventually, she began imagining what a new chapter might look like. She realized she wanted an eternity band — something symbolic of the years they had built together and the ones still to come.
Fred hoped to gift it to her for her birthday, and Peggy agreed to look. Just like with the original ring, they wanted to work with a trusted local jeweler — in Knoxville, that meant Kimball’s.
This wasn’t their first time walking into Kimball’s. When they moved to Knoxville, the team helped them evaluate some of Fred’s parents’ jewelry and even offered creative ideas to repurpose pieces into necklaces for the grandchildren.
“They were so helpful and friendly. We knew that’s where we wanted to shop for my replacement ring.”
When they arrived, they were greeted by a tenured stylist — and what Peggy remembers most is how easy the conversation felt. No pressure. No rush. Just someone genuinely interested in understanding her style and preferences. After a handful of questions, the stylist brought out the first eternity band. Peggy loved it instantly. Every ring that followed was beautiful, but she kept slipping back into the first one.
“It felt like it was made for me. I never expected to leave with a ring that day — but I did.”
Three weeks later, the ring arrived.
“It was just as beautiful as the first day I tried it on. I couldn’t stop looking at it.”
It didn’t replace the story they lost — it added to it. A new chapter, built on the same love that began over study sessions and college parties decades ago. Peggy’s advice?
“Be ready to express what you like and don’t like. And most importantly, visit Michaela at Kimball’s. She will just… know.”
For 160 years, moments like Peggy and Fred’s have shaped the heart of our work. Because behind every ring — old or new — is a legacy of love worth honoring.
Kimball’s Jewelers — where life’s moments shine a little brighter.
