Anonymous Shopper Picks Up Tab For Marine’s Engagement Ring

KWTX

A Marine who's getting married to a Texan won't have to pay for the $3,000 engagement ring after all.

Another shopper picked up the tab for the one-carat diamond ring.

The woman who paid for the ring wants to remain anonymous.

Marine James Lynaugh, who has family in Huntsville, was shopping Thursday at a Helzberg Diamonds store in Tyler.

Helzberg spokeswoman Stacey McBride says Lynaugh's fiancee is from nearby Athens.

McBride says the other shopper had visited with Lynaugh and mentioned her family's connection to the military.

Lynaugh opened a Helzberg credit account to buy the ring, then left with it.

The other shopper paid for her items, then asked if Lynaugh's charge could be reversed.

McBride says the woman never asked in advance how much the ring cost -- she just took out her checkbook and paid for it.

The company later contacted Lynaugh with the good news.