What should be a joyous occasion quickly turned into a public spectacle for bride-to-be Abby Bucco, whose engagement ring became the unexpected subject of a viral debate. After sharing her happiness online, she was met with a barrage of unsolicited opinions and harsh critiques. Now, in an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Bucco is breaking her silence and sharing a powerful message for her online detractors.
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The controversy began shortly after Bucco posted a video showcasing her engagement ring—a distinctive pear-shaped morganite stone surrounded by a delicate halo of diamonds. While many friends and family celebrated the beautiful and personal choice, the video was algorithmically pushed to a wider audience, where it fell prey to harsh judgment. Viewers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram didn’t hold back, with comments flooding in, calling the ring “gaudy,” “cheap-looking,” and “something my grandma would wear.”
The unexpected backlash was jarring for Bucco, who had chosen the ring with her fiancé based on their shared taste and its personal significance, not to please anonymous critics online.
Rather than letting the negativity tarnish her engagement, Bucco decided to speak out. “At first, it was hurtful,” Bucco admitted to PEOPLE magazine. “You’re in this happy bubble of getting engaged, and suddenly strangers are dissecting a choice that is so incredibly personal. But then I realized their opinions don’t matter. I love my ring, my fiancé loves my ring, and that’s all that counts.”
Bucco’s message is not just about defending her jewelry, but about promoting a larger culture of kindness. She expressed her hope that her experience would encourage people to think twice before leaving hateful comments online.
“This is my message to the haters,” Bucco stated confidently. “If you don’t like it, that’s fine—you don’t have to wear it. This ring symbolizes a promise of love and a future with my partner, and no amount of online hate can diminish that. I hope people see this and choose to celebrate individuality instead of tearing it down.” Her powerful stance has resonated with thousands, who have rallied to show their support and share stories of their own unconventional rings.