Michelle and Gordon Schwarz will probably never throw their Ring Pops away.

But you’ll have to forgive them for not continuing to wear the lollipops on a ring as a symbol of wedded bliss.

The Land O’ Lakes couple made headlines last month when they arrived for a wedding ceremony at the East Pasco Government Center with smiles on their faces and Ring Pops on their fingers.

A hair stylist at Euro Concepts Salon in Land O’ Lakes, Michelle is known for giving Ring Pops to younger clients. The confection was introduced by the Topps Co. in 1977.

She had heard stories of money-strapped couples during the Great Depression exchanging wedding vows with cigar bands instead of traditional rings. Hit hard by the recession, the couple put a 21st century spin on that scenario.

Happily for the Schwarzes, Winnie Magnon-Marvel, owner of Alvin Magnon Jewelers, a longtime Tampa establishment, saw their story in The Tampa Tribune and decided to help out.

Today, the couple was presented with a pair of platinum wedding bands valued at about $2,500. They also received champagne and a cake.

Husband and wife teared up when given the rings.

“Just because you didn’t have a ring, doesn’t mean you didn’t want one,” Marvel-Magnon said to Michelle.

As for the Ring Pops they were married in – hers was red, his was blue – Michelle said they are being kept in a freezer.

We couldn’t help but ask her what would happen if the power goes out.

She and Gordon exchanged a glance.

“We might need to get a generator,” she said.

(Tampa Tribune photo by MICHAEL EGGER)