If parties do not wed, the engagement ring must be returned. A engagement ring is a gift made in contemplation of marriage. The engagement ring is a conditional gift and if the marriage does not take place, the condition has not been satisfied and the ring must be returned.
Despite this “golden rule,” it is sometimes necessary to litigate to compel the return of the ring. Indeed, I had to file one such action this week.
With only one exception, the reason the parties failed to marry is irrelevant.