Engagement Ring Rules: Who Gets the Ring after a Breakup?

Dealing with the aftermath of a broken engagement can be difficult. It’s never easy to end a relationship regardless of the reasoning behind it.  To add further discomfort to the situation, many couples find it hard to agree on who gets the engagement ring after a breakup.  While simple etiquette favors the side of the gifter, there are likely to be personal opinions that get in the way.  If a mutual decision can’t be agreed upon there are rules upheld by law that can make the determination. However, the rules aren’t standard and can vary by state and circumstance.  So before you hit google to search for “what to do with an engagement ring after a break up”, take a look at the rules below to ensure the ring is actually yours to keep!

Conditional Gift:  The Ring Must Be Returned

In many states, an engagement ring is considered a conditional gift. The engagement ring is given to the recipient as a condition of marriage.  If the marriage doesn’t happen, the ring will need to be returned. This is the case no matter who ended the engagement. States that view engagement rings as a conditional gift include:

• Florida
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Wisconsin

Implied Conditional Gift:  You May be Able to Keep the Ring

For some states, an engagement ring is considered an implied conditional gift. This means that if the gifter breaks off the engagement the giftee can keep the ring. The ring becomes the giftees, in most cases the bride’s, legal property. If the bride breaks off the engagement, the ring must be returned to the groom. States that consider an engagement ring as an implied conditional gift include:

• California
• Texas
• Washington

Unconditional Gift:  You can Keep the Ring

There is only one state currently that views an engagement ring as an unconditional gift. This means the engagement ring is the legal property of the giftee.  The ring does not have to be returned in the event of a broken engagement no matter who breaks off the commitment. The unconditional gift state currently only includes:

• Montana

Special Day Consideration

If an engagement ring was given on a special day like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Birthday, etc., some courts may rule in the favor of the recipient. So if you were proposed to on a special day you may in some instances be able to keep the ring.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice regarding the return of an engagement ring.

What to Do With an Engagement Ring After a Breakup?

You get to keep the ring, so now what?  There are numerous things you can do with the ring after a breakup.  For instance, you can stick it in a drawer and forget about it for a few years or you can smash it to pieces (we’re joking – unless that’s your thing). For many people, the ring symbolizes a failed relationship and they just want to part ways with it. Many choose to sell their ring and use the cash for something that makes them happy.

At Diamond Buyers, we understand the difficulty of selling an engagement ring that you once held dear.  Our staff is committed to making the process fast, simple, and rewarding. Our GIA certified team members are knowledgeable in all engagement ring brands are prepared to offer the maximum amount possible for your ring.