Broken marriage engagements can be stressful and emotional times, and are further complicated when one or both parties has given the other an (often expensive) engagement ring. When an engagement has been ended by one or both parties, the question of ownership of the engagement ring often arises. If the recipient of the ring refuses to return the ring, the parties may consider their legal rights and obligations regarding ownership of the ring.

Laws regarding these rights and obligations vary from state to state, with states determining ownership of the engagement ring (1) based on who was at fault in the breakup of the engagement (analyzing the ring as a conditional gift, conditioned on the wedding taking place); (2) based on who ended the engagement (analyzing the ring as a conditional gift, conditioned on the wedding taking place); (3) without regard to who ended the engagement or was at fault in the breakup of the engagement (analyzing the ring as an unconditional gift that the recipient may keep); or (4) requiring the recipient to return the ring without regard to who was at fault or who ended the engagement (no-fault).

If the parties do get married the engagement and wedding rings are generally considered gifts to the recipient, and therefore separate property that is not subject to division or return upon divorce—unless the parties have a written agreement that provides otherwise.

Laws regarding the ownership of an engagement ring when the engagement is broken are usually located in a state’s statutes or court opinions (common law).

In Rhode Island, the law regarding the ownership of an engagement ring after a broken engagement is based on the concept of a conditional gift. The engagement ring is typically viewed as a gift given on the condition that the marriage will take place. If the engagement is broken, the person who gave the ring (usually the proposer) is generally entitled to its return, regardless of who is at fault for the end of the engagement. This approach aligns with the majority of states that treat the engagement ring as a conditional gift, where the condition is the marriage itself. Once the condition is not fulfilled, the gift must be returned to the giver. If the parties do get married, the engagement ring becomes the separate property of the recipient and is not subject to division or return upon divorce, unless there is a written agreement stating otherwise. Rhode Island's position on this matter is derived from case law rather than specific statutes.