She should definitely give it back. If she doesn't of her own volition, you have the option of taking legal action.

Engagement rings are given and accepted with the expectation of marriage. If the engagement is cancelled, the ring has to be returned in most states. For this amount of money, I would contact her and ask her to return it. If she refuses, a simple letter from an attorney should suffice to get the job done or take her to small claims court.

Im in the same boat but if we take them to court then they can discard the evidence easily.

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Originally Posted by deesnider

Im in the same boat but if we take them to court then they can discard the evidence easily.

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Not addressing the moral issue but legally:

The Courts have made binding decisions (case law) on all of the following:

In SOME States the ring is conditional upon the marriage - no marriage, return the ring: Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, NJ, NM, NY, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin.

In California if HE breaks the engagement SHE gets to keep the ring. If SHE breaks the engagement, he gets it back.

In Montana a ring is not a conditional gift, it is given freely, and it does not be returned.

The others are at the Judge's discretion (if it goes that far).

If the ring goes "missing" the cost of the ring is awarded.