Uhm....I've always understood it to be that an engament ring is given in contemplation of marriage. That is, the ring is a part of a contract. If the engagement is broken, for whatever reason by the bride or groom, the ring goes back to whoever purchased it.
At least, that's how it's worked out on all the years of People's Court, Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown and so on....
However, I did a search on the 'net and found this:
California's law on the matter is found in Civil Code § 1590, which states that
"Where either party to a contemplated marriage in this State makes a gift of money or property to the other on the basis or assumption that the marriage will take place, in the event that the donee refuses to enter into the marriage as contemplated or that it is given up by mutual consent, the donor may recover such gift or such part of its value as may, under all of the circumstances of the case, be found by a court or jury to be just."
Basically, if a man gives a woman a ring, and she breaks off the engagement, he can demand the ring back. If he breaks off the engagement, he is not entitled to demand the ring back.
This too:
http://family-law.freeadvice.com/eng...eakup_ring.htm
Interesting.
.....Kelly
