How is an engagement ring legally viewed if a marriage does not occur?

An engagement ring is typically viewed as a conditional gift. This means that the gift is given with the expectation that a marriage will occur. When the marriage does not take place, the condition of the gift is not fulfilled, which generally leads to the conclusion that it should be returned to the person who gave it.

This perspective aligns with the legal principle that gifts can be conditional upon certain events. In the context of an engagement ring, the condition is the marriage itself. If the condition fails—meaning the marriage does not happen—the expectation is that the recipient of the ring should return it to the giver. This approach highlights the purpose of the engagement ring as not just a gift, but one that symbolizes a future legal union.

In contrast, viewing the ring as a non-refundable gift disregards the underlying expectation associated with engagement. Regarding the ring as a loan suggests that there was a financial agreement, which is not applicable to the traditional view of engagement rings. Lastly, considering it a property right of one spouse does not take into account the nature of the ring as a gift tied to the condition of marriage.